Page 91 of Cactus Heart
She pressed her lips together, going quiet for a moment.
“You don’t need to tell us,” I said gently. “We’re here now. That’s all that matters.”
“Well, I actually think it might be good to tell you,” she said. “I’m just embarrassed in some ways, I guess. Kevin did get physical with me. And I still have nightmares about him.”
Jesus fucking Christ. I hadn’t known that. I’d guessed. When Avery moved back, I’d had an inkling something like that had happened. There’d been times she’d shrink into herself if someone raised their voice, or if someone was fist fighting at a bar, she’d close her eyes and tune it all out. The protective streak in me had grown a mile wide around her, which was how we became friends.
No wonder Dallas and Austin were so protective.
Levi’s face turned red and his body turned rigid, but he kept his words soft. “I’m sorry, Avery.”
“I’ve worked through most of it,” she said. “Really. I’ve gone to therapy. I’ve done the work and I’m proud of myself for that. I’m in a healthy spot in my life and I want to be in a relationship. But, I do still wake up sweating or crying sometimes. I can’t help it. I hate it, but I can’t help it.”
“Well, we’ll be there to hold you,” I murmured. “Or be there to sit with you. Whatever you want, whatever you need, we’ll be there.”
Levi nodded. “Anytime, anywhere, whatever you need, baby.”
Baby.I met his gaze again and smiled, warmth relaxing me despite the fact I had half a mind to drive all the way to Austin, find Kevin, and break his nose.
Avery let out a sigh of relief. “Thanks. I feel better telling both of you. I guess we all probably have baggage, but mine feels heavy sometimes. I would understand if it’s too much.”
Levi shook his head. “It’s not. Besides, Mateo and I are strong guys. We can handle it.”
I raised my arm and flexed my bicep, earning a giggle from her. “See? Strong. Buff. Ready to carry your baggage and take care of you.”
Avery shook her head, but I couldn’t help but notice the way her dimples flashed. “You’re ridiculous, you know. Both of you. Also, Levi, I don’t think you’re bad with words.”
He shrugged his shoulders. “They just don’t come easy at times. I’m better at showing how I feel.”
I wiggled my brows. “Showing, huh? So your hard-on does indicate you’re happy to see us?”
“Morethan happy.” He shook his head at us and took a sip of tea to wash down a bite of lasagna. “So, what’s in that bag, Mateo?”
“All good things,” I teased. “I think talking about kink and sex is a good idea.”
Avery clapped her hands together. “Absolutely a good idea. Levi and I almost didn’t use a condom yesterday, but wanted to wait and talk with you first.”
“Oooh.” I leaned back in my seat, that thought going straight to my cock. And it was impossible to hide how much that impacted me. “Are you on birth control?”
“I am. And I’ve tested within the last six months, and was negative for everything.” She gave me a cheeky smile. “I like cream pies.”
“Oh yeah?”Fuck me.My cock throbbed and I tried to clear my head, focusing on literally anything else but the thought of our cum leaking out of her pussy. “I like them too. I’m glad you waited to talk to me about it, but I’m comfortable with it, if you both are. I have also tested negative in the last year, and . . . well, I haven’t been with anyone except the two of you.”
Levi nodded. “Same. I still brought condoms though.”
“Good.” I swallowed hard, trying to make my brain work. “You both know I’m kinky. I’m dominant. I like being the one in control. I like planning things. I’ve tried submission before, but it doesn’t do it for me the same way dominance does.”
“We all know I’m a sub,” Avery said.
Levi leaned forward in his seat slightly, adjusting himself. “Well, I’m in the middle then. I’m a switch. But I think the dynamic feels natural to be submissive with Mateo, and dominant with Avery. And I think . . . I’ve wondered what it would be like to dominate Avery at your command.”
“I like that idea,” I said. I liked ita lot.“Avery, we’ve talked a little bit about kink in the past, but I don’t really know what your experience level is. And Levi, same for you. Before I moved to Whynot, I was pretty active in the community. I’m a little bit of a slut . . .”
“We’ve noticed,” Avery said, sticking her tongue out at me. “Flirty firefighter with an ego the size of his dick.”
“Hey,” I quipped. “I think my dick is bigger than my ego, actually.”
“Uh-huh.” She leaned back in her chair. “I haven’t done too much. What I did with Kevin was unsafe. And it was always about him. Before we dated, I went to a kinky club in Austin a few times, but just watched people. I’ve always wanted to explore kink more, but obviously that’s been off the table during the last two years.”
