Chapter 28

A little later I stir awake to find a few unexpected things.

I'm naked, covered with a blanket. Dave's cuddling on top of me while Rigby is on my feet. That shouldn't worry me, but what's different is that Lyric sits on the double chaise across from me, gaze enthralled on her computer. There are two mugs on the coffee table and a glass of water.

Why is my sister here? Where's Ty?

"How long have you been here?" I ask, trying to figure out if what happened earlier was an erotic dream.

A very delicious and erotic dream that left me tired but thoroughly satisfied.

"We've been here for about an hour," Harper says, her voice drifting in from somewhere in the house. Probably my kitchen. "Just as Tyberius was on his way out."

"Have I mentioned that he's hotter than I thought in person?" Lyric remarks bluntly as she sets her laptop on the coffee table. One perfectly sculpted eyebrow arches. "So, you two . . ."

Heat floods my cheeks. I cross my arms defensively. "Nothing happened between us. We just talked."

"So you talked naked, huh?" Lyric laughs and Harper joins her, finally stepping into the living room.

I scowl even as my traitorous mind conjures what happened earlier with Ty. "Just leave it, okay?"

Harper picks up a paper that's on the coffee table, next to a glass of water and the bottle of pain meds.

"Thank you for that orgasm, darling. I'll text you later tonight, T." Harper reads with a deep voice trying to imitate Ty's.

"He did not leave that note," I say, wrapping myself in the blanket and standing up.

Harper scoffs, handing it to me. "No, it was even more . . . sweet?"

When I read it, my body flushes all over again.

Thank you for giving me such an extraordinary gift and letting me watch you fall apart, darling. You're gorgeous when you let your guard down. I can't wait to taste you again—all of you.

T.

"So, nothing happened, huh?" Lyric gives me a teasing look, one eyebrow raised in disbelief.

The room suddenly feels ten degrees warmer, and it's not just from the blanket wrapped around me. I clutch the note a little tighter, the words blurring as a rush of embarrassment mixed with something akin to excitement floods through me.

"I . . . It's not what you think," I stammer, my defense crumbling under their amused gazes.

Harper and Lyric exchange a look, a silent conversation that I'm not privy to, but one that clearly involves making me squirm.

"Come on, spill it. Since when do you keep secrets from us?" Harper prods, settling down on the couch with a smirk that says she's enjoying this far too much. But then her face becomes serious. "Oh, right, you've been hiding a lot from your sisters. So much."

Lyric nods. "Are you going to tell us what's going on?"

I let out a sigh, realizing there's no escaping this interrogation. I'm not sure what I should tell them, but take the easiest route. "He offered me a deal, I took it. It's pretty simple. Don't make this into . . . Well, it's really nothing."

Harper crosses her arms, leaning back on her seat. "Really, simple. There's a deal and that sounds like bullshit."

"Bull. Shit," Lyric agrees.

The room is quiet for a moment, the earlier amusement giving way to a more thoughtful atmosphere. Harper's expression is contemplative. "He called me earlier to ask for your address. Apparently, he called a lot of Deckers to figure out a way to get to you."

I scoff, "You gave him my address?"

She shrugs. "You left a lot unsaid and then disappeared to California. He wanted to smooth things between you two—for his child."

"Did you tell him about the tea, the flowers, and the pastries?" I say a little too harshly, it's hard to contain my anger.

He used my sister to get to me.

"The guy is good. We got to talk and asked me what you liked most, disliked and . . . I didn't give him any hints if that's what you're asking," she states. "It was more like he really wanted to get to you—smooth things over."

Lyric narrows her eyes. "Something about this isn't sitting well—what is it, Indie?"

I shake my head. I hate feeling used and . . . He fucking used me, and I let him.

"Listen, I don't know what's going on between you two, but he really seems to care for you," Harper states. "When we arrived, he asked us not to wake you up. He was concerned for you."

"What deal did you make?" Lyric asks.

I shrug, beginning to walk toward the stairs.

"Talk to us," Harper calls out. "We can't be there for you if you close yourself up."

"Friends with benefits," I say without turning around to see them. "It's stupid. I . . . need to get a real job."

"That's why we're here," Lyric says. "Get dressed so we can talk about my proposition."

When I arrive at my room, I take a quick shower, put on a sun dress and brush my hair pulling it into a ponytail. I pick up my phone from its cradle and realize there's a message from Ty.

Ty: Sorry to leave before you woke up, but I needed to pick Myra up from school. Also, I couldn't go back to tell you because your sisters were about to disrupt your nap.

Indie: I really don't know how to react to your note or what happened between us.

Ty: If I made you uncomfortable let me know. I want this to be perfect for you—as it is for me.

Indie: I'm trying not to overthink it or feel used.

Ty: This is just like any other hookup you've had.

Indie: That's the thing. I'm usually in charge. My rules and my . . . I'm the one who leaves.

Ty: Oh, you didn't like the dynamic. We should've talked about that. Next time I'll consult with you beforehand. Sorry if this wasn't good for you.

Indie: It was . . . different. Maybe you're right and we need to set up some ground rules.

Ty: Okay, next time I go down on you, I'll wait for you to guide me on when and how . . . just don't expect to come fast. I'll still be in charge of your orgasms, darling.

I squirm when I read his text, heat rising in my cheeks. My heart flutters at his words, a wave of desire and nervousness twisting in my stomach. My fingers curl into fists, nails digging into my palms. Do I want this? To give him such control, to cede the reins of my pleasure to him?

Yes. The word whispers through me, sending a shiver down my spine.

I stare at the text, reading it again and again, imagining the scrape of his stubble against my thighs, the warmth of his breath and the slide of his tongue. My breaths come faster, shallow and wanting. I want to give myself to him completely, let him take control of my pleasure and push me past my limits. The thought sends a spike of arousal through me, and I have to bite back a moan.

My phone buzzes with another text.

Ty: Thinking of you and how wet you'll be for me. I can't wait to taste you, feel you come around my tongue. You were so responsive, so eager to please. My perfect good girl.

I flush, equal parts embarrassment and need. He's not even here and already I feel boneless and pliant, ready to do whatever Ty desires.

Which is exactly how he wants me.

As I'm about to text back, Lyric calls me, "Indie, we don't have all day. Can you please come down soon?"

I toss my phone back to the bed. Ty teased me and made me wait to get my reward. Maybe I should do the same with him.