More, Sloan Parker [guided reading books TXT] 📗

Richard's way. I liked that he cared to understand what I wanted from them. I just wish I knew what the hell that was.

When we finished eating, Richard carried an armful of dishes to the kitchen. He set everything on the counter and stared into the sink. He didn't move or speak. He didn't turn on the water or scrape off the plates.

Matthew glanced over at me, the confusion evident.

“Richard? Something wrong?” I asked.

“Why don't you live here? Both of you.”

The soda bottle in Matthew's hand dropped to the table, and its carbonated contents fizzled and bubbled up.

I stood. “What?”

Richard stepped around the kitchen counter. “Let me explain. You need a place to stay. Matthew said he wanted to get out of his mom's place. I've got the extra rooms upstairs. I understand this isn't what you're used to. You can stay until you find someplace else. We'll have a good time. No strings attached.” The bulk of his body seemed to grow with each step closer to the table. He lifted one arm, then the other, and tucked the ends of his fingers into the pockets on his jeans. Each bicep flexed with the movement. He heaved a deep breath, and his chest puffed out. “Imagine all the ways we can get to know each other.”

He had experience negotiating for success, and he was using his finest assets.

“We don't have to live together to fuck and get acquainted,” I said.

“Right. But it helps in the way we like to live.”

My eyes narrowed.

“You like to fuck two guys at one time, right?” he said.

“I believe we've all demonstrated we like it.”

Richard snorted. “I don't believe you want to be at the club every weekend for the rest of your life.” I opened my mouth to deny that, but he held up a hand and stepped closer. “My point is, you can keep on playing the field and have your fun, or you can try to make something work where you can live every day in the lifestyle you're drawn to. No more waiting to hit the club to find what you need. You'll come home, and there we'll be. Ready to fuck you, suck you, tie you up, and do all those little things you're quick to tell us you need each time we've met you.”

He knew how to push my buttons like no one I'd ever met at the club, or anywhere else in my life.

I stole a look at Matthew. He stared up at Richard like he saw the answer to a prayer but couldn't believe it was being offered. He couldn't be expecting anything long-term. He'd been around the block. He had to know how these things worked.

“This is ridiculous,” I said. “Guys don't move in together— not like this.” I gestured between the three of us.

If I stayed, there'd be no way in hell I'd know when my father's men found me again. I wouldn't have my cameras. I wouldn't be able to watch my back all the time. It couldn't work.

But I needed to move anyway, to get my father's men off my ass for a while. I couldn't let my father have his victory. Richard's was as good a place as any to hide for a few weeks. At least I'd be getting the best sex of my life.

Oh God. “I've got reasons why I live alone.”

Richard stood still. He focused in on my face as if he needed to burn my image into his memory. Maybe he thought he'd have to give my description to the cops someday.

I stared into his green eyes. What would it feel like to fuck him first thing in the morning? To go down on him in the shower? To wake up next to him? My breath quickened. I couldn't stand there and continue on. I'd hyperventilate before long.

I grabbed the bottle of soda from the table and took a long series of gulps. When I set the empty bottle down, I realized I'd grabbed Matthew's. I opened my mouth to apologize. “It'll just be for a few weeks.”

“However long you need.” Richard leaned into me. His lips brushed my temple.

The affection without any sexual intention was new for me. I expected to freak over it, and when I didn't, I was more confused than ever.

“How about you, Matthew?” Richard asked.

Matthew gawked at him, his eyes wide. “Why?”

Richard crouched next to his chair. “I'm offering my place because I want to. I like to help when I can. Luke needs a place to stay. And I'd like you to be here too. I think we'll have a great time together.” He wrapped his hand around Matthew's neck and drew him in for a kiss. “I'd like you both to stay for as long as you need or as long as it works out.”

“I can't stay here. I mean— we'd have to talk about money and stuff.”

“Why can't you stay? I thought— ”

“I can't afford to pay you for this place and help my mom.”

“I'm not asking you to pay anything.”

Matthew's stare met the far wall.

“Kid.”

“What do you want from us? What are you expecting from us?” Matthew looked at me as if he wondered if I had the same question.

Richard straightened, his hands on his hips. “I'm not expecting anything, not in the way you're implying. I offered my place because I wanted to.” He paused and rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “I have no interest in keeping you around for my own amusement.” He sighed and dropped next to Matthew again. “Listen, let's not talk about money. We'll see how this goes first. See how long you guys can stay, or want to stay. For now, you're crashing at my place. All right?”

“I guess that sounds okay.”

“Then you'll stay?”

“I'll stay.”

A loud, uncontrollable laugh spilled out of my mouth. “What the hell are we doing?” I slumped into the chair beside Matthew. “God, I lose all ability to think when I'm with you two.”

Richard