Page 25 of Hopeless Magic
“Because I’m a girl?”
“Exactly.”
“No.”
“No?” he repeats as if it’s a question.
“That is an invalid argument. I’m going to need you to do better.”
He looks to the ceiling as if he’s really trying.
“I’ll rock, paper, scissors you for it.” His eyes hold mischief in them as if he’s already won. As if I’m already pressed between the two beautiful men.
Ryder stands near the bathroom, his arms folded across his wide chest as he watches the two of us squabble over the middle.
“Fine.”
“Or, if you wanted, you could always go ask Darrio to share his bed.”
I would bet my life that there’s only one bed in that room as well. And that bed would be even smaller with Darrio and his overbearing anger.
“I’ll take my chances here.”
His smile flashes larger. “I think you two are too much alike.”
The words crash into me hard.
I’m nothing like Darrio.
“Stop stalling,” I say sharply.
Sitting my clothes down in a chair, we step a little closer to one another and hold our fists over our other palm. Our fists shake once, twice, three times and …
“Scissors beats paper.” I hold my mock scissors up for him to see that I’ve won.
“How the hell did she beat you?” Ryder asks from his place a few feet away.
My brows pull together. Daxdyn’s mouth falls open as he stares at me as if I’ve just done a form of black magic his fae people have never seen before.
“I’m going to change and when I come out please make sure my side of the bed is spacious enough for me.” I all but stick my tongue out at Daxdyn before sauntering away.
The door clicks closed behind me and I twist the silver lock into place. Their whispers filter into the small bathroom as I push the heavy dress from my body and step back into my worn jeans and vest.
The bathroom is a gleaming white color with dim lighting. I take my time washing my face and hands as I listen to them for a few moments.
“Did you let her win?” Ryder asks in a hushed tone.
He truly sounds astounded that I won the simple game.
“Why would I let her win? You think I want to be pressed against your dick all night?” A smirk touches my lips at the image he’s painting. “I don’t know. I guess I just wasn’t focusing well enough.”
“She distracting you?”
“What? No.” Daxdyn’s dismissal nearly makes me scoff as I lean into the smooth hardwood door.
“Good. We don’t need any distractions. She’s just our guide. We need her. Don’t screw it up.” And on and on Ryder’s lecture goes until I finally swing open the door.
Their words halt the moment I walk through the room. They’ve stripped down to their boxers but I don’t give them a second glance as I slip beneath the cool covers.
