Page 15 of We Own Each Other

“How do people love each other?”

Everett blinked.

“What?”

“How do people love each other? Like, how did you get your partner to love you?”

For the first time in this entire meeting, Everett sat forward. He leaned over the table, staring so intently at me that it was like he was scraping away my flesh in order to see my thoughts. It was enough to make me push my chair back to put at least a little distance between us.

Incredulous, he asked:

“You want to get into a relationship?”

“Yep.”

He pointed toward me.

“You? Luke?”

I bobbed my head.

“Yes.”

And probably for the first time since I’d known him, he laughed. Unfortunately, many other customers flinched and moved their seats, reflexively trying to get away from a powerful Dom. It was impressive, really, and there was a part of me that was not only jealous but wanted him to dominate me, too.

But like with every partner before him, I would inevitably get bored and move on — either to a Sub or Dom. I could never feel whole with someone, no matter how powerful they were. No matter the pleasure they might give me.

But then there was Corin.

I had never imagined my life with the same person forever because I could never be satisfied or fully myself with any single person.

This was my only chance.

So, I swallowed down my pride and taunting, trying my best to be as serious as I could as I met Everett’s gaze. For once, he seemed surprised, his expression relaxing as he awaited my next words.

“I’m serious, Everett. I really think this might be my one and only chance to find happiness. I know I’m not the easiest person to be around, much less help, but you’re the only person I know who has found love. I need your help. Please?”

The tone of my voice felt foreign, even to myself. I couldn’t remember the last time I was so earnest. It was enough that my heart was thrumming wildly in my chest, sending all the blood rushing to my ears.

Unfortunately, what had taken immense effort on my part was met with a rather lukewarm response.

Everett was entirely silent and equally expressionless. His eyes were narrowed, boring into me like he was trying to see into my soul. I simultaneously wanted to wither away into nothing and reach across the table and slap that serious expression off Everett’s surly face. I would’ve loved nothing more than to watch his eyes widen in shock, his cheek blooming purple from the coming bruise, all the while his mouth lolled open with an impending moan—

Finally, with one more resolute sigh, Everett’s shoulders fell. He leaned back against his chair and shook his head before huffing out a less-than-confident:

“Fine.”

Shaking those fantasies out of my mind, I perked up.

“Really?”

He frowned, waving his hand like he was trying to shoo me away.

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t make a big deal out of it.” But then, there was a slight curl at the corner of his mouth. “It’s worth it, seeing you beg.”

I was once again imagining slapping him, but the tone wasn’t as sexy as before.

Thankfully, before I could act out on my carnal impulses, the nervous waiter fidgeted his way up to our table.