Page 89 of Split You Open

“That doesn’t mean you’re alright,” he counters.

Blair hums then shakes her head. “Honestly, I don’t know if I’m alright.”

“Fair enough,” he replies. “You know, if you need anything just… you know, tell us, or whatever.”

I hide my smile at his awkwardness. This is new for him. It’s nice to see Rhett be invested in someone other than himself, and openly at that.

Blair nods. “I know. Thanks, Rhett.”

“Urgh, don’t do that,” he grumbles. “I don’t need your gratitude. I just want this shit to be over for everyone’s sake.”

“God, you’re romantic,” Santi teases.

Rhett’s face turns red and Santi laughs in response.

In my arms, Blair snuggles closer to my chest.

“You know I love you all, right?” Blair admits softly, looking around at the three of us. “It feels wrong to admit that all of Ledger’s scheming actually worked. He gave me all of you and… And now I couldn’t possibly consider a life without any of you.”

I chuckle. “Then we should probably feel guilty too, because I’m betting we all feel the same way.”

“Well duh. You know I love you, too, cariño,” Santi starts with a devilish grin. “And guess what? I don’t feel guilty about it. Not even a little.”

I glance at Rhett. When he gives a curt nod in agreement, I smile. Somehow Blair managed to wrap him around her finger. Pushing off the doorframe, Rhett mutters something about taking a shower then heading for bed but Santi stops him.

“Wait, help me bring the mattresses back downstairs again!”

“Santi…” I groan. “I thought that was going to be a one-time thing.”

Santi gasps in outrage. “Um, no! It’s permanent. That way no one has to fight over who’s sleeping with Blair.”

“Permanent?” I shake my head. “Absolutely not.”

“Absolutely yes!” Santi objects. He looks anxiously at Rhett. “Right?”

Rhett shrugs. “As long as I have a pillow and blanket and at least one of you up against me, I don’t give a fuck about the sleeping arrangements.”

Blair chuckles tiredly in my arms as she looks up at me.

“One more night?” she asks.

She’s not pushing. I can tell that she’d be content staying right here with me if I asked for the night alone. The thing is, I can’t deny this woman anything. If she wants everyone with her, then so be it.

“Fine, but let’s keep orgy antics to a minimum.”

Santi practically levitates off the bed with a whoop of excitement. Before I can tell him that we’ll be using my mattress he’s already scurrying out of the room to grab someone else’s.

“If you don’t set boundaries, don’t get upset when he starts acting like a spoiled brat,” Rhett tells Blair with a glare that lacks much heat. “Trust me.”

“He doesn’t listen to boundaries,” I point out.

Rhett pinches the bridge of his nose with exasperation. “That’s unfortunately very true.”

Blair shrugs. “I don’t want boundaries… not with any of you.”

I didn’t think I could love Blair anymore than I already did, but her words are exactly what I wanted to hear from her. She needs us and I am happy to give myself to her if it will make her happy.

“Come on,” I kiss her temple again. “Let’s get moving before I change my mind and pass out right here with you in my arms.”