Page 72 of Deathless
“Ah, when we kissed.”
“Yeah.”
Her attention returned to Hudson. “And how do you feel about that?”
He pulled in a long breath as though taking the time to ponder a big decision. “Weirdly not jealous about it.”
“Well, that’s a promising start,” Rori observed, her eyes flicking back to me.
“He’s all torn up about it, though.” Hudson jerked his chin at me. “Look at him.”
“Hey, I’m not—”
“He’s in love with both of us.” Hudson steamrolled right over my protest. “And he’s conflicted because he thinks he has to choose.” While I wanted to disappear into the floor, Hudson gave Rori a knowing look. “But not choosing is kind of your thing, isn’t it?”
“That’s...true,” she said tentatively. Finally, someone else who looked as shocked as I felt. “With all consenting parties, of course. Sharing partners isn’t for everyone.”
“He wants us both.” Hudson shrugged. “And you’re a pro at the whole sharing thing. Sounds like a perfect solution to me.”
“You don’t need to put words in my mouth,” I finally spat out. “I can decide for myself what I want.”
Hudson spread his hands. “Is any of what I just said untrue?”
It wasn’t, and I was only trying to protect my own ego. To no longer find myself bared to Rori fucking Wilder, the woman I tried so hard and failed to convince myself I wasn’t batshit crazy for.
In all the times I’d been held, used, and humiliated by the Sisterhood, I’d never felt as vulnerable as this.
Rori approached me slowly, as cautiously as she would a wild animal. “I wouldn’t make you choose, Devin. I’m open to this, as long as the two of you are.”
She glanced toward Hudson, who gave an affirming nod.
“What about Torr and Santos?” My voice came out huskier than intended.
“I think they’ve always known this was a possibility.” With a small smile, she then turned to Hudson. “What surprises me the most is you.”
He nodded as if expecting that. “Your dad and I had an interesting talk just before you woke up. It put a lot in perspective, you know? Gave me a lot to think about. And even before then, I just...” He paused for a long time. “I just like you,” he said with a shrug. “I admire and respect you. I don’t know if my feelings go beyond that or if they ever will. But Devin,” he inclined his head toward me, “means a lot to me. And it’s hurting him to be without you. So why would I deny him that?”
Rori’s smile grew wider. “You’re a good guy, Hudson.” She looked at me, a teasing glint in her eye. “Your boyfriend’s a good one.”
“He’s—” I stopped myself, blowing out a breath. “Okay, yeah. I guess he is my boyfriend.”
It felt strange, but also freeing, to not be secretive or even subtle about being with Hudson. We were supported, accepted. Neither of us were tools for some evil purpose anymore, we could just be us.
“That’s right. Can’t deny me anymore.” He threw an arm around my shoulders and planted a big kiss on my cheek.
“When have I ever denied you anything?” I grumbled out the words but the sensation in my chest was light, bubbly and giddy, as I turned my head to find his mouth.
Rori was beaming, her warmth toward us genuine. “I’m happy for you two. As for the other part of this equation,” she motioned between me and herself, “we can take it slow if you want. Being with multiple people can be strange.”
Before I could respond, Torr came out of the house with a slam of the front door. He was shirtless with a large bandage taped across his chest just like Rori.
“That was fast,” she remarked as he came up behind her, arms snaking around her waist as he planted a kiss on her neck.
“Your dad’s the best at what he does. Hey, guys.” Torr nodded at Hudson and me before bringing his chin to Rori’s shoulder. “How are you, by the way?” he murmured, turning his face toward hers.
Rori snorted. “Never been better.”
“Seriously, creep.”
