Page 10 of Awakened Desires

“Has he asked Callan?”

Theo shrugs. “I have no idea. Are you going to play? It won’t be as fun without you.”

“I doubt that,” I mumble.

The trouble is, Theo’s expression is earnest enough to make me want to relent. He’s like a happy little puppy—adorable and impossible to let down.

I’ve never felt like I fit in here. Aside from being into kink, I don’t have anything in common with the rest of my housemates. To be fair, we’re a disparate bunch. Kink is the only thing that unites us. Despite that, Theo has always gone out of his way to talk to me. He has a habit of dropping by my room to chat.

“Please?” Theo draws the word out into an irresistible plea.

“Did Hendrix send you in here?”

He shakes his head. I’ve never known him to lie.

“Fine. I’ll join in the game tonight.”

Theo gives me a more reserved hug than before, probably because I’m holding half a pint of water. “You won’t regret it.”

“Somehow, I doubt that.”

“You won’t.” He points at the pint glass in my hand. “More water.”

“Yes, boss.”

Theo laughs. “I’m no one’s boss.”

“All right. Yes, nurse.”

He laughs harder. “That works.” He leans against the counter. “Didn’t Fraser look amazing yesterday?”

Fraser had worn a dress in shades of the rainbow with lots of sparkles.

“Aye, he did. Beau scrubbed up pretty well too.”

Theo chuckles. “He did.”

I stand beside Theo and nudge his shoulder. “Thinking about getting married?”

Theo touches his collar. “Nope. Getting married isn’t for me. Us.”

“Maybe another collaring ceremony soon?”

He grins. “Maybe. When we’re ready. Do you want to get married someday?”

I shrug. “I’ve not thought about it. Maybe. If I meet the right guy and it’s what he wants too.”

“How’s your niece?”

“Good.” I take my phone out of my pocket and show Theo some photos of Fiona playing with the doll house I made her.

“Aww, she’s so cute.” Theo makes a soft, happy noise.

I raise my eyebrows. “Are you broody?” I frown. “Can men get broody?”

“Of course, they can. And yes, maybe I am. A little.” He holds his thumb and forefinger close together. “I’d like to have kids one day. But not now.”

“Does Preston know that?”