22. Flora

22

FLORA

I sink into the plush couch between Aurora and Tilly, still getting used to being around so many women. The movie plays in the background, but no one seems to pay attention anymore. Empty pizza boxes and half-drunk sodas litter the coffee table.

I smile as Sofia tosses popcorn at Phoenix's girlfriend, Tilly, who's ranting about some video game boss she can't beat.

"I swear, it's impossible! The hitbox is totally broken?—"

"Girl, you've been stuck on this for days," Aurora says, rolling her eyes. "Just admit you need help and let Phoenix show you how."

"Never." Tilly crosses her arms. "I'll figure it out myself."

Sofia stretches out her curves on the loveseat, looking completely at home. "Speaking of Phoenix, how'd you two even meet? I can't imagine him leaving his tech cave long enough to talk to anyone."

I notice Tilly's posture stiffen at Sofia's question, her earlier playful mood evaporating instantly. She sets down her soda, fingers clenching around the can.

"Trust me, you don't want to know." Tilly's voice comes out tight, strained. "He was literally insane with his pursuit of me. So insane he should be locked in a federal prison."

The room goes quiet. I shift uncomfortably, recognizing that haunted look in her eyes.

Aurora reaches over and squeezes Tilly's hand. The gesture reminds me of how Colt and Nash ground me. I wonder what Phoenix did to put that shadow in Tilly's eyes, even though they seem happy together now.

Sofia looks like she regrets asking, her earlier relaxed pose now rigid with concern. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to?—"

"It's fine." Tilly forces a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. "Ancient history now. But let's just say he took obsession to a new fucking level." She shrugs her shoulders. "I love him, but God, he's not right in the head."

Aurora laughs sharply, running her fingers through her dark hair. "Pretty sure all our guys are a bit fucked up in the head. Have you met Gage? The man's idea of foreplay involves scaring me half to death."

I think of Colt and Nash, their fierce possessiveness, and the darkness beneath their smiles.

I sink deeper into the couch, listening as Lily speaks up. Her voice trembles slightly.

"Cade literally stalked me. Following me home from work, watching my apartment."

Alice nods, leaning forward. "Remember that night he broke in? Left that creepy note on your kitchen counter with a fucking bullet?"

"God, yes." Lily wraps her arms around herself. "Who does that?"

"That's seriously insane," Tilly agrees, shaking her head.

I stay quiet, processing their words. My situation with Colt and Nash has been entirely different, but hearing about Cade's actions makes me wonder about the line between pursuit and stalking.

Lily's expression suddenly shifts, a flush creeping up her neck. "Though I have to admit... he's absolutely incredible in bed. Like, mind-blowing."

"Oh my God, girl!" Alice fans herself dramatically. "Speaking of amazing sex, Lars is absolutely insatiable."

My cheeks burn hot as the conversation turns explicit. Alice describes her most recent encounter with Lars, which makes me want to sink through the floor. The other women chime in with their own stories, completely uninhibited.

"So then he bent me over his motorcycle and—" Alice's animated description of her latest encounter with Lars burns my cheeks.

"Girl, that man is something else." Sofia fans herself dramatically. "Almost as wild as Tyson."

My eyes widen. I've never heard women talk so openly about their intimate moments. Growing up, sex was either a weapon or a shameful secret. But these women discuss it with such confidence and joy.

"What about you, Flora?" Lily's gentle voice draws me from my thoughts. "How exactly does it work with Nash and Colt?"

Alice nods. "Yeah, I was wondering. Are you like with both of them?"

I fidget with the hem of my sweater, my heart racing as all eyes turn to me. These women have been nothing but kind, yet old fears die hard. Taking a deep breath, I gather my courage.

"Yes," I whisper, then clear my throat to speak more clearly. "I'm with both of them."

"Both at the same time?" Aurora's eyebrows shoot up with interest.

I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips despite my nervousness. "They're... they're amazing. They make me feel safe."

"And they're okay sharing?" Lily asks softly.

"More than okay." My cheeks warm at the memory of their tender care. "They've been best friends forever. It just... works, somehow."

Sofia leans forward, her expression thoughtful. "That's beautiful, actually. Finding two people who desire you equally."

"It is," I agree, my voice stronger now. The acceptance in their eyes helps ease the knot in my chest. "I never thought I could have something like this. They're teaching me that I deserve good things."

"You absolutely do," Aurora says firmly, squeezing my hand.

Alice grins. "Plus, having two hot guys totally devoted to you? Girl, you're living the dream!"

The room erupts in laughter, and I join in. For the first time, I feel normal talking about relationships. These women don't judge me for being different; they celebrate it.

"The carnival changes people," Sofia says, reaching for her can of coke. "We're all a little broken here, but we fix each other."

I nod, understanding exactly what she means. These women, with their easy laughter and open hearts, are showing me what friendship really means. It's strange and wonderful, this feeling of belonging.

"Speaking of hot," Alice turns to Aurora with a mischievous grin. "How's tall, dark, and masked treating you?"

Aurora's cheeks flush. "Gage is... different."

"Different as in 'never talks and lurks in shadows' different?" Sofia teases, making spooky gestures with her hands.

"He talks!" Aurora protests, then adds more quietly, "Sometimes."

I lean forward, genuinely curious. "Does he ever take the mask off?"

"When we're alone," Aurora admits, playing with a strand of her hair. "He's actually really handsome underneath."

"I bet he is," Alice waggles her eyebrows. "Why else would you put up with the serial killer vibe?"

"He's not like that," Aurora defends, though she's fighting a smile. "He's sweet in his own way. Yesterday, he left a flower on my pillow."

"Aww," Tilly coos. "That's actually kind of romantic."

"A black rose, probably," Sofia snorts, making everyone laugh.

"You guys are terrible," Aurora rolls her eyes but grins. "At least my man doesn't wear a top hat."

"Hey!" Sofia throws a piece of popcorn at her. "Tyson rocks the top hat, thank you very much."

The easy banter continues, and I relax more with each passing minute. These women have accepted me without question, making me feel like I belong. It's a new feeling, but one I could definitely get used to.