Page 135 of B is for Beg

“And that would be a problem because?” I ask. “Marriage is meant to be a permanent thing too. So is a collaring ceremony.”

“True, but a divorce doesn’t normally leave a permanent mark on the skin.”

“Having doubts?”

“No.” He lifts his chin. “I love you both. I know that with all my heart. I’m more than happy to get your names tattooed on my arse if that’s what would make you both happy.”

“I wasn’t thinking names, Sir,” Blake says.

“What were you thinking of, princess?”

Blake shrugs. “I don’t know exactly. Something that symbolises our relationship.”

“It should involve rope,” Cal decides.

I let out a little gasp as an idea strikes me. It’s practically a light-bulb moment. “How about the polyamory symbol, formed out of rope?”

“Perfect,” Cal says.

“I love that, Daddy,” Blake agrees.

“I can ask Sabrina, my tattoo artist, to draw us up a design if you want?” Cal offers.

“Yes, please,” I reply. “Now that’s sorted, what do you want to do for the rest of the evening?”

“Christen our new apartment?” Cal suggests. “Our princess is already dressed incredibly sexily.”

I hum. “I like the sound of that.”

“Me three,” Blake says, and we all laugh.

29

Blake

Standing in the middle of a busy street in central London is probably the worst place in the world to get a life-changing phone call. I’m not even being dramatic. A tide of people flows around me, more than one person bumping into me, one or two swearing or hurling abuse at me. I don’t care. I barely register the existence of anyone else as my contact at the modelling agency I work for tells me all about the contract I’m being offered. My heart races as adrenaline surges through my body, making me giddy.

“I’ll email the contract over to you,” Justin concludes. “Read it over carefully and let me know if you want to go ahead and sign.”

“I will, thank you.” There’s not much else to say.

I want to give him an instant yes, because holy crap! I never thought I’d get a chance like this. However, I know I need to slow down and take the time to read through the contract.

“We’ll speak soon,” Justin says.

“Yes. Bye,” I add as an afterthought, right before Justin hangs up the call.

While I should get out of the way of everyone trying to go about their day, I stay put and start furiously typing messages. First to Gabe and Calvin.

Blake:The best thing just happened!

Then to my brothers.

Blake:You’ll never guess what just happened!

A burly man knocks into me, jostling me forward and almost catapulting my phone out of my hand. Okay, it’s time to move. I pocket my phone and then head towards the nearest coffee shop. I don’t want to be stuck on the tube when people are trying to contact me. I want to share my news, although I guess everyone will be working, so no one will see my message until later. Damn.

I order a skinny latte, find a quiet-ish corner, and stare at my phone. The email from Justin has come through, but I’m not even going to attempt to read a contract on such a small screen. I do look at the body of the email, though, which confirms the offer he told me about on the phone. I can’t help but grin at the words as I read them over and over.