Chapter 31 — "No More Sidelines":
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Judy's apartment felt smaller than usual.
Maybe it was the way Evelyn stretched herself lazily across my lap, half-draped, half-curled — her fingers playing with the hem of my shirt as she purred out my name.
"Alaric…"
A soft, sultry murmur that seemed to echo louder than the rain hitting the window.
Judy stood by her kitchen counter, arms folded tight — trying to look like she wasn't paying attention.
But her eyes betrayed her.
They flicked to Evelyn's bare legs… then to the way my hand traced slow, idle patterns on her skin.
I caught her watching.
Held her gaze.
"You're awfully quiet, Judy."
She blinked, straightened.
"Just… making sure you two don't trash my place."
Evelyn smirked — that slow, wicked smile.
"Judy…" Her voice softened, playful.
"Come sit with us."
Judy shook her head, but her smile cracked faint.
"I'm good here."
"Don't be." I said it low, steady.
"Come here."
Evelyn leaned back against me, letting her head rest on my chest — her voice turning to a whisper meant for both of us.
"Not like we haven't both thought about it, Judy."
That landed like a live wire.
Judy's breath caught.
Her lips parted, then pressed tight again.
"Eve…" she started, voice soft.
Evelyn smiled — no mockery, just… warmth.
"I know. I always knew." She reached out her hand toward Judy.
"And I'm not running."
Judy stared at that hand.
At me.
At us.
I reached out too — calm, palm open.
"Your call, Judy."
A long moment passed — her walls cracking, her eyes softening.
Then… she stepped forward.
Her hand slipped into Evelyn's first… then into mine.
And just like that — the dam broke.
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