Amputate - Bella StineAdeaAfter taking at least a dozen deep breaths, I pushed my door open and walked toward the kitchen. Gabe had his back turned to me. He wore black slacks and a fitted black polo. It showed off his arms and highlighted his body. He was making us a fresh batch of coffee, and I groaned as the aroma hit me. Nothing topped the smell of freshly ground beans. Hopping on the first stool, I leaned over and grabbed the first croissant I could reach.“Good morning. You were up early,” I said.“More like I was up late,” Gabe chuckled.He turned, made his way around the counter, and handed me a cup of coffee. It was frothy. I took a small sip and sighed. Perfection. Gabe made the best coffee. He was busy grabbing his croissants when I put my cup down.“Are you saying you didn’t go to sleep? At all?” I asked.“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying, Ady,” Gabe hummed.“When did you get in?” I asked.“When I told you I got croissants,” he said.Looking at Gabe, we locked eyes an
The three of us sat in silence for a minute while Leo walked into the kitchen and fixed himself a plate. He kept his eyes down while he poured himself a cup of coffee. Gabe offered him a seat next to me, but Leo said he preferred to stand. He sipped from his coffee and he sneaked glances at Gabe.“What are you doing here?” Gabe asked.“I… missed you,” Leo whispered. I picked up my croissant and took my first bite while they talked.“You just had me,” Gabe said suggestively.“I did,” Leo murmured. I didn’t need to look at him to know he was blushing.“Multiple times,” Gabe continued. I choked on my croissant.“Leo doesn’t choke,” Gabe teased.“Gabe!” I gasped, only making me choke some more. My best friend laughed as he thumped on my back.“I speak the truth,” Gabe said.“Well the truth is TMI,” I hissed. Gabe shrugged.“You should have slept in,” Gabe said, turning back to Leo.“I wasn’t tired,” Leo said.“Lies,” Gabe hummed.“He wanted to see you. Leave him alone,” I said in his defe
AdeaNot even twenty-four hours since I’d slept with Chance had passed, but why did it feel like it had been a while? I sighed as we headed toward the bakery I was meeting Mavy at. Never mind. I know why. Every minute I spent with Shane felt like a gift—bad or good. When he was in front of me, he had my full attention. All I saw was him. Nothing else mattered. I felt a tinge of guilt being on Chance’s arm. Not because I was most likely hurting him, but because I felt like I was cheating on Shane.How sick is that?What made this situation worse was knowing Chance was aware of what I’d done. I knew he could scent Shane on me, knew he could smell his cum and how it mixed with his own. I should feel like a shitty person, but I don’t. I never promised him more than his sessions.Last night wasn’t part of the plan, but Chance wasn’t ever supposed to be. I never swore my loyalty to him and I’m not the one who serves him. It’s the other way around. It’s twisted, but I feel comforted by Chanc
“Chance…” I trailed off.This walk was meant to be light, but had been nothing but heavy and intense. I knew what I was doing was wrong, but maybe I knew Chance’s words rang truer than I was ready to admit. Maybe that’s why I hadn’t even tried to push him away. I knew what to expect when it came to Shane.He had already broken my heart more than once in the short time he’d entered it. While he’d been the biggest of alpha-holes, he’d been up front with me. He had made no promises other than bloodshed for the men that had been in my life before him. He’d told me we would never be a thing, so even as my heart ached for him, I gripped Chance’s arm tighter.Deep down, I knew Shane would only bring me heartbreak. I knew he wouldn’t be with me in the end. I gave him my heart, knowing he’d eventually shatter it. He would leave me on my knees and never look back. My vision blurred, but I swiped them away as the bakery came into view.Despite the direction our conversation had led, there was no
AdeaI planned this brunch, expecting to have an awkward conversation with Mavy, and then not have to do it again. But after the night I’ve had with Shane, I was hoping to get some information on him from his sister. When Mavy said she had an idea, I didn’t think she’d invite me for a sleepover. I’ve never had close girlfriends, so I don’t know what’s normal.My jaw was on the table and my mind ran wild. I barely know her and she’s asking me to sleep over? Of course, I want to sleep over. My reasons are not based on friendship and I feel a little guilty. I know I shouldn’t, but I had hoped Shane may have told her about me, but now I see he hasn’t. Otherwise she would have said something, right? She is his sister and if things had gone the way they were supposed to when you found your mate, I would be trying to get close to her. I’d want her to like me. I picked my jaw off the table and resigned myself to what I knew I wanted, even if it was ludicrous.“Your brother won’t mind an uninv
The streets are busy and people are pouring in and out of the shops. I just finished having brunch when people are hunting for places to sit down for dinner. Glancing down at what I’m wearing, I inspect my clothing. I don’t want to go back home and change, but I will if my clothes are stained. It doesn’t matter how careful I am when I eat, I always happen to stain myself without fail. My light blue long sleeve sweater is tucked into my white skirt. I’m surprised to find them still spotless despite the hole in my chin. Pulling my bun loose, I let my hair free from the bun I’d put it in this morning. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve always preferred my hair down. Letting out a sigh of relief because I was worried I’d have to go back and walk in on Leo and Gabe getting it in. My phone dinged, pulling me from the unwelcome vision of my best friend dominating Leo. I cringe as I lift my phone. The screen lights up with Donny’s name. Unlocking it, I opened his message. Donny: Hey, P**e. Wy
We hit a bit of traffic when we got off the freeway, but it eventually cleared. The sun was beginning its descent, but birds were still flying and the sky hadn’t darkened. We weren’t in Auburn anymore. Other than all the tall buildings, the roads were busy, and there were at least triple the amount of people out walking around. Winding roads curved left and right, spiraling until something sparkly caught my eye. They widened, and I gasped as I leaned forward. The sea. Donny brought me to the ocean. He slowed as we reached a sign that read Alki Beach. We passed by beach goers. People were playing volleyball, sitting and drinking hot chocolate, and others were barbecuing.Could they even do that?I was buzzing with excitement when I turned to him. Our eyes locked briefly, and he had a sheepish smile on his face. The smile on my own was genuine. Leaning over, I pressed a chaste kiss to his
AdeaGood company, food that hits, in a place where all you want to do is cuddle up around the fire was the sweetest date I’ve ever had. I can’t help but laugh, my shoulders shaking, as I remember that this is my first date. Our plates and bowls sit just off the blanket as waves crash. The gentle giant by my side bumps me with his shoulder, pulling me from my thoughts. I lift my chin to look up into kind brown eyes.“I’m not so bad,” Donny said confidently.“Woah there, cowboy. This date isn’t over yet,” I teased.“I can tell you’re having a good time,” Donny said cheekily.“Oh, yeah?” I asked. His arm wrapped around me as he gave me a squeeze.“Your eyes say everything, pepe,” he said with a rumble.“That’s either a