Second-Hand Dresses

Chapter 36: Negotiations

A long-lasting relationship cannot be built in the heat of passion, it must be anchored in a foundation of trust and communication.

—Jator Marisaf-Punasar

With a blush on her cheeks, Lily finished pouring the third glass of Cauten 94. A few wisps of condensation rose up from the fruity blush wine. She set the chilled bottle back into the vase with a tiny cooling rune on the bottom before picking up the three glasses and carrying them into the front room of the store.

Kendrick took his. He still wore his black suit. That wasn't out of place but he had obviously washed it. She caught the scent of the same soap from the shower area. His outfit was damp in a few places, but she couldn't tell if it was from the shower or his own magic.

Mindil plucked hers from Lily's other hand before settling back into one of the small couches Lily had in her store front. One leg was hooked up, the fabric bunched at her hip to reveal her soaked panties. The look she gave Lily sent a shiver of desire down her spine.

Lily hesitated as she tried to decide where to sit. Both Kendrick and Mindil were on the two small couches. She had room to sit next to either one but she didn't know which one. It felt like she was on the cusp of some decision, one she hoped to never make.

Unwilling to choose, she grabbed a chair and pulled it to the front of them, positioning herself between two of the loves in her life.

Kendrick chuckled and leaned back, stretching one arm across the back of the couch. The muscles of his arms pulled the fabric taut, highlighting the cords of his strength. Her body grew warmer as she remembered nestling into those very arms while he made love to her on his makeshift bed.

Turning away, she blushed even hotter. "Sorry."

"For what?"

"I... I...." She didn't want to admit she couldn't choose between either of them. Or for wanting Hasan either, now that she was given permission.

"Nothing."

Lily's eyes trailed over to Mindil who slowly lifted one leg, hooking it as she pressed it against the back of the couch. The fabric of her skirt, already disheveled, slid down her thigh to reveal more of the wet patch on her panties. A few damp hairs stuck out of the elastic, reminding Lily that her fingers were there only a few minutes ago.

None of them said anything.

The seconds passed by in awkward silence.

Lily didn't know how to address it. She could catch whiffs of Mindil's pussy drifting around her when she sipped her wine, the sweet taste was caught on her fingers. At the same time, she didn't know how to explain or even respond to Kendrick's wry response.

She cleared her throat. "I... um...." Her blush grew hotter.

Mindil raised an eyebrow and gave a slight, imperceptible nod toward Kendrick.

Relieved, Lily nodded.

"So, Kendrick, you into boys?"

Kendrick's eyes never left Lily's face. "Not the first thing I look for in the morning, but I've had a few years to try it out."

"In the jail?" Mindil said with a purr. Her legs ground together.

Kendrick finally looked away and smiled. "We had a lot of time to kill. There are some entertainment that is cheap and easy. It was either that or playing dice or reading one of the three books."

Mindil's lips parted with surprise as she froze. She obviously was thinking something else.

Kendrick grinned. "Though, I'm not sure you really want Hasan and me in the same bed."