Page 199 of Crucible
“Two months ago, I would have said pussy, but now that we’ve got the best and she lets us do whatever we want, I’ll have to change my answer to…my parents.”
“It’s sweet that you miss your mom and dad, but I’m not sure how I feel about you referring to my vagina as a separate entity, Khalil Poverly.”
“Even though she’s nicer to us than you?”
“What can I say? I’m a jealous bitch, and you’re skirting dangerously close to never speaking to her again.”
Khalil chuckles and turns his head to bite the inside of my thigh. He doesn’t bother to soothe the spot after because he knows I like the pain, but his thumb sweeping my knee a few inches down speaks volumes as well.
“What about you?” I ask Thorin.
He has to think about the answer, and I’m not surprised. Living in a remote cabin in some far-off corner of the world is the exact kind of life I’d picture Thorin leading. Of the three, he’s probably the most comfortable here, but I also know he’d go wherever Khalil and Zeth are. “Takeout,” he finally answers, and I nod. It makes perfect sense considering he does all the hunting. That has to get taxing after a while.
“Seth?”
“Movies. No! Music.” He makes a face like I’m pulling his teeth. “Movies and music?”
“It’s okay, Seth. You can miss both.”
“Well, in that case, can I add video games to my list right under my parents?” Khalil asks.
I gently massage his temples with my thumbs just in case his head still hurts. “Sure.”
“What about you?” Thorin asks.
I don’t even have to think about it. “Hot tubs.”
“Hot tubs?”
“Yeah, I have one in my house. If this was an interview, I’d say it was my favorite place to dream up my next hit song, but that’s bullshit. The truth is, the hot tub is where I get sloshed.”
“Nice,” Seth answers.
“You guys should really consider getting one. Maybe out there on one of the decks overlooking the wilds.” I smile a little to myself as I imagine. “Yeah, that would be perfect.”
“We have one,” Khalil answers.
“Really?” I frown. As big as the cabin is, I’m pretty sure it would be hard to miss. Between the three of them, they must have fucked me in every room, against every possible wall, and on every surface by now. “Well, where is this magical, hidden hot tub? I haven’t seen it.”
“We’ll show you tomorrow.”
“Ooookaaaay.”
“What else would you like to know, Sunshine?”
“Hmm.” I tap my chin as I think about it. “Oooh! I know. The three of you could tell me about all the girls you used to date.”
“Actually, I think I saw those playing cards somewhere the other day,” Khalil says, faking like he’s getting up to look for them.
“Nice try, Poverly.” I grab his shoulder and shove him back down. “Now, you first.”
He groans and swipes both hands down his face in agitation. “What do you want to know, Goldilocks?”
Thinking about what Seth divulged to me yesterday, I ask, “Have you ever been in love?” Seth stiffens in my peripheral as if he’s read my mind.
“Not really,” Khalil answers lightly. “Love? Nah. Lust? Hell yeah.”
“Well, who have you beenin lustwith?”
