Page 27 of Snow Balled

On the screen, the young woman walked around an immaculate apartment that made mine look like something out ofLittle House in the Prairie. Everything around the woman was made of gleaming stainless steel and sleek modern designs.

“That’s Lila James,” Drew said. “She’s an influencer. She’s always unboxing some new smart gadget or tech toy that various companies send her.”

Carter smirked. “With emphasis on the word toy.”

“Toy?” I frowned.

Tristan paused the video. “Sometimes she reviews sex toys.”

“On camera?” I practically yelped. My cheeks flushed at the thought.

“Unfortunately, not,” Carter said. “But she unboxes them on screen and later reports back on how much she enjoyed it.”

“Which is his favorite part of her videos,” Tristan said.

“Mine too,” Drew said. “She rates them from one to five eggplants. One means it’s nothing special, and five means the toy hits the spot better than a man ever could.”

“Bet I could prove her wrong.” Carter smirked. The intent expression on his face made me squeeze my thighs together. Then I remembered Ronnie’s name for him. He didn’t seem as intimidating when I thought of him as Otto.

Ignoring my food, I tried to wrap my head around this woman’s online presence. “So, she makes videos about sex toys?”

“And other things,” Drew said. “She’s got all the best tech. I’d kill for some of the equipment in her apartment.” He frowned at me. “Bring your food over here to watch. I’m tired of twisting my head around to talk to you.”

“I’m fine,” I said automatically.

“We don’t bite,” Carter said, but I wasn’t sure I believed him.

“And we’ll let you pick the movie after this is over,” Tristan said.

Drew grinned as I stood up and picked up my bowl. “You can choose anything you like—Carter loves rom-coms.”

The pained look on Carter’s face made me laugh as I slid past Drew and took a place on the couch between him and Tristan. With my knowledge of movies, I’d find something that Otto would hate.

It would serve him right for hunting Bambi—and it would amuse the hell out of me.

12

SIERRA

At two a.m., I pushed back the covers. Experience had taught me it was best to get up for a few minutes before trying to go back to sleep. Why I woke up at this time every night was still a mystery, but I’d learned not to fight it.

Soft light filled the living room because the window in the kitchen didn’t have a blind over it. It didn’t seem to bother Drew, who was sprawled out on the sofa. He had a pillow doubled up under his face, and his lips were parted. His chest was bare, as were his legs, one of which was hanging off the side of the couch.

He looked innocent in his sleep, and young—perhaps as young as me. But there was one part of him that didn’t look boyish. His boxer briefs were on the tight side, and I saw the rather substantial outline of what was underneath. His dick rested against his thigh, and it looked big to my eyes. Not that I had very much experience with that particular male body part. But I found myself staring longer than I meant to.

Then I shook my head. I’d hate to have one of the men watch me while I was asleep. I should extend the same courtesy to Drew, especially since he’d given up his bedroom for me. I thought about covering him up with the blanket bunched up at the end of the sofa, but I didn’t want to risk waking him.

Moving quietly, I used the bathroom and got a drink of water. When I got back to my room, my bed was occupied—naturally.

Zeus looked up and wagged his tail when I shut the door behind me. Carter made me uncomfortable, but when I thought about it, Zeus was the most forward of the bunch. “Did I invite you in here?” I asked him in a whisper.

His tail wagged harder, as if to say that I hadn’t, but I should have.

He was right in the middle of the bed, so I climbed over him and then worked to free the covers. Finally getting the hint, he stood up, but as soon as I was all tucked in, he settled down by my side. His bulk was welcome even though it wasn’t too cold in here. I patted my head. “How long have you known Carter?” I asked rhetorically. “He doesn’t seem like the type to own a good boy like you.”

Zeus tilted his head so I could rub under his chin. Drowsiness set in, but I didn’t stop petting the dog. All my anxiety, both on this trip and from a lifetime, faded as I stroked his soft fur. It was nice to be able to let my guard down. That didn’t happen to me often, but it did with Zeus.

Too bad I worked such long hours. It would be nice to have a dog to come home to. My thoughts grew fuzzy as I petted the collie, and I fell back asleep.

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