Ren doesn't answer immediately, his usual quick responses failing him as he actually considers the question.
"It's not like I'm not into it," he admits finally, his voice carrying unexpected honesty. "I just never met a group of men that made me react in such a way."
The confession catches me slightly off guard, though I don't let it show in my expression.
"I didn't expect you to actually admit it," I counter, studying his face for any sign of deception or discomfort. "Especially when your father is in the force and is probably some egotistic bastard who hates people that bend because he raised you straight."
A bitter laugh escapes him, genuine emotion bleeding through his carefully maintained facade.
"I stopped caring about what my father thought, especially in the realms of sexuality, long time ago." His expression hardens slightly, revealing glimpses of the steel beneath his charming exterior. "This system is a tainted bitch and will rip you to shreds whether you like pussy or cock, so who the fuck cares?"
"Agreed," I concede, impressed despite myself at his bluntness. My lips curl into a knowing smirk as I add, "I already knew you bend, cause I saw the footage of you, Matteo, and Sweet Dynamite during your ‘initiation’. Amazing content to masturbate to."
Ren's expression shifts to one of genuine surprise before he mutters.
"I figured scrubbing it wasn't going to do shit."
Another low chuckle escapes me at his disgruntled expression.
"Nah, you did good with scrubbing the evidence." I pause deliberately, letting the moment stretch before adding, "You just gotta be faster."
"I hate you," he groans, running a hand through his teal-streaked hair in frustration.
"Sure you do," I counter smoothly, "but you can get in line cause a lot of fuckers hate the Benedicts." My arms tighten fractionally around Eva's sleeping form, pride evident in my tone as I add, "But here I am, with the love of my life, thriving."
Ren rolls his eyes but sighs, forcing his limbs to work as he rises from the armchair with fluid grace that belies his claimed exhaustion. He crosses the room with measured steps, pausing at the bathroom door before glancing back over his shoulder.
"You gonna join?" The question emerges casual yet charged with unspoken implications.
I smirk, looking down at Eva's sleeping face before returning my gaze to Ren.
"If I can get Eva awake to join, yes."
Ren looks over his shoulder, arching an eyebrow in obvious skepticism.
"She's an injured queen. We shouldn't make it worse."
A laugh escapes me at his sudden concern.
"Bullshit. You can multitask and be gentle when it comes to her, so cut the crap." My eyes deliberately trail down his body, noting the evidence of his lingering arousal. "You're horny as fuck and need to be balls deep so you can think straight before the others arrive, so we're gonna take a nice group shower, and whatever happens, happens. Besides, she’d kill me with Knifey ifI dare left her out of the idea of being sandwiched between two of her Ruthless Kings.
He pouts at the idea of disappointing Eva, making him sigh in defeat.
"I've never been so spontaneous," Ren comments, though the heat in his gaze betrays his interest despite his feigned reluctance.
"You've always been spontaneous," I counter with a knowing smirk, "but maybe you've never been as easygoing about enjoying a threesome with another guy in the mix who doesn't mind some tongue play."
A blush creeps across Ren's cheeks—an unusual sight on our normally unflappable King.
"Whatever," he mutters, looking away to hide his reaction. "Hurry up because this is our last moment to enjoy all the bliss before shit goes down."
"I count on that," I assure him, nodding toward the bathroom. "I'll be joining in a moment."
As he disappears into the bathroom, I look down at Eva, still peaceful in sleep against my chest. Despite the danger lurking on our horizon, despite the war brewing in our absence, I can't help the grim smile that curves my lips.
"We're entering a dangerous game, Sweet Dynamite," I whisper to her sleeping form, already calculating possibilities and strategies for the battles to come.
Already planning the destruction we'll rain down on those who dared try to take her from us.
