Page 33 of Briar
“I know. I’m not ready to talk about it, but it’s why I need to do things on my terms. I know it’s not fair?—”
“Packs are about serving the emotions of the person who is struggling,” Jude says, interrupting her. “That’s how Willow and I work at least. If she’s struggling, then she gets my attention. If I’m having a rough day, the same can be said for her. There’sa give and take. I think it’s fair. You’re driving, Briar. When are you free?”
“I… I’m working tomorrow night, but I’m free the night after. Is that too soon?”
“Jude is off that day,” Atlas says quickly. “I’m in if Willow is.”
“I work from home. I make my own schedule. It’s a date!” I exclaim. “We’ll see you then. For now, I have a date with a bubble bath and my vibrator.”
Jude smirks, knowing I’ll let him watch as I stand up.
“Have fun,” Briar says, blushing as we leave.
“I just need to know one thing,” Jude says once we’re in the parking lot. “Do you want the purple vibrator or the one you named after me?”
Smirking, I say, “Dealer’s choice, baby. If you can’t fuck me, you can at least choose.”
I’m fairly pleased with tonight. Briar is going to be a tough nut to crack, but I’m not deterred. If anything, I want to get to know her even more.
Chapter
Eight
BRIAR
“I have nothing to wear,”I whine with a huff, turning my back to my closet. I’ve been trying on clothes for the past hour and I can’t find anything that I like.
“Babe.” Atlas’ chuckle is soft and light, his smile both frustrating me and making my heart flutter. “You look fucking stunning in every single thing you’ve tried on. Whatever you pick, it’s going to be perfect.”
“You’re just saying that because you stick your dick inside me,” I mutter, crossing my arms with a little pout.
His smile stretches, making the fluttering feeling shift south. He stands from where he’s been sitting on my bed watching me freak out the whole time and takes a few steps towards me, bridging the space between us.
He wraps his arms around me, resting his hands on my ass as he pulls me into his body. I go willingly, loving his touch.
I’ve never realized just how much affection I craved until I started dating Atlas. Who knew all I needed was someone I trusted to feel comfortable enough to open up.
Turns out, I’m a needy, cuddle whore. I love the little touches, and cuddles are the best.
It’s good to be independent, to be able to hold your own, but it’s also okay to let someone in, to allow them to take care of you.
Things with Atlas didn’t happen fast, but since that night we agreed to start dating, we just clicked.
It felt like we were meant to be, were made for one another. I’m not going to lie, when I found out about Jude, I was afraid to lose that. I’ve never felt this way with anyone before and I feared I’d never have that again.
But after the conversation with Willow and Jude, I have a good feeling about how everything is turning out.
Still, with my issue of trusting alphas, I think getting to know them better would help any lingering concerns I have.
Atlas reaches up and brushes some of my hair out of my face, the brush of his fingers sending a shiver down my spine. I try not to let my arousal take hold, but there's not much use in trying when it comes to this man. A simple grin is enough to get me going.
Now that we’ve taken a more intimate step, it’s gotten even worse.
His nostrils flare, smelling my perfume, but he's a gentleman and doesn’t point it out. This time. He does love to tease me about how easily he can get me going. It’s something he’s very proud of.
If I didn’t like the man as much as I do, I’d be pissed about it. But it’s hard to get mad at him. He’s just a ray of sunshine and makes me feel safe, wanted, and needed.
Knowing there’s a possibility I could get that with Willow and Jude too, has me both excited to see where this could go, and nervous that I might end up falling for those two, just as hard as I have with Atlas only for them to not feel as strongly about me.
