Page 208 of Masters of Pleasure
“That’s no one’s business.”Law scowled.He knew it couldn’t work that way, but he didn’t need the pressure of the whole club membership watching them to see what was going to happen next.
This was supposed to have been an easy ‘scene and be done with it’ thing.It still could be.He could tell Iris he’d changed his mind.No more scenes.No chance at a date.
Everything in his body rebelled at the idea.
Fuck.
He wanted her—for more than last night and this morning.
“Good luck with that.”Asad grinned.“I’ll back you up for as long as you want to make it work.Are you going to tell us what’s going on, though?”
“We’re… seeing each other, I guess.”Law took a deep breath giving Q a sidelong glance.This would have been easier without him there, but hey, at least it gave him practice telling someone new.“I’m not sure I’ll be good for her.”
As expected, Asad and Connor nodded, while Q looked bewildered.It was heartening to know Q couldn’t think of a reason Law would be bad for Iris.It showed that he’d overcome some of his past… for the people who hadn’t known him then.
Facing Q head-on, Law rolled his shoulders back.
“Most of the people at the club don’t know this, or they know I don’t drink but don’t know why.I’m a recovering alcoholic.”He never said he was recovered—ever—because it never felt like he was.The worst relapse was when he’d thought he’d ‘fixed’ himself and could drink just one beer, no big deal.That was when he’d discovered how little self-control he had.
He hadn’t been recovered at all, and it had sent him right back down the path he’d thought he’d escaped.Except he’d been even worse than he had the first time around.Meaner too.That was when Elaine had finally walked.
Q blinked.Nodded.
“Okay.What does that have to do with Iris?”
The question took Law aback.He glanced at Asad and Connor, who both looked smug.
“I… I wasn’t very good to my now ex-wife when I was drinking.She left me because of it.”
“And you’ve punished yourself for what happened with Elaine for long enough,” Asad said firmly.Q’s brow had wrinkled, and he was looking at Law as if he didn’t quite know what to make of his statement.“She wanted you to get better and be happy.So far, all you’ve accomplished is the first part.”
Better.
Yes, he was better, but he knew he was one step away from backsliding again.All it had taken was one drink.On the other hand, he hadn’t had a drink in nine years and didn’t plan on having another one ever again.Did he think dating Iris would suddenly change that?
“I like Iris.I think she could be good for you.She doesn’t take life too seriously.”
Law made a face at Connor’s pointed comment.Like Connor was one to talk about taking life seriously.He was even more slow and deliberate than Law when it came to making decisions.
“Clearly, I’ve known you the least amount of time, but I don’t see why what you used to do should get to dictate what you do now.”Q shrugged, appearing uncomfortable, but he was getting his word in, anyway.Law had to respect that.“You can’t change the past.All you can do is live your best life in the present and work toward the future you want.”
Well, shit.
When he put it that way…
“We did agree to continue scening and keep things open for the future,” he admitted gruffly, omitting the fact he’d already had second thoughts.It was time to put those to bed.His friends were right.Iris was right.
“Great.So, you’ll invite her to go to Renn Fair with us?”Asad grinned.
Law scowled.“I’ll think about it.”
If she’d want to go… well, they’d see.It hadn’t come up in conversation.
“Do you Renn Fair, Q?”Asad asked when Q chuckled at Law’s response.
“I used to.Angel from Stronghold used to live with me and a couple of our friends before she met Adam, and we all went together every year.I even have my own garb she made for me.”A pensive expression crossed his face.“I haven’t been in a few years.After Angel moved out, we didn’t feel as motivated to go, then the other guys moved away…” He shrugged.“I wouldn’t mind going again.It’s more fun with people I know.”
“Good, it’s settled.Now, let’s talk about what we’re doing for dinner tonight.”Asad clapped his hands together, grinning.
