Lover's Roulette, (Forever and Always #6)

by Todd, E. L.

  “Are you going to jack off with it?”

  He smirked. “I might.”

  “Creeper.”

  “But I’ll probably just use your panties instead. They are softer. Especially your dirty ones.”

  “I can’t believe I’m marrying such a gross man.”

  “You like it when I’m gross. If I can put up with you eating shit off the ground and making out with girls, you can accept this sickness.”

  I covered my face, realizing I was about to be ridiculed by my family. “I’m not going down to breakfast.”

  “Why?”

  “I’ll never hear the end of it.”

  He laughed. “You have to face the music sometime.”

  “This is like the worst thing ever. My brother will never, ever stop teasing me about it.”

  Sean shrugged. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Let’s just go home.”

  “Well, you’re going to see them at the wedding.”

  “We won’t invite them.”

  Sean laughed and walked out. “I’m looking forward to breakfast.”

  “Ugh. You’re such a gross pervert!”

  “Once again, I don’t refute that.”

  “Did you delete that video off your phone?”

  He didn’t say anything.

  “Sean?”

  “I will after you go down to breakfast.”

  “You’re blackmailing me?”

  “I’m just giving you some motivation.”

  “No, you’re blackmailing me.” I felt the anger rise up my throat. I didn’t like when people held things over my head. My mom did it with my money for too long.

  Sean saw the change in my face. “Babe, I’ll delete it now,” he said quickly. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

  I sighed in relief. “Thank you.”

  “You know I would never show anyone, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I was just teasing you.”

  “You can tease me without the video.”

  “You really don’t want to see it before I delete it? It’s pretty hot.”

  “No, Sean.”

  “You’re missing out.”

  “You better not jack off to that.”

  “I only jerk off to you, Scarlet. And your panties.”

  “Then you shouldn’t have a problem deleting it.”

  He grabbed his phone from the nightstand and handed it to me. “You can do the honors.”

  I opened it and saw the picture he took of me sleeping. His hand was on my waist and it looked so big in comparison to my small size. My lips were relaxed and my face looked serene. My ring was bright and shiny. When I went to the main screen I saw a collage of pictures of me. He took a new photo of me every morning, making it into a collection. It started as soon as we moved in together. I really was his muse. Sometimes there would be a random picture of something else, like the score of a game or us together at the park, but it was insignificant to all the pictures he had of me. It was stupid for me not to trust him. He would never hurt me. I sighed and handed back the phone. “I trust you, Sean.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Delete it. I don’t need to check.” I placed it in his hand then opened my suitcase.

  He stared at me for a moment before he tossed the phone on the bed and got ready.

  I pulled on a yellow dress that tied around my neck. It had a built in bra and it pushed my breasts together. It reached down to my thighs but was a little loose so it didn’t look to provocative. I only wore it because it looked like the most comfortable thing in the pile.

  I combed my hair and fixed the massacre of tangles. I thought about putting on makeup but I didn’t feel like it. It was always heavy and weighted down my face. I only wore it on special occasions. It felt like paste on my face.

  When I turned to Sean, he was wearing jeans and a gray shirt. It was tight around his shoulders and chest, but loose around his stomach. His thin hips were noticeable. He was staring at me with a look of longing. He grabbed his phone and pointed it at me.

  “Seriously? How many pictures are you going to take?”

  “Shut up and smile.”

  “I’m not photogenic.”

  “My library of pictures says otherwise.”

  “I don’t like it when people take pictures of me.”

  He lowered the phone. “Fine. I’ll do it when you aren’t watching.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I feel like I’m marrying the paparazzi.”

  He came behind me then wrapped his arms around my waist. “You look beautiful.” His hands ran down my dress over my thighs. “I like it when you wear dresses. And I love this color on you.”

  I leaned my head back and looked at him. “I just wanted to be comfortable.”

  “You’re sexy without even trying. That makes you hotter.”

  “Even though I’m not wearing any makeup?”

  “You look gorgeous without it. Why do you think I always take pictures of you in the morning?” He dropped his hands then grabbed his keys and his wallet. “Now let’s head out.”

  I was dreading this. “Oh I forgot something.”

  “What?”

  “Uh, I need to send an email.”

  He grabbed my hand. “Come on.”

  I groaned.

  We left the room then headed down to the lobby. Across from the bar was the restaurant we were meeting at. Groups of guys and girls were stumbling through the lobby, heading to their rooms after a long night of partying. I wore flat sandals today because I knew I would trip and land on my face in heels. A family came into the lobby and approached the front desk with their suitcases in tow. My first thought was confusion. Why would a family have a vacation here?

  Sean guided me into the restaurant and I felt my stomach rise up my throat and land in my mouth. I would hear shit about this all day—no, all year. I couldn’t stand to look at Monnique, knowing what I did.

  They were sitting at the table. Cortland and Mike were facing me. When they saw me, both of their faces broke out into a grin. I felt even more uneasy. My face was turning red and I felt the heat flush over my face.

  Sean pulled out a chair for me, helping me sit down, then took the seat next to me.

