Page 74 of Five

Maybe she’s already asleep. That might be for the best.

I’ve just decided to get the hell out of here when the door opens.

Neve looks stunning, and I stop in my tracks.

She’s wearing a thin, sexy chemise in a pale color, and the way the light shines behind her makes her look like an angel, complete with halo.

For a moment I forget myself and just stare. Maybe I could get used to sharing if it means I get a taste of her.

Neve tips her head to one side and looks at me with those guileless green eyes. “Remi…”

Words start spilling from my mouth before she finishes speaking. “I hope you enjoyed yourself today. It seemed to go well; don’t you think?”

I shuffle from foot to foot, but don’t give her time to reply. “It’s a testament to our friendship how we share, and even adding you into our space, it felt natural, you know?”

Fuck!None of this is coming out like I wanted.

I turn and pace again. “I had a good time, really, I did. I want you to know that.”

God, I’ve got to stop rambling.

But it’s Neve that stops my tongue from running away with me.

Stepping forward, she places a single hand on my arm and somehow that settles me.

“What’s wrong, Remi?” she asks gently, and my agitation eases inexplicably.

I take a deep breath. If this is going to work, we all need to be honest with each other. “Um, a lot, I guess.”

“You want to come in and talk about it?”

This time it’s her who doesn’t wait for an answer, turning on her heel and heading back inside her room. She sits on the bed and pats the space next to her, but I don’t think there’s anything truly suggestive in the gesture. It’s not a come on.

“Something’s got you pretty uptight, despite everything you told me before, so why don’t you explain?”

Where to start?

I huff out a breath. Best just to tell it like it is and be done with it.

“I’ve always been willing to share everything in my life with the guys. They’re my family, you know? We’re tight.”

“I sense a but, there.” She says it lightly, but I hate the uncertainty I’ve put in her eyes.

I swallow, my throat suddenly dry now I have to say the words. “But I don’t think I can share you.”

Neve flinches, and all I want to do is hold her and take it all back. I dig my fingers into my hair and pull instead.

“Do you want me to leave? This is your island, after all.” Her voice a pained whisper, breaking on the last word.

All the air rushes out of my lungs, and I grab her shoulders, staring at her in confusion. “What? No! Why would you think that?”

She withdraws on an emotional level, her shoulders hunched, but she lifts her chin and speaks clearly, even though her voice wobbles. “You said you don’t want me to have a relationship with the others. And no matter what any of them want, Remi, I refuse to come between you. That’s not an option for me.”

My eyes widen in shock. I knew I wasn’t articulating this well, but fuck!

Shaking my head, I try to undo the damage I’ve done. “That’s not what I meant. Not at all,” I tell her, cupping her cheek when she tries to look away, the glassy look in her pretty eyes making me feel like a complete bastard.

“I have no problem with the relationship side of things. I meant it when I said you fitted in like you’ve always been here.”