“It’s called favoritism,” Rose chimes in, her hand clasped firmly in her husband’s.
“Favoritism is bullshit,” Ryke says.
“I agree,” Rose announces. Though infrequent, I hate when she teams up with Ryke. It’s like two bulldozers headed in your direction. Having them on opposite sides is easier.
“Bullshit aside,” Connor says, passing through this discussion quickly. “Who’s starting the game?”
“Lily should,” Poppy says, gesturing to Lil who’s been really quiet for the most part. In group discussions, she’s more like the observer, not as loud or as brash. Her cheeks flush red at all the attention placed on her.
“Uhh…” Her head whips around, trying to find a person to ask a question to. Her back straightens as she grows more confident with her thoughts.
“Rose,” she says.
Rose crosses her ankles, alert like she’s about to answer some collegiate quiz question. Of course she’s happy to be participating.
“Truth or dare?”
“Truth,” she says instantly.
“Unsurprising,” I add, just to tick her off.
Her yellow-green eyes drill into me.
“Umm,” Lily says, and her face just keeps reddening and reddening. I can’t read her mind, but I have a suspicion what’s rolling around her head.
I whisper in her ear, “It can be a sex question.” That’s the point of this game. It gets dirty.
Lily’s eyes flicker nervously to Sam. Yeah, she’s known him for a long time. It’s like speaking to an older brother, slightly estranged since you don’t know his likes and dislikes or the other side of his family. What makes it more awkward: he’s close with Greg since they work together.
Sam checks his phone, as though he’s hoping this will end soon so none of us embarrass ourselves.
“Oh noble Captain America,” I say dryly, “cover your ears.”
Sam pockets his cell. “Why?”
“You’re like her older brother, and you work with her dad.”
Confusion blankets his face.
Jesus Christ. “Do I need to spell it out for you?”
Still blank.
“S…E…” I start.
“Got it,” he says, avoiding Lily’s gaze. “Should she really be talking about that at all?”
Lily’s chest collapses.
“Yes,” I snap. “She’s a human being and human beings ask sex questions during truth or dare.”
Sam shakes his head at me. “I don’t.”
“Then you must be a reptile, Sammy. Go slither away.”
“Lo,” Poppy cuts in. “Be nice.”
“Yes, Mother,” I say back. I look at Sam. “Father. Are you going to ground me too?”
Sam is as unamused as me. I won’t let anyone shame Lily. I get that he’s confused about her sex addiction. Most people are, but their doubts plant something in her head. He can say that shit out loud when she’s not around. Fine. But she’s not in a good place to be welcoming comments from the fucking peanut gallery.
Daisy adds to the group, “I think anything should be game. It usually is.”
“I’m just more reserved around you girls,” Sam realizes.
“Which is why I told you to cover your ears,” I say with less edge.
A light bulb goes off in his head like I get it now. Most of us are too comfortable with each other, and he’s starting to understand that. So he nods but never plugs his ears, taking the risk.
“Okay, I have it,” Lily cuts in, her hands on my knees. She clears her throat. “Rose, what position do you like the best?” Lily smiles more, able to ask this without stumbling over words.
Rose clutches Connor’s hand so forcefully that his skin begins to turn purple. Lily bringing up the sex tapes would’ve been worse for Rose and way more awkward, so Lily went easy.
“My favorite position is Connor’s least favorite position,” she says.
“This isn’t called lie or dare, darling.” Connor fixes her hair over one shoulder, her neck bare.
Rose purses her lips, her collarbones protruding from her black dress. “Fine…my favorite position is missionary.” She pauses briefly. “With a few alternations.”
And just like that—Connor looks ready to fuck her across the couch.
I can’t shut my mouth. Habit. “Meaning handcuffs, whips and yes sirs.”
Rose lunges for me—what the hell.
I instinctively flinch back while Connor seizes her around the waist—right before she catapults across the fucking table. She’s incredibly pregnant and acting like she’s a pole jumper in the Olympics.