Page 93 of The Dom with the Clever Tongue

Things were different with Reece and Scarlet. He should have cut and run as soon as he’d started to have feelings for them, but he’d stayed and stayed, hoping beyond hope that they felt the same way. Some nights he lay awake, staring at the ceiling, and remembering silly day-to-day things they’d done together. Sure the sex was hot – mind-blowing. But he never thought he’d meet a woman – let alone two women – he clicked with like he did with them.

He missed holding them, kissing them, but he missed talking to them more than anything.

His stomach growled. He stood and shook the pins and needles from his legs. Plus his ass was numb, his fingers cold, and the mosquitoes were cruising around.

Maybe he should just give up and be a hermit, like Grandpa after Grandma had died. Maybe it was a little melodramatic, but the women who believed they wanted him thought of him as a fun guy. Only a few people understood it was a smokescreen. Hiding in humor like he did, it was hard for him to feel connected – as though people really got him. When things got intense he usually made light of it and acted like he didn’t feel anything. The exact opposite was true. Things being over with Scarlet and Reece – that fucking hurt. Time apart was making it worse, not better. Jumping back into a bad relationship with Ivy wasn’t the answer.

Maybe his parents were right and he was never going to be happy because he was wicked and sinful. They didn’t understand that he’s chosen to leave the church before it turned him out. He wasn’t pure enough for the people there, and he refused to work to be something he wasn’t. Wicked, worldly, and selfish were flawshe’d chosen to accept in himself, when they didn’t hurt other people. But this was different.

Lord knew that all he wanted to do was jump in his truck and show up on their doorstep, acting like a selfish idiot and professing his love. As though Reece and Scarlet’s relationship needed to take a backseat to how he felt. It wasn’t fair to them, and he wasn’t going to drag them into his empty mess of a life. Maybe he just wasn’t meant to find love in this lifetime.

“Enough,” he muttered, using the step to scrape some dirt from his boot. No more pity parties.

He trudged up to the door, unlocked it and walked in. The muffled echoes of the slam of the door and his footsteps could only come from a house full of nothing.

Chapter 17

“Just be yourself,” she told Scarlet for the millionth time that day.

“Are you sure this is okay to wear?” Scarlet looked down at herself and grimaced. “You look so fancy and I look...”

“Perfect.” Reece finished putting in her earrings then walked to her girlfriend. “Seriously. They’re going to like you better than they like me. They don’t know what to do with my fanciness.” She chuckled and held out a necklace.

Scarlet scrunched her nose.

“Stop it,” she scolded. “You look hot in this shirt and dark jeans but the necklace will dress it up a little. It’s better than wearing a skirt, isn’t it?”

Scarlet rolled her eyes but turned so Reece could fasten the silver drop necklace. It was at Scarlet’s insistence they were doing this, she really shouldn’t be complaining, though Reece knew it was just nerves. She couldn’t blame her. Meeting your significant other’s family for the first time was a nerve-wracking event in any circumstance, but for bisexuals dating someone of the same gender...it was even worse.

Reece had met Scarlet’s mom months ago. The youngish, hippie-type woman had known Scarlet liked girls too since she was a teenager. Coming out of the closet was no big deal in their relationship. Things were more complicated for Reece. Her dad had seen boyfriends come and go so switching to girls probably seemed flaky. Being bi barely made sense to her and she was living it – asking her poor father to embrace it just felt wrong. But hiding felt more wrong.

When Scarlet turned back around, Reece was struck with the sudden urge to kiss her silly. She’d gotten her hair cut again, which exaggerated her pixie-like facial features. Reece had already applied lip-gloss on Scarlet’s plump lips and now they shone under the vanity lights.

“You’re so pretty,” Reece whispered. Smiling, she tucked a piece of Scarlet’s hair behind her ear. “I have no idea how you can’t see it.”

“You’re sweet to pretend everyone doesn’t just stare at you.”

Reece rolled her eyes.

“It’s true. Even Malachi said...” She dropped her gaze to the ground. It’d only been a few weeks since they’d seen him last so the pain was still fresh.

To distract them both, Reece leaned in and kissed her pouty lips. Catching her off guard gave Reece the upper hand. She pushed Scarlet up against the wall behind her and tilted her mouth over hers to envelop it completely.

Scarlet growled and Reece’s turn on top came to a quick end. A hand tangled in her hair and she gasped as Scarlet pulled her head back and took over the kiss. Not willing to give in so soon, Reece nipped at her lips.

With a painful tug on her hair, Scarlet yanked her away. “Are you trying to top me, little girl?” Her eyes flared and her lips pursed as she waited for an answer.

Jeez, she looked like a real Domme. Hair still tight in Scarlet’s fist, Reece couldn’t get away. “Um... I’m sorry.”

Her eyebrows raised a fraction of an inch.

“Scarlet,” she rushed to add. “I’m sorry, Scarlet.”

Narrowing her eyes, she let go of Reece’s head and put her hands on her hips. “Who’s in charge here, kitten?”

Reece was learning Scarlet didn’t mind some bratting here and there. Was this a time Scarlet could take it? More important, could Reece’s ass take it if she laid a smackdown? She took a look at Scarlet’s fierce expression then ran her gaze down her freshly washed clothing and grown-up shoes. No. She wouldn’t brat today and risk ruining her outfit.

“You’re in charge,” she answered quietly. Though she hated having to say it, she felt like her skin was bright red right down to her toes. Her underwear got just a little damp.

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