Page 91

“You all have such cat-like reflexes,” I complain. “You weren’t supposed to hear that.”

“Then don’t talk about yourself like that,” he responds. “We were both looking for no strings attached sex, and that’s what it was at the time. It would mean something now, simple as that. Alright?”

“Yeah, alright,” I tell him, biting my lip, refusing to look at him. Tears prick my eyes because I feel embarrassed that he heard me say that.

“You’re shaking, Baby,” Silla says, turning to hug me. “Isaac doesn’t like when we’re mean to ourselves.”

“None of us do,” Sidney affirms, pulling us to him. Apparently it’s a party.

“I don’t. I want you to realize that taking what you want sexually isn’t being easy or a whore or whatever else,” Isaac says, brushing my hair away from my forehead. “Our identities have been fucked up enough without adding shitty self talk to it too.”

“Okay.” I sigh, laying my head on Sidney’s shoulder as he holds Silla and I. He smells like the herbs he was working with this morning, and it gives him a smoky scent.

“I love you and I want you to be happy, Andrya,” Silla says. “Today has been emotional, huh?”

“Yeah, it really has. I think that’s what happens when you avoid dealing with your emotions,” I tease. “We’ll figure out our way, I just wasn’t expecting your question. You did nothing wrong.”

“Okay.” She nods. “I felt like I was ambushing you a little.”

“Not in the least. Now, I need hot chocolate and a pastry, stat,” I demand, brushing away the tears that threaten to escape.

“Andrya,” Grayson rumbles, making me shiver. Dammit. “Come here.”

I bite my lip as I move over to him. Falcon is watching our interactions as if trying to understand them, and I wish him good luck with that. I barely understand myself. I just know I feel a bit more settled in the knowledge that if Gray and I do develop into something, Silla will be okay with it.

“Yes?” I ask, walking into his open arms.

“You have something to tell me, Sweetheart?” he asks, enveloping me in a hug.

“Maybe? Your growl packs a punch, Grayson. Maybe you should be careful who you use that around,” I tease him.

“Oh Andrya, I think it worked on exactly who it was supposed to,” he says, tilting my face up to him. “I’ve been obsessed with your wellbeing and the asshole men with us. It’s totally normal for you to develop feelings. Do they bother you?”

“I… no. They’re really new, though,” I whisper.

“Okay,” he grunts, dipping his head down to brush his lips against mine. I squeeze my thighs together, whimpering, and I can feel his lips curve up in satisfaction. “You’re so sexy, Andrya. Lean into your feelings, we’ll take our time. Now I believe we promised our girl hot chocolate.”

“We did.” I smile. His lips are still against mine and his hand tilts my head back to kiss me again. My lips part, and holy hell, the way his tongue swipes across my bottom lip makes me grip his coat lapels.

Grayson hums to himself, his mouth opening wider, and I mirror his movements. Slowly, he ends one of the most toe curling kisses that I’ve ever had. All I can smell is peppermint, and it feels comfortable. Sleeping in his bed regularly means that I constantly slept with his scent wrapped around me.

Blinking, I realize I closed my eyes and I gaze up into his blue eyes. “Hey,” he says softly, leaning back with a small smile. My heart is beating faster, and my hands are still gripping his coat.

He looks really good in the damn thing. “Hi.” I sigh, forcing myself to let go of him.

“Gray is just that sexy,” Isaac chuckles, pulling me away. “Don’t let him bask in that for too long. He’s hard enough to get through doorways as it is.”

“I get myself through doorways just fine,” Gray yells as we walk away, making me giggle.

“Agree to disagree,” Isaac grunts, winking at me. I see Silla walking ahead with a smile on her lips as she looks back at us. I squish my nose at her, which just makes her laugh.

We’re a messy group, filled with trauma, but somehow we make it work. As I glance at Falcon who is walking next to us, he looks thoughtful. Kal on the other hand looks adorably confused, and I’m glad that Silla talked to him. We’ll take care of him as a little brother, but I don’t think he has what it takes to hang with us.

Time can only tell, though. We have to kill a queen first.

KENZO

I learned a lot about Silla and her lovers today. Hell, I am finding out a lot about myself, too.