In the Arms of the Elite (Rich Boys of Burberry Prep #4) - C.M. Stunich Page 0,67
flicking it expertly into an empty metal bucket near the door. He scoops me up in his arms, the smell of sage and tobacco wafting around me. “If Tristan’s too stupid to take you seriously, then dump him.” He gestures to the side with his chin. “I’ve got something for you in my pocket.”
I reach down and accidentally cup his ass while I’m looking for the pocket opening, and Zayd whistles.
“It was an accident,” I sputter, but he gives me this panty-melting look with half-lidded eyes and a sideways smirk.
“Sure it was. But hey, consent is sexy, and I consent all the fucking way for you to grab my ass.” I roll my eyes at him, and pull out the piece of paper, unfolding it and quickly scanning over the words. It’s his test results, just like Zack’s. “Zayd and Tristan heard me talking about having tests done, and they fucking copied me.” I remember hearing him say that, and I smile.
Happily, Zayd Kaiser is very much clean and healthy.
“Thank you, Zayd,” I say honestly, and then laugh as he carries me into the house and kisses me smack on the lips. Of course, Dad just happens to be standing there when he does it, right next to Windsor.
“Marnye Elizabeth,” he breathes, his face a mask of horror. Because of Jennifer, I know how he feels about cheating, so I push away from Zayd and make him set me on my feet, so I can explain.
“It’s not what it looks like,” I breathe as Zack comes to a stop behind me. I’ve got both palms up in defense. “Dad, I wouldn’t … you know how I feel about cheaters.”
“You and Windsor broke up?” he asks, glancing over at the prince. Wind raises one brow and looks back at Charlie before turning to me with a slight smile. He can’t wait to hear me fumble my way through this one.
Okay, Marnye, you’ve got this. Dad is sick, but he’s not stupid. You can trust him with this.
“Don’t be afraid,” Andrew says, appearing next to me with his chestnut hair buzzed short, a white polo shirt on over a pair of light colored jeans. He smiles at me, and I feel suddenly so much better to have a friend around who I’m not romantically involved with. He leans in close and whispers in my ear. “If I can tell my parents that I’m gay, you can so do this. It’s easy; you got this.”
Andrew moves into the kitchen and reaches for the wine before he realizes that he’s not exactly twenty-one.
“Oh, son, I know you kids all drink,” Dad says with a slight smile. “A glass of chardonnay isn’t going to kill you. Just don’t become an alcoholic like me.”
“Dad!” I choke out as Zack steps forward to stand by my side.
“Your daughter doesn’t drink, not at all,” Zack says, and Charlie’s smile gets just a bit sadder.
“She’s always been one to make prudent choices. Okay, Marnye, tell me what’s going on.”
“I’m … dating five guys,” I say, and what’s left of Dad’s eyebrows goes up. Dad … He glances over at Andrew, and he raises his own hands in defense.
“Oh, no, not me. Definitely not me. I’m more likely to date five guys than your daughter—not that she isn’t fabulous, just …” He shrugs and takes a drink of his wine. I need to know the whole coming out story, that is, if he wants to tell me. I’m going to at least ask. Knowing Miranda she’ll probably hound him relentlessly.
“So,” Charlie starts, looking at Windsor then Zack then Zayd … “These guys and … the Cabot boy, and …”
“And me,” Tristan says, stepping into the room in black shorts, a loose black shirt, and sandals. He doesn’t bother to take off his sunglasses, but he does at least attempt some semblance of a smile.
“You boys …” Dad starts, looking like he’s stuck halfway between fainting and thanking me for being honest. “I didn’t raise my daughter to date bullies.”
Tristan pushes his shades up into his raven dark hair, and I see a black eye there that he most definitely did not have when we left the academy campus on Friday.
“No, I’m sure you didn’t, Mr. Reed, but if you can forgive me for speaking frankly, I’d like to reassure you that your daughter not only handled herself in a matter befitting a lady, but she also kicked our asses before she forgave us.” He tucks his sunglasses into his pocket.