Page 6 of Bitter Truths

“Are you sure?” he asks. No teasing—just a thread of warning beneath.

I nod. “Yeah. I’m sure.”

Weller stops holding back. One arm slides around my waist while the other stays at my jaw, his thumb pressing gently under my chin as he lowers his mouth to mine.

The kiss is nothing like I expected. It’s slow—devastatingly slow. He kisses like he’s savoring me, and it’s causing both of us to unravel.

When his lips part, my knees nearly give way. I grab his shoulders for support. He doesn’t stop me. The kiss deepens, turning rougher and more desperate.

The kiss ends too soon. The loss feels unbearable when he breaks it.

“Happy birthday, Bianca.”

I allow myself a small smile, pressing my fingers against my swollen, sensitive lips.

All I can think about is wanting more. These little triangles masquerading as clothing could disappear in an instant. I have faith someone here will end my suffering.

My whole body feels on edge and foolishly needy. I played myself. Worth it… But I need to get home and treat myself to a few orgasms before I combust.

A breeze makes me shiver.

“Cold?” Freddie moves closer, rubbing my arms to create friction.

Owen drapes a towel around my shoulders, standing behind me for warmth.

I need a distraction before I do something stupid, like beg them to touch me again.

“So... what’s up with your dads? I heard you mention them earlier.”

They all freeze.

Owen shrugs, dismissive. “Their typical bullshit. Nothing for you to worry about.”

My eyes narrow. “Funny. Because it didn’t sound like nothing when you didn’t know I was listening.”

“It’s complicated, Bianca.” Tristan runs his hand through his hair. I’ve seen him do that maybe three times.

Weller gives a single nod, as if they’ve already agreed on what not to tell me.

“That’s not an answer.” My words come out harsher than I meant, but I don’t back down. “I’m not a kid. Stop treating me like one.”

“You’ll know when it’s time,” Weller says. “And when it’s safe.”

Safe? I swallow my unease. “Fine. But soon.”

The sunlight has softened now, filtered and gold, as if the day is trying to wrap itself up. Shadows stretch across the water.

I’m not ready for it to be over.

“It’s getting late. I should head home before my parents send out a search party… aka Winston.”

“We’re walking you.” Freddie is already moving, grabbing what’s left of our stuff. “Winston would lose his mind if we let you walk alone.”

Tristan laughs, low and wicked. “He’d lose it if he knew what just happened.”

Weller slides his shirt back on without looking at me. “Some things are best kept among friends.”

Friends. The word hits me like a slap. Cold. Nothing like how I feel.