Page 71 of Yours to Break

“So you had time to keep in touch with them, but not me?” He looked wounded. He just looked at me quietly for a bit, eyes reflecting his hurt feelings. It didn’t take long until his expression morphed into one of confusion again. “Are you poly? Also, isn’t it weird dating brothers?”

I shrugged, taking a sip of my coffee so that I had a moment to regroup. As I set the cup back down, I said, “I haven’t really thought about a label. I don’t think so? I mean… I have feelings for both of them, so maybe? It just sorta happened. They both pursued me, like there was never an option for me to choose just one. And weirdly enough, not really. It feels weirder that my best friend is dating their brother.”

Josh drummed his fingers briefly before rounding the counter and sitting on the stool beside mine. His eyes kept flickering behind me, presumably watching Hayes and Hudson. “So it’s a closed relationship then?”

I coughed to hide my surprise at his question. After clearing my throat, I answered, “Yes, that’s not something they’d even let me consider.” I bit back a laugh as I imagined how that conversation would go.

“Let?” Josh asked, his eyes widening. I was confused momentarily before realizing he was concerned about them possibly being controlling.

“I promise it’s not what you’re thinking,” I placated.

“Are you sure? I can help you if they’re hurting you,” he whispered.

“I’m sure, Josh. It’s just that we have a different relationship dynamic than most people. I promise I’m okay.”

Josh hesitated before blurting out, “Is that why you have a dog collar on?”

I thanked him silently for not saying that when I had coffee in my mouth, because I definitely would have done a spit-take.

“Well, um…”

“It’s okay, I know about that sort of thing,” he said confidently.

I choked out a laugh. “You know aboutthat sort of thing, do you?” I grinned at his resulting blush.

“Not like—I don’t have experience with it,” he swore, avoiding my eye contact.

“Don’t have experience with what?” Hudson asked from behind me, practically making me jump out of my seat.

Josh vehemently shook his head at me, a pleading expression on his face.

I turned to face my men, who were now towering over me, glaring at Josh. “It’s okay, he was just curious about our relationship.”

“And why is he curious?” Hayes coldly asked.

I opened my mouth to respond, but Josh beat me to it, word-vomiting out an explanation. “I-It’s not that I don’t trust you two or anything, but I was worried about Oliver and wanted to make sure he’s alright. He said you guys have a weird relationship dynamic, so I asked about the collar and was just telling Oliver I knew about that kind of thing but I didn’t mean that I was into it or did it or—”

I chuckled, “Josh, it’s okay if you’re into kink.” He groaned, hiding his face in his hands.

“I don’t see how it’s appropriate to ask our boyfriend about his private relationships and sexual habits,” Hayes said.

“Oh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean anything by it,” Josh insisted.

“Stop it,” I hissed at Hayes. I smiled gently at my friend, reaching out to place a hand on his shoulder. Hearing a growl, I pulled my hand back before it had reached Josh. “Don’t worry about them, okay? They were just returning to their table.”

Hudson leaned down, whispering harshly in my ear, “We’ll go, but you’ll be punished once we get home.” I ignored the urge to roll my eyes at him and waited quietly until they were back in their chairs.

Josh worried his lip. “They’re a little…”

I laughed, “Intense? Possessive? Domineering?”

“No—well, yeah, but I was going to say scary.”

“They’re all bark and no bite,” I said, knowing that was a huge lie. “How about you? How have you been?”

“Good, just bored without you here. I—” Josh was cut off by the sharp sound of his ringtone cutting through the air. He ignored it, his fingers twitching.

“Hey, it’s okay if you answer that.” He shook his head, letting out a small breath as the ringing ended.

---