Now that I knew he was okay and the nauseous pit in my stomach had eased, I finally took in the room. There was a large counter and an oval island across from it, two stoves, and a wall of cabinets. Run-down? Sure. I doubted any of it worked and would need a butt-load of repairs before being of much use.
But the set of wide windows on one wall would let in a flood of natural light during bright sunny days. The oval island was big enough for serving platters filled with desserts, sandwiches, and anything else I wanted to make. I imagined whipping up muffin batter at the counter and popping it into the oven. Imagined the scent of brewing coffee and baked treats filling the air. And with me, the men who owned my heart.
“My café,” I whispered, my sternum tightening.
Kuya slipped his arms around my waist and laid his head on my shoulder. “Evan’s dream isn’t silly.”
A bright flash then lit up the room, a loud boom less than a second behind it. Kuya jolted and buried his face against my shirt, little whimpers leaving him. I returned his hold and repeated that everything was okay, that he was safe.
Eventually, the storm passed. The heavy rain transitioned to a light sprinkle before stopping altogether. Rumbles of thunder still echoed in the distance, but the worst was behind us.
As we exited the cottage, I turned back to look at it, longing heavy in my chest. Exploring Bremloc had kept us out later in the day, causing us to be caught in the storm that then forced us to take shelter in the cottage. A cottage with a dining area slash bar, a large kitchen, and several other sitting rooms that were covered in dust now but would be perfect for rows of bookshelves and comfy chairs.
It felt like fate. Like we’d been meant to find it.
The late afternoon had rolled into the evening, leaving the sky dark as we walked back toward town. The clouds blocked the stars, and only a peek of the moon managed to break through them before vanishing once again.
“Um,” I said as we reached the end of the path and stepped out into a section of town. Lampposts were lit, allowing light to bleed into the dark night. Not that the light helped me much. Buildings stretched on both sides of us, and the street curved in different directions. Nothing looked familiar. “Do you know where we are?”
Kuya crinkled his nose. “Evan would get lost without Kuya.”
“I can’t argue with that.” So much for my very brief idea to become an adventurer back when I’d visited the market with Maddox and Briar and learned about the guild. I’d get lost just doing something simple like picking flowers from the hillside. With my luck, I’d end up slipping and rolling down said hill too.
“Kuya will show Evan the way.” He grabbed my shirt and pulled me with him to the left. I was glad he seemed to be back to his old self again, humming and flicking his tail. I didn’t like seeing him scared or upset.
“Evening, gentlemen,” a silky, feminine voice called out to us. A woman stood in the front doorway of a building, leaning against the frame. Dark, curly hair spilled over one shoulder. Her corseted gown emphasized her huge boobs, and the slit down the side showed the bare skin of her upper thigh. Well, almost bare. She wore a lacy garter. “In need of some company?”
Oh my fucking god. It was a brothel.
“No, thanks,” I quickly said, my face on fire.
She smiled. “You’re a virgin? No reason to be shy. My girls will more than take care of you. And with a face like yours, they may even give you a discount.”
How was it possible for me to have been fucked to within an inch of my life the morning before—a steamy goodbye before Briar left—taking two dicks at the same time, and still come across as a bashful little virgin? Curse my cute genes and nervousness.
“Evan is no virgin,” Kuya told her, ears perked up. “He has two men who give him a lot of loving and even more who wish to do so.”
“Kuya,” I hissed. And where in the hell had he gotten the notion that more men wanted me? Who?
“Men, you say?” Her smile didn’t falter. “This establishment caters to all desires. We have the most beautiful women in Bremloc, as well as the most beautiful men. Come inside and see for yourself.”
“Is there cake?” Kuya asked.
I bumped his side, and he returned the gesture.
“Run along home, boys,” she said, her seductive smile slipping into something kinder. More genuine. “As for you, my blushing non-virgin, if you really do have two men waiting for you, treat them well, but ensure they treat you just as well. Love is rare in this world. Hold on to it.”
She then greeted the three men approaching the door, amping up her seductiveness once again to lure them closer. Not that they needed the extra enticing. One looked ready to blow his load just from getting an eyeful of her boobs—which she ever so skillfully slid her hand across to draw more attention to them.
I had never looked down on sex workers. They did what they had to in order to put food on their table. Some even enjoyed it. And that was okay too. As we continued the journey home, I thought over her advice. Maddox and Briar treated me amazingly. I only hoped they felt just as cherished as I did.
Kuya hopped over a puddle of water, then bounced over to one of the shop windows to peek inside. Just as fast, he dashed away from it and scampered forward, tail whishing. He was full of energy, whereas I felt ready to collapse.
I couldn’t wait to crawl into bed. Even better if that bed also held two warm bodies for me to snuggle against and kiss. My heart sank when I remembered Briar wouldn’t be back until the following day. Not having him in bed with me and Maddox last night had felt so weird. I’d tossed and turned all night.
Was Briar eating enough? When he got busy with work, he often forgot to eat and take care of himself.
Lost in my thoughts, I hadn’t noticed Kuya had stopped walking and slammed right into him. “Sorry,” I said, rubbing at my aching nose. The back of his head was hard as a rock. “Why are you—”
