Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 82201 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82201 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
“Oh, we’re not doing that today,” he laughed. “You fuckers’re gonna wait till we post the results online.”
What the hell? We’d gone through all this slave nonsense today, and we weren’t even gonna know who won?
“And that includes the vote on our mascot challenge!” Penelope added.
Ugh. I zoned out again.
What felt like an eternity but was probably just two minutes later, the thing was finally over, and I watched Nora sprint into Penelope’s arms.
I scratched the side of my head and looked over at KC and Noa. Okay, time to hug the shit out of that little brat. I strode over there before they could get interrupted by others, and I squeezed Noa tightly from behind.
“Who dat!” he cried out.
KC grinned. “It’s Ash.”
“Oh.” The boy relaxed and patted my arm. “Not that I don’t appreciate a hug from a sexy beast, but what’s this about?”
“I overheard you with Hallie yesterday when that little motherfucker disrespected her.”
He spun around as I released him. “Oh man, I wanted to kick his fucking ass! But Hallie did good. I’m trying to teach her as many creative insults as I can. I take my responsibility seriously, Sir.”
I shook my head in amusement. “Whatever you’re doing is working. I appreciate it.”
He smiled goofily and leaned back against KC, then peered up at him. “Can we play with him sometime, Daddy? He’s really revving my engine.”
I let out a laugh.
That was a nice ego boost.
“You already know he’s the most unavailable single guy out there,” KC chuckled.
“Hmpf.” Noa eyed me. “You should make yourself available, Sir. Lots of brats are crushing on you, you know. You have a responsibility.”
I laughed again, and I locked eyes with KC. “That’s twice in thirty seconds a brat talks about responsibility.”
“I know. Something isn’t right here.” KC kissed the top of Noa’s head. “Daddy needs to sit down, freckles. How about you go grab us some snacks?”
“Yeah, okay. I’ll meet you on the deck,” Noa said.
As he walked off, I noticed KC was supporting himself heavily on his cane, so I didn’t ask. I just sidled up next to him and cupped his elbow.
“Thanks.” He released a breath. “My useless legs are about to cave in.”
“Buddy, we tell subs not to talk down on themselves. You might wanna set a better example.” I wouldn’t stand for him talking shit about himself. The man had survived an actual avalanche a few years ago, leaving him with a spinal cord injury. Partial paralysis, or whatever it was called. “Want me to get Lucian or your wheelchair?”
“None of it. I’m okay.” He shook his head, and we walked slowly to get to the other side of the pool. “Noa isn’t completely wrong, by the way. You may not have a responsibility toward any brats out here, but you do have one toward yourself and your children. You need to find happiness.”
Dammit.
“I feel better when I’m the one preaching to you, not the other way around,” I informed him.
He smirked and gave my cheek a smooch. “This is only the beginning. Penelope talks.”
Well, fuck her, then.
I scowled.
“What did she say?” I muttered.
KC didn’t reply until we were out of earshot of Macklin, Lane, and Kit.
“That you can’t crawl out of your depression long enough to make proper progress,” he said. “She may have mentioned a married couple that’s interested in playing with you too.”
I’d said that shit in confidence, for chrissakes.
But this was a solid reminder. I remembered now that members out here tended to nip things in the bud by forcing you to address a problem head on.
It was bullshit.
“You need to give that Daddy in you some playtime,” KC finished.
I didn’t reply. Technically, I knew he was right. I just wasn’t so sure about James and Jordan, because the prospect of getting involved with them led me to think up scenarios in which I suddenly won Nate back. Because what if he joined us?
That was a slippery slope that could shove me even deeper into a depression.
Nate had practically spelled it out already. He didn’t love me anymore.
“I knew it was a mistake to come back out here,” I half joked. “You’re all happy and shit.”
Literally all of them had found partners while I’d been on my hiatus. Not just play partners either, but true love. Even River and Reese. Shay was perfect for them. And Greer was in a foursome, much like KC and Lucian.
“Sounds more to me like you’re scared,” KC noted.
I wasn’t scared. He could be scared.
“I’ll have you know I’m extremely busy at the moment,” I said. “I have a cat now. I’m driving my kids around. I have work. And I’m in the middle of solving a mystery.” I glanced around us, trying to spot a brat who might collect ducks. It was a long shot, though. It couldn’t be anyone out here. Could it? “Does Tate by any chance collect little duck figurines?”