Page 48 of My Ex-Fiance's Best Men
Theo had posted a few clips and photos from yesterday. Candid shots by the pool. Pictures of fun cocktails we created. A video of our sizzling barbecue. Phoebe was featured prominently in someof the posts, but not with any particular intention. She’s a part of our lives now.
“This isn’t right, fellas.” Matthew keeps talking, ringing the fucking doorbell to the point where I might just snap and break his fingers. “Taking another man’s woman is not cool. We need a resolution here.”
Theo laughs, almost hysterically. “Wait, what did he just say?”
“Who is it?” Phoebe asks as she gingerly descends the stairs.
The three of us remain still, watching her. She’s wrapped in a pale blue robe, her honey-blonde hair falling over one shoulder like a glorious, cascading mess. Her smile is soft, her eyes curious, her lips slightly plumper after yesterday’s activities.
“Matthew,” I calmly reply.
The blood drains from her face as she stares at the doorbell screen. “No.”
“I’m afraid so. He’s out there groveling,” Theo says, trying hard to remain serious and miserably failing. “I’m sorry, it’s just so pathetic.”
“I can see that,” she replies. “What possessed him to do something so stupid?”
“No clue. Should we let him yammer on for a little while longer before we throw him off the property?” I ask.
“What’s he saying?”
August sighs and turns the volume up.
“Come on, guys! August! Dominic! Theo! Phoebe! I know you’re in there. We need to talk,” Matthew keeps saying. “Please. I needto apologize. I need to make this right. It’s gotten way out of hand. Baby, I’m begging you!”
“He’s begging me,” Phoebe says, one eyebrow raised.
I don’t see any pain in her eyes. Only contempt and maybe a hint of anger. Her lips twist in genuine disgust, and it gives me a sense of relief. Whatever attachment she felt to this man is long gone. It fills me with a newfound sort of pride, of joy.
She’s ours.
Now, we just need to make sure nobody else gets between us. Including the worm currently soiling our front porch.
I’m just about to go out, but Phoebe gently stops me. “It’s my turn,” she says. “You’ve done so much already. Allow me.”
“You’re not going out there alone,” August tells her.
She gives him a sweet, playful smile. “I know. Don’t put any clothes on.”
Only then do I remember we’re naked. I see where Phoebe is going with this, and it makes me grin like the fucking devil.
“After you, darling,” I tell her.
She walks over to the door and unlocks it, swinging it wide open as I stand behind her, joined by August and Theo in all our naked glory. As soon as Matthew sees her, he lights up like the sun.
“Phoebe, baby…” his voice trails off as soon as he sees us, hung and grinning like absolute bastards.
“Hey, there, sport,” Theo quips.
“What the fuck is this?” Matthew gasps, eyes wide with horror. He’s trying not to look at us, working so hard to stay focused on Phoebe.
I raise my chin slowly. “I think the better question to ask is why the fuck are you here, Matthew.”
“What are you doing, Dom? What’s your endgame?” he hisses, rage twisting his features into fury mingled with disgust.
“No endgame. We’re busy. Take a hike,” August replies.
“You’re not welcome here,” Phoebe tells him. “You ended it. I started something else.”
