Page 61

“No. Absolutely not. What we aren’t going to do is fucking defend the prick who hurt you. He took your money. He forced his way into your life. He repeatedly raped you. He shamed you and made you believe that you are anything but fucking perfect. No. I understand he manipulated you, but I swear to God, we will rewrite every horrible thing he etched into your memory. I was complacent for far too long, and I should have made you leave him long before I did.”

“It’s going to be hard for her to fully get that right now. She is very fresh out of the situation, so she is still processing,” Ryan says. “But… She’s a smart girl. She will get there.”

“He’s a trauma therapist,” I say. “He uses BDSM as a tool to help as an outlet to aid in processing and coping.”

“Well, kink her into some sense,” Oscar says. The way Cassidy’s eyes light up at that makes me smile. When Ryan winks at her, she blushes hard and makes him chuckle.

“Definitely something we can all discuss together,” Ryan says. “I’ve been working with Eliza for a while now, and I’m willing to bet they’re similar with the things that they enjoy, so knowing the trauma Troy inflicted on the two of them, I am confident we can build off that. I would need to know more about the trauma when she was younger, though.”

“Oh lord,” Cassidy laughs nervously.

“Let’s start with getting settled,” I say. “The guest room across from ours is like a second master bedroom, so you’ll have plenty of room. There is a king-sized bed. I assume you are okay with all of you sleeping together?”

“Uhm,” Cassidy says.

“That’s fine,” Gunner chuckles. When he and Collin glance at Oscar, I gasp.

“Oscar, man. You’re capturing our girl’s attention. Better watch out,” Julian laughs.

“Am I missing something?” Cassidy asks Oscar.

“I have a… closer relationship with Gunner and Collin than we’ve ever told you,” Oscar says.

“Oh, you mean like that time you were getting fucked by one of them when I lived with you after you got out of jail when you thought I was asleep?” Cassidy asks before looking at me to explain. “When he got out of jail and got to come home, he had custody of me because I was still a minor. I fell asleep in the living room, and when I got up to go to my room, I very clearly heard him moaning and one of the twins asking if he liked the way he was fucking his, quote unquote, tight pretty boy ass.”

“I think we have a type, Cassidy,” I say with a grin. “They too have tight, pretty boy asses.”

“Brat,” Julian grumbles.

“You’re just bitter because she made you whimper,” Calder laughs.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Oscar asks.

“Because it’s not my secret to reveal, Oscar. If you wanted me to know, you would have told me. Considering how we grew up and how homophobic Dad was, I knew you were probably nervous. He was always calling you horrible names.”

“You are too pure for this world, Cass,” he says with a sigh.

“Not so pure now, though, am I?” Cassidy asks.

“You haven’t seen nothing yet, girl. You’ve got a lot more coming to you,” Gunner tells her.

“Yeah… He’s being extremely nice to you right now,” Collin says.

“Yeah, I’m sure,” Cassidy laughs and shakes her head.

“Before you get yourself in trouble,” I laugh. “Let’s talk long term. I know we chatted a bit, but I want to help you all as much as possible.”

“Let’s sit,” Julian says. We all move to the couches, and Julian pulls me into his lap while Oscar pulls Cassidy into his. She blushes when Gunner and Collin grin at her, and I laugh.

“You all are just too damn adorable,” I say. “Also, I really hope you understand that we are supportive of this. I know we are all still getting to know one another, and you are having to really put your trust in us here, but we want you guys to be comfortable.”

“She’s right,” Ryan says. “You all are rightfully protective of us, and Jasper vouching for us helped a lot, but I don’t want you all to be worried about offending us. Clearly, from what you walked in on, we are very open about our dynamic.”

“I’m totally railing you in front of everyone,” Gunner says to Cassidy.

“None of y’all have done anything since that very first time. I don’t even wanna hear it,” Cassidy laughs.

“For shame,” I joke. “Long term, you are welcome here as long as you need, so long as we all continue to get along. I know the guys are computer engineers and contract workers. We would love it if you guys came to work with us. We have positions open, but we also have contract positions. Cassidy, I know you were a server, but you have a business administration degree. Idesperatelyneed someone to fill my old position as an executive assistant. If you want, I can train you. I definitely stalked you all, so I am confident about offering this, and the guys agree. Obviously, that’s if you choose to stay here in Charlotte.”