Page 115 of Dangerous Men

Now that I’ve calmed down and cleaned up the books from my little tantrum, there’s no reason we can’t open the store back up. But for now, I’m enjoying this moment, just me and Jade alone in our shop. Our private little sanctuary from the world.

“Spill what?” I ask, knowing full well what she means. I take a sip of my hot chocolate and watch her with a smile.

“Oh, you knowdamn wellwhat.” She laughs. “Sydney… comeon. I’m just supposed to ignore the three gorgeous men that you’ve suddenly collected? You honestly think I’m emotionally strong enough to resist that?”

“It’s really only two,” I tell her. Jade scoffs.

“And you’re kidding yourself if you think that,” she says. “Isawthe way he looked at you back there. Christ, if I hadn’t been there, he probably would have bent you over that table, ripped off your clothes and?—”

“Jade!” I gasp, laughing in shock.

“I’m serious, Sydney! You owe me details! What is going on with you? With them?”

I smile, trying to find the words to sum up what’s happening. It’s been such a whirlwind, with Alec and Ash and?—

Instantly, I’m back in Katie’s house, listening to them talk about me. About the men I’m “entertaining.” My stomach clenches.

“What just happened?” Jade asks, reaching out and touching my hand gently. “You were all smiles, and then your face just… dropped.”

I take a deep breath.

I am an ocean of calm.

I am not a slave to my negative emotions.

“It’s something Chase was saying this afternoon,” I admit, when I finally calm myself enough to speak. “About all the men I’ve been seeing. And you know… he’s right. My god, Jade, I’m basically dating two men at once, and?—”

“Hey,” Jade snaps. “Don’t do that. That dickhole doesn’t get to make you feel bad about this. He doesn’t get to take this away from you.”

“But… shouldn’t I feel bad about it? I’m doingexactlywhat he’s accused me of, and?—”

“Stop that. Right now.” Jade sets her mug down hard enough on the counter that her cocoa splashes over the rim. “There isnothingwrong with what you’re doing. Are you having fun?”

I think about it and nod.

“And you’re all consenting adults? Capable of making your own choices?”

A tiny grin tugs at my lips and, again, I nod.

“Then who thefuckis he to say it’s wrong or try to make you feel bad about it?” Jade jabs her finger at mychest. “No one, that’s who. He doesn’t get to make you feel guilty about something that isn’t hurtinganyone.”

“You’re way too okay with all of this,” I laugh.

Jade rolls her eyes. “I just think people should be happy, Syd. That’s all.”

“You don’t think there’s anything wrong with me… dating two different men?”

“Three,” Jade corrects automatically. “And no. Not if it makes you feel good. And not if they treat you well.”

“It’s… actually four, maybe,” I admit, biting my lip.

Jade’s eyes go wide, a startled laugh bursting from her.

“Alec said… well, he has three brothers. Found family, not like they’re actually related, I don’t think. And they share… things.”

“And he’s, what, pressuring you to be shared by all four?” Jade asks, voice a little tense. I can feel her mood shift.

I shake my head.