Page 16 of East (The Moral Compass 3)

“No, you don’t. You can’t… because you’re not a man.” He takes my hand in his gently.

“What difference does that make?”

“A lot. If I had known you were a virgin, and I had the opportunity to decide whether or not I took that from you, we would have talked about it. About the implications. About what happens afterward. But we didn’t get that chance. I felt like you trapped me into a decision that you made on your own that had repercussions for us both.”

“What repercussions does it have for you?” I ask, confused.

“Well, the fact that your brother is my best friend, for one. The fact that I will probably be seeing you again when I visit West and North and at the weddings and christenings. Things could be really awkward, and I don’t want that, East. I really don’t.”

“Oh, right. Yeah, I get that.”

“There is also another point that really got to me, and I’ve wanted to ask you all day, but I just couldn’t find the words. But are you okay, East? I mean are you ‘okay’? You know, down there?” He points to my flower, which actually makes me laugh.

“I’ve been a bit uncomfortable all day, but it’s nothing that is going to kill me, why? That’s normal, isn’t it?”

“If I’d have known, I would have made sure it was as painless as possible. There are positions that are easier for virgins. And then, afterward, I would have given you a nice hot bath and let you soak. East, I don’t know if you’ve seen many dicks, but mine is not small or even average. I was blessed with a big dick, whereas fuck face in the other room got fuck all.” He laughs. “I’m so sorry, East. I shouldn’t have yelled at you this morning. I was just shocked. I knew you were lacking in experience, but that didn’t matter. In fact, it was beautiful, but I never dreamt I was your first. I’m sorry.”

“Okay, you’re forgiven. You’ve pleaded your case well, sir. Normal service will be resumed.”

“East… Don’t call me sir. I don’t think I can handle that.”

“Whatever do you mean, sir?”

“I mean it, East. Stop it. It’s not funny to tease me. We can’t do it again. It just wouldn’t be right.”

“Oh.” I didn’t really understand that he was telling me never again from his apology.

“Hey, don’t look like that. We work well together, and we’ve cleared the air now, so we don’t have to be awkward around each other anymore.”

“Okay. So, can you please leave now and let me find out who I’m marrying?” I release my hand from his and turn over away from him.

“Yeah, okay. Get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow. We need to go through everything you’ve found, and I need to bring you up to speed on Margarite. I don’t know why, but I just don’t trust her.”

I nod in reply. I can’t speak. I hear the door close behind him, and the dam bursts. I’ve never felt so lonely in my entire life.

I toss and turn for two whole hours. Then, I decide I can’t lie here any longer. I pick out one of my nicer dresses, a nice pair of black pumps, and head off down to the casino.

A few drinks will help me sleep.

Chapter 10

Zed

Ifeellikeareal bastard. The worst thing about it all is I like her. I really like her. She gets me. She understands the work. But I can’t have her. It would never work. And if anything went wrong, which it most likely would, my friendship with West would be on the line. The guy has taken bullets for me. He’s nearly died twice saving my ass. Not that I haven’t returned the favours, but I can’t trade that for a casual hookup with his sister. Can I?

I hear a click and look up to the adjoining door. It doesn’t move. So, I open it gently to find an empty room.

“East?” I call out.

“East?” I call out again.

I look around her room. Her makeup is scattered across the dressing table, and the clothes she was wearing earlier lay neatly on the bed. Shit! She’s gone. I rush back into my own room and pull out a clean shirt and jeans. They can fuck off if they think I’m dressing as Drake. I need to find East without a crowd of screaming women.

I set off, walking with a strong stride that turns quickly into a fast jog. My heart is racing as I get a strong feeling that she could be doing something really stupid right now. I hope I find her at the same poker table she was at last time.

I finally reach the casino floor where I hear a group of guys laughing and yelling. My height gives me an advantage as I can see over the top of most of their heads, and there she is; the golden hair piled high on her head is unmistakable. I’m just within arm’s reach when I’m tapped on the shoulder, and as I turn, I’m greeted by Margarite.

“It’s so lovely to see you down here,” she says. “Have you done something with your hair?” She smiles and winks.

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