Page 41 of Emeric

“Not at all.”

Sylvan lifted his hand and tentatively petted Celeste’s back. The cat had no shame and leaned into his touch, butting his hand with her head when he stopped. The smile that bloomed on his face had my heart beating faster. It made me want to get a cat for Sylvan. I wouldn’t, since I had no clue if he’d even want one.

He could buy anything he wanted, and yet here I sat, trying to think of how I could give him the world. It wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last. When I glanced at Emeric, his eyes were on me. A soft smile appeared.

Between the two of them, I was in far deeper than I realized. Being here, watching them interact with my family, solidified a lot and made it more real. We were doing this, the three of us. We were in a relationship and were going to make it work.

Glancing toward my parents, they were both wearing matching looks that confirmed they knew I was with both men. It was pretty much a given anyway. I didn’t often bring people to meet my family.

I worried I’d have to take my mom aside and tell her that we were in a relationship and not to make a big deal out of it. But I didn’t need to do that now. It was obvious by the look on Emeric's face, and the one I had, that this wasn’t merely a friendship.

I thought we were out of the woods, but…

“So, this is nice,” my mom said. “I was waiting for one of you to tell me, since my son didn’t seem to want to do so.” There was a production to be made of it now. “Have you talked about what kind of protection you’ll use during sex?”

Oh my god. I didn’t know what to say. On the one hand, this was par for the course. On the other hand, I couldn’t believe she said it.

I looked at Sylvan, whose mouth had dropped open.

Without missing a beat, Emeric calmly said, “We haven’t discussed it yet, but rest assured, I’ve been tested. Whether or not we use a condom is up to us though.” He knew my mom was fucking with us, and he played along. I wanted him even more because of it.

“I respect your need for privacy. I admire that you wouldn’t come out and tell me, even though it’s obvious I’m just messing with you. It’s nice to have you in our home.”

My dad smiled. “I agree. Well done. You have no idea how nerve-racking it is waiting to see what she’d say to the three of you. Ollie expects it, but you don’t know us well enough to anticipate it. The business professional in you really shined there. Congrats on keeping a straight face.”

Emeric broke character and let out a breath, leaning back in the chair. He chuckled. “That wasn’t easy. Props to Colleen for bringing it up. I’m not sure if I would have been able to if it were my child.”

My mom leaned her arm on the table. “Speaking of a future, do you have plans beyond getting my son in bed, or are you thinking long term about what your lives would look like with the three of you? It won’t be easy. I don’t need to tell you that. Three people in a relationship isn’t something everyone will accept.”

“I assure you, I don’t give a solitary fuck what other people think.”

“I like you more by the minute. You too, Sylvan, but you already knew that.” She sent him a wink.

18

SYLVAN

This night was everything I didn’t think to imagine. Not only was I welcomed into Oleander’s parents’ home, but I felt like I belonged there with him and Emeric. It was warmth, coziness, joy, and somewhere I loved.

I missed my mom every day, but being with Colleen and Davis filled a part of me. I knew every person they welcomed in would add to their ever-expanding family.

“You’re happy,” Oleander said as we drove to my house after dinner.

“Your parents are wonderful. I haven’t belonged like that in a long time.”

“Maybe you haven’t felt like it, but I can assure you, every day you belong with Jordan and the rest of us. You might not sense it as much since you’re in the safe house. You’re thought of by me.”

“And me,” Emeric added. “I’m not part of the whole mafia whatever the fuck you call it. I’m more on the fringes. You’re mine too, Syl.”

Oh my god, they were going to make me cry. My eyes became misty, so I turned to look out the window. They wouldn’t be able to see, given it was dark out. The sun had set while we were still at the house.

Oleander reached over, palm up, to offer me his hand. I readily took it, threading my fingers with his. He gave me a gentle squeeze, his eyes on the road ahead.

“Do you two have time to come in, or do you need to go back to the city?” I asked.

“I can stay. Em?”

“I’m good.”