Page 6 of Bliss: Part 1
“You need to be careful,” Odin said, giving me a warning look. “You don’t know these men. I get your intention, but it’s not always safe.”
I sighed and pulled the sucker out of my mouth again. “I know. But it gets me money.”
“Yeah, but you’re not a whore. Don’t do shit like that. Especially not for money.”
“But it’s fifty—”
“Bliss.” He stopped me, shooting me a glare as he stepped closer to cup the back of my head. “Don’t mess around.”
I watched him for a moment before saying, “Fine. I’ll stop.”
“Good. Come help clean up in the back. We’ll go home soon.” He patted my shoulder, then headed back to the workshop where the others were already tidying up.
For what it’s worth…I made fifty bucks today.
Three
Bliss
That night after dinner, we all sat out on the porch, just looking out to the sun set behind the lake. It was still warm, and I already knew I would be having trouble sleeping.
I liked the summer heat, but I hated nights where I could barely sleep. Last night had been fine. The basement was always cooler, but with summer just starting, I knew even down there the air would keep getting thicker.
I was sitting on the porch swing, with my legs curled under me, and a big, cozy pillow behind me. The others were scattered around on the couches, all leaned back and relaxed, holding a beer or soda in their hands.
Dash walked out with an iced tea, and he handed it to me before curling up next to me on the swing. It fit two people, and we often shared it.
“Thank you,” I said, smiling at him. “Didn’t you get yourself something?”
“Nah, I’m not thirsty.”
I took a sip and rested the can on my thigh, holding it with my left hand. Dash took my right hand, placing it on his lap, playing with my fingers.
There was silence for a while, and when I looked around, I noticed that they were all looking at me.
“What?” I asked, raising a brow.
“You tell us,” Tripp said, looking at me from across the porch.
“I don’t have anything to say.”
“But something to explain,” Rhys said.
I was confused. “What do you mean?” I looked over at Dad and Odin, then up at Dash. “Help me out here.”
He shrugged and squeezed my hand. “I have no idea what the hell they’re talking about.”
“We’re talking about how you acted today at the shop,” Odin said, and I turned my attention to him.
“How did I behave?” I was genuinely confused. “I thought you guys didn’t care as long as I keep the customers coming.”
“Yeah, as long as you don’t act like a total whore,” Rhys muttered, which earned him a slap at the back of his head from Tripp.
“Don’t fucking call her that,” he hissed before his eyes met mine again. “But he’s right. You went too far today.”
I furrowed my brows. “So you all saw me bend down and pick up the fifty bucks?”
“Sure did,” Ashby said, looking a bit too amused.
