Page 32 of Shiver

I nod, heading to the bathroom to clean up.

Neither of them move to stand, but I leave the door open so we can continue talking while I freshen up.

“Know who it is yet?”

I shake my head before realising that they can’t see my response. “Not yet.”

“Hopefully they're not a wanker like the last one,” Noah drawls.

“He wasn’t a wanker,” I chuckle. “He was a slut. But so are we and I’m not judging either of you.”

“The man was old enough to be our father,” Leo groans.

Grabbing a pair of shorts, I work them up my thighs. “Different strokes for different folks,” I shrug. “Not my cup of tea, but I can’t fault the man too much. If I looked like him at nearly fifty, I’d be sleeping with whoever I wanted too.”

“You already do that,” Noah jokes.

“Yep, and I’ve no plans to stop anytime soon.”

“And why is that exactly, Elise?” Noah asks, a light brow raised at me.

Oh, here we go again. Why can’t he leave well enough alone? I don’t have the time, nor the desire, for more than what we’re already doing and with Noah’s incessant questioning, I’d never be open to anything serious with him, anyway. Of course, I don’t say any of that and opt for a kinder, more rehearsed version of the same sentiment.

“I don’t have time for a relationship right now, and I have no reason to settle for just one cock. Maybe one day when I find one that satisfies me I will, but lucky for you,” I wink, “today is not that day.”

Noah chuckles, but the sound is tense. He sits up to get dressed and my shoulders sag with relief. “Fair enough, but I’m not sure there’s any human cock that could satisfy you. Hell, this bloke and I have been trying for months now.”

I roll my eyes at that. “Don’t act as if it’s some hardship.” Sex is the only time I can afford to feel anything besides the constant weight of loss. Sure, I might’ve let go of the resentment I used to carry around, but it doesn’t mean it’s not impossible to miss the two people I once counted on most. Without them here, focusing solely on my career is a necessary evil to ensure my success.

Bending forward, I double-knot my trainers. “Alright, let yourselves out, I’m gonna be late.” I catch sight of the alarm clock on my nightstand. “Again,” I groan, heading out with a noncommittal wave in their direction.1

Over the next several hours, I get sucked into the story, unaware of the time passing until it becomes so dark in my living room that I’m forced to put the book down to switch on a lamp.

Well, shit, there’s a reason this author is an auto-buy for me. I’ve spent my entire day reading, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a well-deserved Sunday off from the madness of work.

As much as I love reading, and I seriously value my alone time, sometimes it gets lonely. I haven’t been in a serious relationship in what feels like forever, and while I love my career, I’ve always wanted a family.

I just never thought that I’d have to choose between being a lawyer and having a fulfilling home life.

1. Read It Here!

Chapter twenty-eight

Luca

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Gia and I are in the garage, finishing my final set of squats as I use her like a weight, hoisting her up over my head and back down to my chest with each squat, my fingers remaining at the base of her skull to protect her neck.

She smiles widely, her top and bottom gums showing.

“Alright, Gia, it’s tummy time!” I say excitedly.

She gives me a goofy grin that sends my heart fucking soaring. She’s just so damn cute, and I love her more than words can even describe.

It’s truly unbelievable how quickly she’s come into my life and changedeverythingin the best way possible.And I couldn’t be happier.Or more terrified that I'm going to fuck it all up.

We make our way into the living room, where I’ve got her play mat set up on the ground. I take a seat beside it, laying her on her stomach, and I watch in awe as she grips the dangling toys and stares at her reflection in the tiny mirror.

---