The Sextet Presents... Bound by Voodoo [Legends] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Mellanie Szereto Read Free Book Online Page B

been able to extend her life a few months, but terminal meant death in the end, no matter the expense or effort. He couldn’t blame her for being brave enough to face her fate head-on. His dad hadn’t handled it half as well.
    If she could muster the courage to die, Barrett could handle spending an evening with his new neighbors. He’d act like nothing had happened.
    Gulping down his coffee, he tossed the last few pretzels in the trash and put the lid on the peanut butter. After he finished organizing his office, he’d buy enough groceries to eat like an adult instead of pathetic college student.
    A morning of setting up his current project in solitude and silence calmed his hyped-up nerves. He could’ve been the only resident in the building from the lack of voices and normal sounds, and it didn’t bother him in the least. Deep into writing a program, he often holed up late at night to avoid interruptions.
    His notebooks lay scattered on the desk, ready for random scribblings related to his work. The whiteboard hung on the adjacent wall, and manuals lined the built-in bookshelves. The space was his new home away from home.
    A knock at the door sent his pulse jumping. Taking a slow breath, he walked to the door to let in his visitor.
    Winston stood in the hall, his hands stuffed in the pocket of his hooded sweatshirt. “Want to get lunch with me? I think we need to clear up a few things after last night.”
    Giving a half shrug, Barrett patted his pants pocket for his keys. He locked his eyes on a point over the other man’s shoulder to keep from studying the body of the guy who’d sucked his nipples earlier. “Look, I like Rory. I was there when the jerks in high school made jokes about her behind her back. The guys couldn’t see past her…endowments, and the girls called her a slut because she had the body of a centerfold at fifteen. Add the blonde hair, and well…She was smart and nice, but they treated her like shit, just like they did to me—except I was the nerd. You have no reason to protect her from me.”
    His hand extended, Winston sighed. “Yeah, I know. I’m sorry for being an ass.”
    Almost afraid to shake his hand, Barrett hesitated. “Do you mind if I ask if you like her too? Is that the problem?”
    Winston glanced down the hall and back again. “I’d rather not get into a discussion here.”
    “Okay. Where do you want to go for lunch?” Stepping into the corridor, Barrett pulled the door closed and checked the lock.
    I can do this. It’s not like I actually had sex with him. And Miles. And Rory.
    “How about the pub on the next block? Decent sandwiches and cold beer. It’s not usually very busy this time of day on a Saturday.”
    “Sounds fine.” Barrett fell into step beside Winston, his pulse thumping in his ears and his muscles tensing at the occasional brush of their arms. When they exited the building, he put a little more space between them. “Nobody can overhear now. What’s the issue? You like her? Miles likes her?”
    Following the sidewalk, Winston was quiet long enough that Barrett wasn’t sure he was going to answer any of the questions. “Miles and I both like her, but we agreed not to pursue more than friendship with her to avoid the awkward problems of breakups and jealousy, that kind of stuff. You put a new twist in the dynamics.”
    “If it helps, I’m not interested in a casual fling. I’ve liked her for a long time, and seeing her again after all these years…This seems like the right time to find out if she’s the girl I want to get serious with.”
    Winston nodded as he entered the pub, holding the door open for Winston. He aimed for a table in the corner. “I’m thinking of selling.”
    The waitress interrupted Barrett’s opportunity at an immediate response. “What can I get you to drink?”
    Holding up two fingers, Winston ordered. “I’ll have a draft. That okay, Barrett?”
    “Sure.” Barrett waited for the server to head to the bar before