Page 217 of Dark Duet: Platinum Edition

Claudia composed herself quickly.

“Like you guys are any better. You’re always undressing each other with your eyes. I’m surprised you even left the house.”

“A man has to eat,” I said. “Also, I undress her with more than my eyes. Sometimes I use my teeth.” Livvie blushed to her roots while the rest of us laughed.

“I’m just glad she finally met someone. Rubi and I were trying to set her up for a while. We thought she might be gay and ashamed to tell us. I even told her about kissing my friend Bettany so she would come out, but she never did.” Claudia has a tendency to impart too much information, but when it comes to Livvie, I often enjoy what she has to say.

“You don’thavea friend named Bettany,” Livvie said. She sounded put-out, but it was all for show.

“You didn’t know that,” said Claudia. “I was just trying to let you know I was okay with you being gay.”

“But I’m not gay!” Livvie said with mock exasperation. She covered her face when the waiter chose that exact moment to return to our table.

Though I was sure he had overheard, the waiter kept a professional demeanor. We all managed to compose ourselves enough to order dinner and wine. Livvie thought Europe was “awesome” for no other reason than a person could drink legally drink at age eighteen. Of course, if you could reach the bar they’d serve you.

“You know, if you ever want to experiment with a woman—under my close guidance, of course—I’d be alright with it.” I smiled cheekily toward Livvie and lifted a brow for good measure.

Livvie shook her head.

“I bet you would.” Her hand cupped my balls beneath the table. Her eyes widened as she felt the stirring of my arousal. “Later,” she whispered. I wondered if she meant she’d please me later, or if I’d get to see her kiss and touch another woman later. Either way—lucky me.

The rest of dinner went on in the same jovial fashion. Claudia and Livvie took care of most of the conversation. I preferred it that way, and Rubio seemed to as well. Livvie was witty and Claudia so uncouth that one couldn’t help but be amused by the pair of them. The sprite and her boyfriend were growing on me—like a fungus.

After dinner and an attempt at dancing (I amnota good dancer), I returned Claudia and Rubio home. Rubio, being the gentleman that he is, tried to slip his share of dinner into my pocket, but I wouldn’t allow it.

“Buy her something expensive. Nothing makes a woman more agreeable in the bedroom,” I said with a grin.

“I’m already agreeable,” retorted Claudia. “Rubi may seem quiet, but you know what they say about the quiet ones.”

Rubi laughed even as he blushed.

“She’s drunk. I better take her inside.”

“Yes! Take me!” Claudia pulled Rubio toward her and mauled his face with her mouth. It went on so long I decided to drive off. I saw Rubio wave as he kept kissing.

Livvie was stretched out in the passenger seat. She was blissfully drunk, and by the way she was rubbing herself, I knew I’d have my own hands full once we got home.

“Is there anything you need from your apartment? I’d rather stay at the hotel tonight.” I stroked her with one hand whenever I wasn’t shifting.

“Why?” she asked dreamily.

“All of my things are in my hotel room. Your apartment is closer to where we are. We may as well stop and get your things if you need something,” I said. I hated sleeping without Livvie. The nightmares were significantly diminished when she was next to me.

“But I want you. I don’t want to wait,” she whined. She was very intoxicated, and part of me suspected there would be no sex for me that night.

“I want you, too. It’s a pity we live so far apart. Claudia and Rubio don’t have that problem.”

Livvie suddenly seemed very sober, if you didn’t take her huge eyes into consideration.

“Are you… do you want to move into my apartment?”

“No,” I said definitively.

“Oh.” She seemed at once relieved and disappointed. She turned away and stared out the window for a few minutes, then, angrily, “Why not?”

“Because your apartment is small.”

“Oh.” Confusion.