  It was absolutely silent. Awkward, I placed my hands in my lap and avoided everyone’s gaze. Monnique sat next to me but she didn’t acknowledge me. Ryan glanced at me a few times but didn’t speak. Janice was slumped in her chair, wearing dark shaded sunglasses even though we were inside. She looked totally hung over.

  Cortland’s smile was stretched wider than I had ever seen it, but that look was nothing compared to Mike’s. He was totally giddy with glee.

  “Okay, I know what you all want to talk about, but I’m just not in the mood so drop it.” I grabbed the menu and looked at it.

  “So, is Monnique a better kisser than Sean?” Cortland asked.

  I ignored him.

  Mike held up his phone. “Hey, Scarlet. I downloaded this song for you and I thought you would like it.” He pressed play and it was a lesbian song by Katy Perry.

  “Shut up, both of you.”

  Cortland leaned forward. “I always knew men were going to come after my girl, but I never thought I would have to keep an eye on the women too—especially women who I thought were straight.”

  “Are you dumping Sean?” Mike asked. “You totally should.”

  “That was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” Cortland said. “You’re welcome to do it anytime.”

  My face was turning redder.

  “Please, please,” Mike said. “I’ll give you a fifty.”

  “Guys, that’s enough,” Sean said. “You got in your jokes, so now let’s enjoy our meal together.”

  I sighed in relief, thankful that Sean intervened.

  “You should kiss Janice too and let us know who you like better,” Cortland said. “You know, experiment some more.”

  I looked at Ryan, realizing he was the only one who
wasn’t making jokes. “How’s Janice doing?”

  He glanced at her. She was practically sleeping at the table. “It took a lot of effort to get her down here.”

  “I’m surprised you aren’t making fun of me.”

  “I can’t get a joke in over these two.”

  “You should elope with Monnique. Forget Sean,” Mike said. “I’ll be one of your witnesses.”

  I sighed. “I have to deal with you too?”

  Ryan smiled. “You thought I would just let it go? This is a lot bigger than eating a hotdog off the ground or not sharing milk products. As your older brother, it’s my duty to make you feel ashamed and embarrassed of all your screw ups.”

  “Thanks for that,” I said sarcastically.

  Mike threw some cash at me. “Kiss her, kiss her.”

  I ignored him and looked at Monnique. “I’m so sorry about last night. I really can’t remember anything, but I’m sure it was my fault.”

  “I can’t remember anything either,” she said with a sigh.

  “Now is your opportunity,” Cortland said. “Refresh your memory.”

  She and I both glared at him.

  Monnique looked at me. “It wasn’t your fault. I’m sure I came onto you.”

  Mike pulled out his phone. “Fortunately for you, I have the video. We can watch it and you ladies can decide.”

  “Delete it, Mike,” Sean said quickly.

  Mike ignored him. He pressed the button on the screen and the video started to play. The sound of the club music could be heard in the background. “Here we go.”

  “Mike, I mean it.” Sean banged his fist on the table.

  “It’s amazing what liquor will do to straight women.”

  Sean jumped out of his chair, grabbed Mike by the throat, then slammed him to the ground. Mike was so caught off guard, he didn’t know what was happening. After he was on the floor, the phone flew out of his hand. Sean smashed his foot down and broke the phone into pieces. He glared at Mike for a long time before he returned to his seat. Everyone in the restaurant looked over at us, watching the commotion.

  Mike stared at him with a shocked expression. After a moment, he rose to his feet then picked up the damaged remains of his phone. “What the hell is your problem?”

  “I told you to delete it. You should have listened to me.”

  “So you destroy my shit?”

  “I’ll buy you a new one,” Sean said calmly.

  “That’s not the point. I wasn’t going to show anyone or put it on the web or something. Scarlet is my sister. You really think I would do that after I fucking risked my life for her? Fuck you, Sean.”

  “Then you shouldn’t have had a problem deleting it.”

  “I was joking around.”

  “Well, it’s over and done with now.”

  Mike took his seat then dropped the broken pieces of his phone on the table. “I’m getting an upgrade, asshole.”

  “Fine.”

  I felt bad that Mike’s phone was broken, but I was relieved that the video was gone forever. I didn’t want that hanging over my head. Monnique didn’t seem to have a problem with it, but it practically gave me a panic attack. I leaned into Sean. “Thank you for taking care of it.”

  “No problem, babe. I don’t want anyone to see it anyway.” He looked at Cortland. “Any other videos?”

  Cortland pulled his phone from his pocket then slid it to Sean. “Delete it, but don’t break my phone.”

  Sean opened the screen, found the video, deleted it, then slid the phone back. “That won’t be necessary.” He glared at Mike. “That’s what you should have done.”

  “Fuck you,” Mike snapped.

  Sean looked at Ryan. “Hand it over.”

  Ryan raised an eyebrow. “What kind of sick motherfucker do you think I am? You think I would record a lesbian video of my goddamn sister?”

  “Good point,” Sean said. “Sorry.”

  “I didn’t even watch them,” Ryan said.

  “Then why didn’t you stop me?” I asked.

  “Why didn’t your fiancé stop you?”

  I looked at Sean. “Why didn’t you?”

