Page 70 of Faking with Three

“I think she just did,” Jax snaps.

“Guys, stop,” I say, holding up my hands. “This isn’t about you. It’s about me. I can’t keep... doing this. I can’t keep feeling like I’m being pulled in three different directions.”

The room is silent for a moment, and I think I’ve said my piece. But then Ethan, who’s been unusually quiet, clears his throat.

“I have an idea,” he says, leaning back in his chair with a strange calmness.

“Ethan, don’t,” Marcus warns, his tone sharp.

“No, hear me out,” Ethan says, his gaze fixed on me. “Why leave when you can have us all?”

I blink at him, sure I’ve misheard. “What?”

“Yeah,” Ethan says, his voice gaining confidence. “Like a quad—a polyamorous quad. I’ve read about it. We could just... explore it.”

My mouth drops open, and I glance around the room. Marcus looks like he wants to strangle Ethan, and Jax’s expression is somewhere between amused and incredulous.

“Are you insane?” I finally manage to say.

“Think about it,” Ethan presses. “No more choosing, no more drama. We all like you. You like us—don’t deny it. This way, everyone wins.”

“This isn’t some rom-com fantasy,” I snap. “This is real life.”

“Exactly,” Ethan says. “And real life doesn’t have to fit into some neat little box.”

I stare at him, completely at a loss for words. This is ridiculous. Absurd. And yet... a tiny, treacherous part of me wonders if it could actually work.

Ethan stands up, his expression calm but his eyes intense as they lock onto mine. He holds out a hand toward me, palm open, inviting. “We don’t have to go all the way,” he says, his voice soft but firm. “Let’s start small. You kiss us and see if you like it.”

“This is crazy,” I say again, but my voice wavers.

“Maybe,” Ethan admits, his lips curving into a faint smile. “But sometimes, crazy works.”

I don’t know what comes over me, but before I can stop myself, I step forward and place my hand in his.

Ethan’s eyes darken, his fingers curling around mine. “Let’s start small,” he says again, his voice a low murmur.

I glance at Jax and Marcus, who are both watching intently, their expressions unreadable.

My heart pounds as Ethan leans in, his breath warm against my skin. “Whenever you’re ready,” he whispers.

And somehow, against all logic, I find myself tilting my head up to meet him halfway.

CHAPTER 22

ETHAN

My heart is pounding so hardI can barely think. What the hell am I doing? What arewedoing?

It was a split-second decision. I just knew I couldn’t lose her. I step back from our kiss. Olivia’s eyes flutter open, and I see the answer there. I know what I have to do.

I take her hand in mine and lead her towards the bedroom.

I glance over my shoulder at them. Jax looks determined, his jaw set. On the other hand, Marcus looks like he’s still trying to figure out whether he should stay or bolt.

I don’t blame him. But seconds later, they’re following us to the bedroom.

Olivia stops short once we’re inside, and I turn to face her. “You okay?” I ask softly.

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