Page 111 of The Story of You

“Asher is hardcore flirting with the major.” I can’t stop calling him that after he laid down the law on overeating doughnuts. “The major lives in a constant state of amusement. You know that the kind of shit that bothers everyone else rolls off his back like it’s the smallest of fruit flies and brings him endless entertainment.”

Even though I’m new to being in my own power exchange relationship, I’ve had a lot of time to create theoretical categories. The major is the kind of Daddy that loves brats. To love brats so much, you have to be easygoing—something Silas and Julius are not, hence neither of them could have a bratty spouse—but the major? He lives for it.

He squints. “Can that … Fuck. You’re right. How did I miss that?” His body lets go of the air he’s been holding in. “I’m used to Asher being all dominating with me, but he’s always been a switch. The major’s bringing out his brat! You’re a genius, Oli. Not surprised. You learned from the best.”

Of course, he finds a way to congratulate himself.

Rubbing his hands together, he beams. “This could work. It could really work. Maybe our energies together will balance out my weird-ass throuple? I knew I couldn’t force their attraction, but if I didn’t see something soon, I was planning on coaxing it along. I want us to be a happy sex family.”

“This is where I take my cue to leave.”

He laughs. “All right. No more reading then.”

“Actually, I’m gonna…” I rub the back of my neck. “Julius will be home soon. I’m going to find Silas for a bit.”

“You okay, kiddo?”

I shake my head. “I’m still shaken from earlier. I know Silas didn’t mean he was going away, but my head’s not getting it.”

“I’m taking you. Give me a second.”

“Darius. I’m notthatmuch of a child.”

“Wait.”

Arrrgh. I shouldn’t have told him. While he cleans up his gear, I remove my tutu and slide into my pink hoodie.

Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he collects me by trapping me under his arm. “You should see what Simon’s got set up for your birthday. The place looks like it puked pink. I think Silas bought you a unicorn and it’s living in Shane’s garage.”

“What did you get me?”

“Not telling. You’ll see tomorrow.”

He escorts me to Silas and Lakshan’s door, knocking. Lakshan answers, reads me, and then tugs me in the door by my wrist, putting his arm around me. “Silas is just finishing up in the shower.”

“I’m going to do the same. I’ve got a major coming home soon.”

Darius struts off, happier than I’ve seen him in a long time. Lakshan leads me over to the bed. I lie down and all the heaviness falls away. Knowing Dad’s just a few feet away is comforting. I close my eyes.

“Oliver,” Lakshan chides. “Your knuckles.”

“Darius was teaching me how to box.” I peek one eye open.

He tisks, bringing cream over. He’s still rubbing it in when Silas exits the bathroom in a robe. His hair isn’t done, freshly washed, and his skin is flushed pink from the hot water. His harpy’s gaze is in place as he scans the room. “What happened?”

“Nothing. You said to come if I needed you. I need you.” Just being here, him within reach, soothes all my nerves and that place inside me that claws and tears. Now I know why. The knowing doesn’t get rid of it, but it helps.

He moves to his drawers to grab clothes. “What did I say the last time you boxed with Darius and fractured your knuckle?”

I close my eyes again. Lakshan’s hand massage feels nice.

“Oliver. I asked you a question. I don’t like being disobeyed.”

“You said not to, but we were careful. I did it right this time. I was really good.” I still have my eyes closed. I can tell without looking at him he’s level twelve or higher Silas again. “You didn’t throw the wraps away,” I add when he’s been quiet for too long.

“That’s not permission.”

I open one eye to make sure he’s not reaching for a paddle. Nope. Just a pair of blue briefs. “I’m sorry.”