  He shrugged. “I didn’t think it was a big deal. So what? You kissed a girl. It’s a fun story. You went to Vegas and had a good time.”

  “I cheated on you.”

  “No,” he said. “That wasn’t cheating.”

  “I made out with another person. That constitutes cheating.”

  “But it was with a girl.”

  “So?”

  “It’s different.”

  I rolled my eyes. “It’s the same thing, but whatever. I wouldn’t want you to make out with Cortland.”

  Sean and Cortland both grimaced at the thought.

  “Gross. Stop talking like that,” Mike said. “Let’s get back to the good stuff.”

  “You had some laughs, but now we’re done with that,” I said.

  Cortland shook his head. “You know better than anyone that we’re never done.”

  “Drop it for now,” Sean commanded.

  Everyone fell silent then looked at their menu. I was relieved that it was finally over—for now. I looked at the menu but didn’t see anything appetizing. Sean read my mind and ordered something for me. Janice leaned on Ryan and fell asleep. Ryan had to shake her awake. Monnique was quiet through breakfast. She said she didn’t blame me for our lesbian encounter, but I was still worried that I made her upset.

  “Wait. Why isn’t anyone picking on Monnique?” I asked.

  Monnique looked at me. “I was grilled for an hour before you decided to show up. And Cortland didn’t intervene for me like Sean did.”

  The food was brought to us but I barely picked at it, too nauseated to eat anything.

  Sean leaned toward me. “Come on, babe. A few bites.”

  “I’m not hungry right now.”

  “It’ll make you feel better. I promise.”

  “I want to be thin for our wedding day.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “You are thin, Scar. You’re perfect the way you are. You’ve never cared about that superficial bullshit so don’t start now.”

  “You’re a chubby chaser now?”

  “I’m a Scarlet chaser. I like your curves. I make that very clear in the bedroom.”

  I blushed and looked down.

  He leaned close to my ear. “A girl couldn’t have a rack like that if she was skin and bones. Believe me, I like it when you eat.” His hand slid down to my ass. “I like having something to grab onto.” He kissed my cheek then moved away. He shoveled his entire breakfast down his throat like a bear.

  “So, what’s the plan for today?” Ryan asked.

  Mike looked at me. “I say we get wasted again.” He had a perverted smile on his lips.

  “I don’t want to do anything today,” I said.

  “Me too,” Monnique said.

  Janice moaned her agreement.

  “Let’s hit the pool and lay in the sun,” I offered.

  “That’s a plan,” Monnique said. She glared at Cortland. “No boys allowed.”

  “You won’t even know we’re there,” Mike said. “You’ll just see the red light from my video camera.”

  Sean glared at him, silently threatening him.

  “They have a basketball court in the gym,” Ryan said.

  “For real?” Cortland asked.

  “Let’s play,” Mike said. “We have perfect teams.”

  “Thank god,” Monnique said. “We can finally get rid of them.”

  Sean looked at me. “Is that okay, babe?”

  “You don’t have to ask my permission.” We’ve never been that type of couple. I never asked Sean’s permission to do anything. I did what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it.

  “I just wasn’t sure if you wanted to be alone today since you don’t feel well.”

  “Oh. I’ll be fine. I have my girls.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Okay.�
��

  I vaguely remembered dancing with Sean on the floor and pretending we were on a first real date. It was after that when everything became blurry. Sean held me so tight while we moved, his hips swayed to the music, and he made me feel so sexy. “You’re a good dancer.”

  “What?”

  “Last night. I didn’t know you could dance.”

  “It comes naturally with you.”

  “So that was our first date?”

  “Yep. And I didn’t even score.”

  “You scored this morning.”

  “Doesn’t count.”

  “I’m sorry I ruined your streak.”

  “My streak?”

  “Your goal to sleep with a girl on the first date.”

  “That streak has been over for a long time, Scar. Now my goal is to make love to my wife every chance I get.”

  I smiled at him then looked away, moved by his words.

  He kissed my neck then moved his lips to my ear. “I want to make love to you right now.”

  “You always want to,” I whispered.

  “You’re right. I do.”

  Sean was always so affectionate and loving with me. It surprised me how much our relationship had changed. Now it felt like we were never friends. He had hurt me so much in the past, breaking my heart twice. I thought I would never recover, but I somehow did and was able to forgive him and love him again. As long as he never hurt me again, it was the best decision I ever made.

  “Uh, hello?” Ryan asked.

  “What?” Sean said as he pulled away from my neck.

  “We were in the middle of a conversation.”

  “Like you’ve never cut me off to screw Janice,” I said.

  “Not once. At least in a restaurant,” Ryan said.

  “We’ll play ball, shower, then hit the bar and watch the game, then we’ll head up to the room and play poker,” Cortland said. “Is that cool, Sean?”

  “That’s absolutely perfect. Exactly what I wanted to do for my bachelor party.”

  “I’m sending some strippers to the room,” Mike said.

  “I’ll beat the shit out of you,” Sean said.

  “Seriously, is this an anniversary party or a bachelor party?” Mike said.

  “I’m already a married man,” Sean said. “No strippers, hookers, vaginas—nothing. I mean it.”

  Mike rolled his eyes. “Man, this sucks.”