Page 30 of Ruffled Feathers

His lips curled into a lopsided grin. It was boyish and sweet, and kind of sexy. “Edison Chalmers was always too attractive for his own good. He doesn’t need to add baby animals to the mix. It’s just unfair.”

Truett cleared his throat again. “If you’re both done?” He stood, holding my chair for me as I rose. My head felt a little whirly, but I hadn’t had that much champagne. In fact, I’d probably had so much food that I looked like I was having a food baby, which would have soaked up every ounce of alcohol in my stomach.

I snorted a laugh, leaning over to Truett and patting my stomach. “Thank goodness I’m wearing a wrap dress after that meal. Otherwise, people would think I’m pregnant.” His eyes dropped to my stomach, but he didn’t laugh, just indicated that we should leave.

Strat held out an arm. “Allow me to escort you to the valet.”

I wrapped my hand in his elbow, trying to ignore the envious looks of the people around me. They could tell I was Unshown, and the whispers told me that they didn’t understand why I was with the two men currently bracketing me.

Still, I was Otillie-James Baler. I didn’t cower. So I lifted my chin, met their eyes, and dared them to say something.

Truett might be an asshole, but he was a protective asshole, and whether he wanted to or not, he would come to my defense every single time. Not that I needed him to defend me. I could kick ass all on my own.

But no one said a word. They’d silently judge, but would never go up against two people so well connected.

Strat dropped my hand as he gave over his valet ticket, and I tried not to pout. He was just being polite. Those Southernmanners were indoctrinated into us early. He turned to me as the valet walked away.

“Thank you for being such an amazing dinner companion, Otillie-James. You definitely make up for Mr. Tall, Dark, and Broody over there.” He lifted his chin at Truett. “I’ll give you a call later in the week when the Rock Hill PD have organized their lineup. I’ll accompany you personally. Perhaps we can get lunch afterwards?”

I tried not to grin. “I’d like that.”

He turned to Truett. “It’s always a delight, Heathstone.” He was clearly teasing him, and I wasn’t sure if the flush on Truett’s cheekbones was anger or a blush.

“Indeed, Wilmington. Until next time.”

Why did that sound like a promise? The tension was definitely sexual. Oh man, I couldn’t wait until I got Truett alone. I was going to grill him about his past with Strat.

Strat’s Audi pulled up, and he kissed my cheek. He smelled like summer, like sea salt and champagne and long nights. I wanted to roll in his scent. “I’ll be seeing you, Otillie-James.”

Then he was gone.Holy shit.

Fifteen

Truett

That had been fucking torture. My balls felt like they were going to explode.

I’d sat across from Strat and Otillie-James fucking Baler, watching them flirt and eye-fuck all night long. When she’d fed him that piece of chocolate, I’d contemplated picking her up, laying her across those damn desserts and fucking her right there, in front of Strat damn Wilmington and the whole world.

Then, when the only person she could think of was me, I’d spread Strat over her and fuck him too.

I clenched my jaw so hard, it was a wonder it didn’t break. OJ kept looking at me with those inquisitive eyes that saw far too much, and I knew that as soon as the door closed on my Maserati, she was going to bombard me with questions.

As I pulled out into traffic, I was proved wrong—she waited until we were on the freeway. “So, when did you realize you wanted to bone Strat Wilmington? Is it a new thing or…?”

I growled at her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She snorted a disbelieving sound. “Bullshit. You looked at him like he was a lollipop you wanted to suck all day long.”

I shot her a disapproving look, but she glared back at me defiantly. Something about that look made me want to put her on her knees and watch her suck my cock. I had no doubt she’d even blow me defiantly, looking up at me with those wild eyes that made me hard as fuck.

She reached across and put her hand on mine over the gearshift. “I don’t care if you like men, True. Or women. Or whatever. I don’t think Sonny would care either. I mean, if he doesn’t already know.”

For fuck’s sake.“I’m bisexual, Juice. Is that what you want to know? Sonny already knows. That’s definitely something you should talk to him about, though.” I wasn’t here to out my best friend.

She tilted her head. “Is that why you guys don’t have an Omega yet? Do you and Sonny…?”

“Fuck?” I supplied. She nodded, and I sucked my back teeth. “That’s none of your business.”

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