Page 131 of Corrupted Pleasure

Even under the dark of the club, I could see her blush attractively. “Yeah.”

I took her hand into mine and squeezed. “I’m happy for you,” I told her before letting go of her hand. “It was about time there was something else for you besides ice skating.”

She chuckled. “You make it sound like ice is my entire life.” It was pretty close, but I didn’t say that. “I have the three of you, a wonderful family. I have a lot.”

I smiled. She was right, but I bet none of it compared to her man. Now that I knew some of the tragic history of her mother’s, I wished Wynter found her full happiness. On and off the ice.

Her eyes came to me. “And you and Uncle, huh?”

“I really like him,” I rasped, emotions choking me. “A lot.”

This time she took my hand into hers. “No judgments from me, Dav,” she said and leaned over, pressing a kiss onto my cheek. “No matter what. We, the four of us, we’re friends for life. We might disagree or even bicker, but we’re family. Blood or not. Family for life.”

I smiled, encouraged by her words. Inhaling deeply, then exhaling, I pushed the words out.

“We talked about a baby,” I blurted out. “In the future. No rush or anything. Maybe in a year. There is pressure for him to have an heir, for the lack of a better term.” I couldn’t tell her about the dangers lurking in the shadows, threatening his family. He told me that in confidentiality. “I love him.”

It was the first time I said those words out loud, yet there was nothing that would make me take them back. Nothing and nobody.

“Yes, I love him,” I repeated. “And I love the idea of having an extended family with all of you.”

Wynter had perfected her emotionless look for the public over her years of performing. She hid it all, knowing what it could cost her. People could be brutal and relentless. Yet, right now, she gaped at me with a shocked expression on her face.

She moved her lips but nothing came out. She closed her mouth then opened, and closed it again.

“I know it’s a lot,” I whispered.

“Y-you want babies?”

“Yes. I’ve always wanted kids. Of course, not at my age. But Liam said he’s fine to wait.”

“Like little babies?” I barely had time to blink before she pulled me over and hugged me. “Holy fuck,” she beamed. “Holy shit. Oh my gosh!”

My eyes flashed to the dance floor but neither Juliette nor Ivy paid us any mind, then I focused on Wynter.

“Is that a good or bad holy shit?” I asked, though she didn’t look mad at all.

“I think that’s wonderful,” she exclaimed, grinning. “I want kids one day too. All of our kids can grow up together.”

I chuckled, suddenly feeling so much lighter. “Yes, they will.”

“Uncle’s good to you, right?” she asked. It was my turn to blush and Wynter’s eyes shone mischievously. “Not to worry, no details needed,” she said. “And you know what the best part is?”

I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face even if I wanted to. “What?”

“Juliette willneverask you to share any sexual details,” she mused, chuckling. “Like ever!”

Both of us laughed, throwing our heads back. We laughed so hard, our bodies shook and my cheeks hurt. The relief of disclosing my secret made me feel lighter. Ten times happier. Looking forward to the future.

The song “Morning After Dark” by Timbaland came on, the beat loud and vibrating. The two of us shared a glance and she tugged me onto the dance floor.

“Our celebratory dance,” she shouted, grinning widely.

The two of our bodies were close, our eyes locked and both of us smiling. Juliette and Ivy joined us and I knew this moment would forever be part of me. The four of us looked happier than we had in a very long time. We laughed, mimicking each other's dance moves, shaking our hips and pushing our butts out.

Men watched us, their hungry gazes on us, but they didn’t dare approach us. None of us returned their looks. Then we started shouting the lyrics. One dance turned into two, then three and four.

Juliette and Ivy managed to sneak in another gin and tonic before Wynter scolded them. But we continued dancing and having fun.