Page 92 of Lost & Found

From the way their expressions tightened, I could tell the questions weren’t finished. Curiosity had sharpened into something heavier. Three grown men stared at me like I’d just described seeing a damned UFO.

“And Isabella is okay with all that? You and Kinsley?” Chase asked.

His question startled me. I shifted my weight, suddenly aware of how exposed this conversation made me feel. But the truth was, at one time, I’d been the one asking the questions. I’d been confused, intrigued, and unsure where the lines actually were.

But that was before I understood that the lines were the point. And Isabella? Isabella and I weren’t even technically together. There was no clean answer to give. The truth? She liked to watch Kinsley and me dance.

I’d caught her more than once, eyes intent, cheeks flushed as she drew us, breath heavier than usual. She studied every movement we made. Just like Nik. Just like Sebastian. Standing there, though, in the light of day and under these men’s scrutiny, the detail hit differently.

It turned her on, too.

The thought slid in uninvited.

“I’m sorry,” Trent said, shaking his head. “This is fascinating. You dance with this woman and one of her guys gets off on it? Like literally?”

His tone wasn’t mocking. It was more disbelief. But something in me snapped tight.

“This conversation is over,” I said, my Russian accent making an appearance as emotion took over.

Silence followed.

Reggie cleared his throat. “No wonder the relationship with you and Hannah ended. Makes sense now.”

Breathe. In and out. Just like Marcel taught you.

Master your anger. Just like Sebastian trained you.

“Our relationship ended for a thousand reasons,” I replied, feeling the control rush into place. “Game night just put a spotlight on things that were already cracked and broken.”

I met Chase’s eyes. “And Hannah agreed to every rule before she stepped into the room. There were no surprises waiting to blindside her. She was fully aware of how the game was played.”

Chase scratched his jaw. “Yeah, well…if your new girl is fine with another woman grinding on you, you’re living the dream.”

That was enough for me to lose it. He crossed a line and, control or no control, I couldn’t let it go unchecked. “Fuck you,” I said, jaw tight as I stepped toward him.

He lifted both hands. “Whoa. Relax. I’m joking. We’re curious. Maybe a little jealous, if we’re being honest.”

He shot Reggie a look. There was a moment of uncomfortable laughter as the group tried to right itself again.

“Hell, maybe I should’ve had you plan the bachelor party instead of this guy.” Chase slapped Reggie on the back.

“If you mention Kinsley in any capacity connected to your bachelor party,” I said, locking eyes with him, “I’ll break your jaw.”

The air shifted. Chase straightened. He exhaled and then pivoted. “Okay. Okay. Message received. But just so you know, it’s not because I’m scared of you. It’s more that beast of hers, he carries a blade, right?” He scrubbed a hand over his face.

The tension in my shoulders loosened inch by inch. I rolled them once, jaw unclenching as the conversation finally shifted. I used to think I fit in with them seamlessly.

And maybe I did—once. But standing there now, with the sun beating down on me, I knew for sure I no longer did.

“Yes. And he taught Kinsley how to use it. She’s lethal.”

“Really, she is so sweet, though,” Chase said.

“Sweet and trained aren’t mutually exclusive.”

“Your girl knows how to use one?” Trent asked.

My gaze sharpened. “You best believe she does.”