Page 87 of Bleed

“I guess I’ll leave you two to it,” I mutter, my skin prickling with humiliation.

I want to scream, throw things, and be every bit the dramatic bitch I am– but honestly, what’s the fucking point? If it wasn’t clear before that this thing with Elliott is strictly a business arrangement, it definitely is now. And for once, I’d rather save face than make a scene.

I risk one last glance at Elliott before turning toward the hallway leading to my bedroom. He quirks a brow, looking genuinely puzzled by my reaction, while Valentina lets out a soft laugh.

“Oh, sweetie, I’m not here for him,” she says, quickly closing the distance between us. A smirk curls her lips as she gazes down at me smugly, resting a hand on my shoulder. “I’m here for you.”

Huh?

Now it’s my turn to look confused. My gaze bounces between the two of them as my liquor-addled brain struggles to make sense of what she means.

“Are you not pleased?” Elliott asks, tilting his head. “Your Bite file indicated you enjoy intimacy with both men and women, and the two of you have been flirting all night.”

I blink at him.

“So… you wanna have a three-way with your ex?” I ask with an incredulous laugh, though as soon as the words leave my mouth, confusion gives way to something else.

Curiosity.

Maybe even excitement.

I’ve never exactly been opposed to group activities. If anything, they’re the sort of glorious bad decision I’d normally dive headfirst into.

Valentina laughs again, shaking her head. “I’d hardly call myself his ex when our relationship existed solely for publicity.”

My head snaps toward Elliott.

He gives a single, matter-of-fact nod.

Well.

That’s certainly information that would’ve been useful about three hours ago.

“Besides,” Valentina continues, her fingertips drifting lightly down my arm. “Eli isn’t much for participation.” Her mouth curves into a feline smile. “He does, however, enjoy watching.”

My eyes find Elliott again. He hasn’t moved– he’s still just standing there with his hands tucked into the pockets of his slacks, shoulders squared, watching us from behind the lenses of his glasses with an intensity that sends a slow shiver down my spine.

Then it finally clicks.

Every loaded glance across the dinner table, every time his attention lingered just a little too long whenever Valentina and I interacted.

Oh my god... he doesn’t think I’m threatened by her, he thinks I’m into her.

Which, to be fair, isn’t entirely wrong.

Still, the whole thing’s so ridiculous that I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing out loud.

Does he actually think he’s doing me a favor right now? Setting me up because he misunderstood the entire situation?

I could correct him.

Or… I could see where this goes.

Valentina closes the last few inches between us, the sweet floral scent of her perfume wrapping around me. “So,” she purrs, “do you want to play, sweet mortal?”

My eyes drift over her face. I can’t deny I’m attracted to her, or that every brush of her fingertips feels electric. It’s been far too long since I’ve been intimate with anyone, and she’s fifty shades of gorgeous. Besides, it’s just harmless fun… right?

Heat unfurls low in my belly as I lift my gaze to Elliott, wetting my lips with my tongue. “Is that what you want?” I ask, voice gone breathy. “To watch?”