Page 145 of Release

Helaughs. He used to laugh all the time with Ellen and the kids, and I think I can count on both hands with fingers to spare how many times he truly laughed between his return and when he and Declan finally connected. Except even then it was still…muted.

Now?

I see more of my old George. Ihearhim.

It’s a sound I never thought I’d hear again. Not like that.

It warms my heart and gives me hope. Despite the vicious level of play they engage in, a brutality that Declan craves and thrives under and which makes me cringe, George is equally as tender with Declan in the aftermath, loving him and cuddling with him so intensely he’ll forget I’m even there. They both do.

Does it make me nervous?

Not really. George feels guilty about him and Ellen. He wouldn’t lie to me about that. I’m not seriously worried about him taking Declan from me. Not anymore, or after all our years together as friends, and knowing what he now does about me. I’m comfortable that he wouldn’t do it without talking to me first and trying to work out something between us. He loves me.

He put a ring on it, after all.

But Declan isHisin a way I never can or will be.

I’m still trying to process this new George, though. Closer to my old George, instead of the man who returned from Hell, but a stranger in some ways, too. I get to see parts of him now I never saw when he was with Ellen.

Even the kids and George’s brothers all remarked to me during the Christmas holidays how much happier George acts now. People at the office have mentioned it, too, and that’s without them knowing he and Declan are an item.

They sleep together every night. It’s the only way George actuallycansleep. Sometimes I go home, or to the guest room. Depends on my mood, how loudly they’re playing, and how loudly my own demons are barking at me on any given night.

I’m okay with that, though, and they’ve both come to understand it’s about me and what I need, not about them or any failing on their part.

Sometimes, like last night, I let them pull me into the sexy part of their play either before the rough stuff or after they’ve finished that part. Then, there’s always a sweet desperation to Declan’s moans when he’s eating me out and George is plowing him hard.

Sometimes, I have alone time with Declan.

And sometimes, George requests alone time with me.

What are two sadists supposed to do when they’re together, though? Sit around and threaten to spank the dog? Really?

WeneedDeclan between us for the long haul. Sex between me and George usually starts out sweet and tender, and quickly devolves into a pornographic brawl where we’re trying to figure out who’s supposed to be on top. That’s when we don’t have Declan there.

Add the boy to the mix, and we’re all left happy and sated, but covered in bruises and scratches and bite marks.

Especially Declan.

So it’s a total win for him.

After a few minutes, I clear my throat. “George. You want to finish this?”

“Oh. Yeah. Sorry.” He smiles and returns the earbud to Declan, who looks like he might doze off at any moment, thanks to the full-tummy he’s got from lunch.

George hand-fed him pizza left over from last night.

I’ve already arranged George’s music choices with the band that’ll be playing for the first half of the ball. It’s a secret from Declan, although Declan doesn’t know that. I told the band’s manager that if Declan tries to ask about it, he’s to lie to him.

I don’t want him finding out. I think it’ll be an adorable surprise for him.

I mean, until that initial adorableness wears off and we’re dealing with political hell until I can settle shit down for them.

I’m going to be burning alotof markers I’ve kept on hand throughout the years. Including dirt on the new Senate and House leadership.

They don’t know it yet, but I’ll be keeping them on a very short leash this legislative session, and they’re going to be rubber-stamping a lot of stuff for George.

This is the calm before the storm. But as I catch sight of the ring on my hand, and I stare at my two adorable goobers…