Page 25 of Agony

“Maybe I like the view up there better,” Arsen said.

“But you guys didn’t have sex because I don’t see any blood.”

“Maybe we washed her up.”

“But she’s walking just fine.”

“Maybe I carried her.”

“But... But... Oh my God, Neve!” Addie said looking completely alarmed.

I raised my arms to stop them from going back and forth, “The barrier is still in place. You can calm down andyou,” I said to Arsen, giving him a playful shove, “are not helping!”

“I couldn’t help it!” he replied, laughing. “Lighten up, Addie. If we ever go to that point, it won’t be outside in a lighthouse. I mean I’d like to be in a relationship with her first, you know?”

“Um, I’m standing right here,” I said to him.

“I know,” he replied with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

“So what are you saying then?” I asked, putting my hands on my hips.

“Wanna be my girl?” he asked with a nervous laugh.

“Yes! She does!” Addie shouted.

I looked at her and laughed; so did Arsen.

“Answer him!” she insisted.

“Well, it’s been only two days really,” I said thoughtfully.

“And I was just kidding,” he said with a laugh.

Addie looked completely deflated.

Arsen laughed and pulled me over to him giving me a tight hug. I hugged him back and stuck my tongue out at Adesynne.

“Hey, Addie, would it be alright with you if I took her out to dinner tonight? Just the two of us?” he asked over my head.

“Yeah, that’s fine. I was going to go out with the boys anyway,” she replied breezily.

“No way! You’re not going out alone with seven guys,” I said, pulling away from Arsen and giving her an incredulous look.

“I’ll be fine!” she said with a laugh.

“I kind of have to agree with Neve on this one,” Arsen said seriously. “Hey, I have an idea! Why don’t we have a cookout tonight at my place! We can go to the liquor store and get some stuff to drink. I have plenty of food and I’ve been dying for a reason to use my grill. You can invite them over and I’ll call some friends. It’ll be fun!”

What kind of friends?

“Okay, I’ll let them know!” she said excitedly, running off to tell her harem.

“What do you think, Neve? Sound like a good idea?” Arsen asked me.

“Um. Yeah,” I mumbled.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing. I agree, it’ll be a good time,” I replied, forcing a smile.

---