Page 404 of Double or Nothing

“Here,” he says. “It belongs here.”

I take in the scene before me, butterflies rising on top of butterflies, all over a chipped mug. Except it’s not.

Bryce’s injured hand is resting in melting ice.

Jack’s suit is open at the collar. Back from work.

The remains of my mother’s prized dress are a tattered heap on the floor.

The Toastique Pro is covered in escaped cheese, and my crappy mug is back in the cupboard.

Nothing looks polished.

Nothing looks planned.

Nothing looks like the life Dad wanted me to live.

It’s perfect.

Two men mean the world to me. My universe, for ever.

My red. My purple. Just as I’m their yellow.

No black line running immovable through the centre.

Not anymore.

“I think we should celebrate,” Jack says.

“I agree,” I say. “Got anything special in mind? A night out… paint the town red… and purple and yellow?”

Jack laughs. “Tempting, but no. I was thinking it’s high time you ditched the lingerie.”

I swear my pussy tingles at his words. “I thought you’d never ask.”

CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

ALICE

Ilift my champagne glass and down it in one. The fizz sizzles through me and I’m buzzing.

“Way to go, Soul Girl,” Jack says and tops up my glass.

I push off from my barstool and make a show of removing my lacy bra.

My nipples are hard and Bryce’s mouth gapes when I tweak them. I feel like a million dollars as my two heroes look on, grinning as I shimmy out of my panties.

“My God, I’ve missed you so much,” Jack says, his eyes roving as I sway my hips.

“Missed me or missed my pussy?” I stick my tongue out at him.

“I’ve missed everything about you, Alice Rose. Everything… especially your spirit.”

“A spirit that’s now free to do as it pleases, thanks to you two heroes.”

Bryce is nodding along. “You’re special, Alice. Always have been, to me.”

The fact Bryce’s eyes are tearing up makes my heart swell.