Page 23 of Hunting Little Hope
It excited me.
A lot if my body’s reaction to these two men was anything to go by. Within a few short sentences I could feel my nipples pebble against my bra, and there was an unmistakable ache between my legs.
I took a deep breath to buy myself a second to think, then rested my hands on the bar in front of me for something to do with them.
“I… don’t mind being shared,” I said softly while staring at my clenched fingers.
Both men went very still, so I chanced a look at them.
Master Troy’s eyes darkened in a way that made my stomach flutter, and Master Archie’s brows lifted just slightly.
“But,” I added quickly, forcing myself to meet their gazes, “I think we should talk about what that actually means. Because there’s a difference between a one-time thing and… something longer. And I’d rather know which one we’re talking about before anyone gets hurt.”
The words came out steadier than I felt.
Master Troy leaned back a little, studying me with clear approval. “That’s very sensible, Hope.”
Master Archie nodded too, his expression warm. “Communication is the only way these things work. Otherwise, it’s just chaos and bruised feelings.”
I huffed a small laugh. “Exactly. And I already feel like my heart is being tugged in five different directions this week. I don’t think I can handle accidental heartbreak on top of that.”
Master Troy’s hand tightened gently on my hip again. “For me,” he said, voice low, “I prefer ongoing arrangements when they’re right. I don’t enjoy treating people like disposable entertainment.”
Master Archie nodded. “Same. I’m not opposed to something casual if that’s all anyone wants, but when I share with Troy, it’s usually because we both like the person. We’d want to see them again. Get to know them properly.”
My chest did a funny little flip at that.
“So… a poly relationship?” I asked, tasting the words carefully.
Master Troy’s mouth curved. “Potentially. If everyone wanted that.”
Master Archie lifted his glass in a small toast. “With the very important caveat that everyone keeps talking. About feelings. Boundaries. Expectations. All the boring but necessary bits.”
I smiled despite myself. “I don’t think that sounds boring at all. But in the interest of open communication...” I paused, worried that I was taking things too far, too soon.
“Yeah?” Master Troy urged.
“I guess, I need to tell you, as I mentioned earlier, I feel like my heart is being tugged in five different directions this week, because it is. You’re not the only person I’ve connected with. Which is absolutely insane because my entire life, I’ve never connected with anyone, and now, here I am, talking to and dating more than one person.”
For a split second, I braced myself. For a flicker of a heartbeat, I wondered if I’d just detonated something fragile and beautiful before it even had a chance to bloom.
Master Troy didn’t even flinch.
If anything, his expression softened.
“Hope,” he said gently. “That’s… kind of the point, isn’t it?”
Master Archie let out a quiet huff of amusement beside him. “You’re at a huge summer dating extravaganza,” he reminded me lightly, the fancy word sounding ludicrous coming from him. “No one came here expecting exclusivity on day three.”
Heat crept up my neck. “I just didn’t want you to think I was?—”
“—misleading us?” Master Troy finished.
I nodded.
He shook his head almost immediately. “You’re not. You’re being honest. Which, frankly, is refreshing.”
Master Archie tipped his glass toward me. “Most people would just quietly juggle and hope no one notices.”
