Page 52 of The Upgrade

I glance down and yeah. I didn’t even notice the seven enchantment requests stacked up beneath Eve’s. But hers takes priority.

“A few,” I admit, wondering what protocol is. “One’s a three-way with two women. Her first. She asked me to choose.”

“Ooooh, me!” Sybil raises her hand like a schoolgirl. “Pretty please? I love those.”

Kora laughs and takes a step back. “Have fun.” She kisses Sybil’s cheek, then backs away. “Gotta get air traffic control wands to the final guys. They’re doing thatTop Gunroutine. See you later.”

As she hurries off, Sybil turns with a smile. “Is this threesome with the sexy brunette who couldn’t take her eyes off you?”

“Yeah.” Damn, she’s perceptive. “I know her from home. Long story.”

“I’d love to hear it sometime.” She gives me a flirty smile. “And I’d love to help out if you like. No pressure, though. If you’ve got someone else in mind?—”

“I don’t,” I admit. “You’ve worked here a while, right?”

“Three years, two months, and a few days. How come?”

“Just curious.” I should have asked this in our interview, but it didn’t feel relevant to the study. “Is there ever much strain in your marriage around your career here?”

Sybil considers that. “You’d think, but no. I mean, we argue, sure. Just like any married couple. But we’re open and honest and talk about everything. Literallyeverything.” She grins. “It helps that we’re both turned on by sharing our partner.”

“That’s great.” And I know from experience with an open relationship that it isn’t so easy to do. “You like being married?”

She cocks her head. “Call me nuts, but I’m guessing you’re not asking this of the others you’re considering for the threesome.”

“Nope.” I chuckle. “Sorry. Nosy habits of a research psychologist.”

“I don’t mind. And yes, to answer your question.” She rests a hand on a pillar, hip jutting out to one side. “I love being married. Coming home to Kora each night, sharing our hopes and dreams and groceries. Becoming the very best versions of ourselves as we grow and change and explore.” She tilts her head again. “How come?”

“Just curious.” For more than professional reasons. “I’d love to have you join me for the threesome with Eve. Can I ask you a favor?”

“Tickle your balls when you come?” The gleam in her eyes says she’s only half joking.

“Obviously. But also, let’s treat Eve like a fucking queen. Don’t let her get wrapped up in pleasing us. It’s kind of her thing.”

“Say no more. Treating women like royalty is my specialty.”

“Let’s do it,” I say, certain I’ve made the right choice. “Let’s give Eve an experience she won’t ever forget.”

Sybil grins. “Count me in.”

CHAPTER9

EVE

I’ve scheduled my threesome for four o’clock, which leaves just enough time for a pedicure—thanks, cute consort from Canada with great hands—and some poolside sunbathing with friends I met at brunch.

“Smart move booking a three-way at the start of your stay.”

That’s Giana from Jersey, who came to Crystal Bliss after her fiancé left to “find himself” on the Appalachian Trail. According to Gia, he didn’t findhimselfso much as a yoga instructor from Maine with perky tits and her own line of protein bars.

Gia peers at me over the top of her sunglasses while doling out threesome tips. “You’ve gotta watch out for everyone’s feet. With one guy and two girls, there’s a lot of moving around. It’s easy for someone to get kicked if you’re not paying attention.”

“Nosebleeds aren’t sexy.” That’s Val from Tobago, a statuesque model whose husband had their union annulled when his parents cut off his trust fund. “You ladies are bolder than I am. No way I’m trusting some man to prioritize my hoo-hah over some other girl’s.”

Gia laughs. “I mean, it’s not like you’re in a relationship. That’s when jealousy comes into play.”

“Maybe.” To be honest, I’ve always been turned on by the idea of seeing my partner with someone else. Consensually, I mean. Not cheating. “Does it make me a voyeur if I get off on the thought of watching a guy I’m dating having sex with someone else?”

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