“Are you warning me or just telling me to be cautious?” I ask, my brows knitting together. If anyone was going to educate me, it would be Orion. He’s a popular kink educator, so I know his advice is sound.
“Mostly just to be cautious. In their circles, you’re an outsider—what we refer to as a unicorn. With regards to polyamory, a unicorn is a person who is invited into a relationship with an existing couple. It can be problematic because the couple can make demands but the unicorn can’t do anything that could cause any inconvenience for the couple. In other instances, a unicorn is brought in to patch any problems the couple might have.”
My face is hot as I take a sip of the water I haven’t touched all night.
“A unicorn,” I repeat under my breath, rolling the word around like it doesn’t quite fit.
I hadn’t thought about it like that. Not until now. Orion’s not wrong—Julian and Sophie were established long before I ever came back into their lives. I’m the addition, the extra… the guest.
Is that what I am to them? Briefly closing my eyes, Julian’s words from the gym come back to me.
How does it feel to be used? Payback’s a bitch, isn’t it?
Without realizing it, Orion has somehow exposed my deepest insecurity about all of this. Because at the end of the day, theyarean established couple. They’re married, and I’m an outsider.
Just like with my family.
Just like at my job.
I’ve always been someone on the outside, looking in, and I suppose I just have to hope that Julian’s apology and conviction last weekend about bringing me into their relationship was real.
Because it was.
I felt it.
I just can’t shake the feeling that at the end of the day, I’ll be the one left standing alone.
“You know, some unicorns end up taking over the castle. Don’t sell yourself short, Kai. They wouldn’t have invited you in if they didn’t already want more. It takes work from all parties.”
“I appreciate the cautionary advice,” I tell Orion, giving him a small smile.
“And just so you don’t think I’m trying to be negative, I really like them. Sophie and Julian. I hope it all works out for the three of you.”
“Thanks, little brother,” I say, giving him a fist bump.
“You okay to walk home?” he asks, standing. “I told Layla I’d meet her at Inferno.”
I nod. “Yeah, I’ll be fine. But I don’t think I’m going home.”
We walk out together, and I wave goodbye to him as a warm breeze settles through the air. It’s crackling with energy, or maybe it’s just me and my nerves.
Pulling my phone out, I send a text to Sophie.
I know I shouldn’t need their reassurance. I tell myself I’m fine either way.
But I also know I won’t believe it until I hear Sophie’s voice.
Hey, can I come over?
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
THE BOOTY CALL
Sophie
Malakai
Hey, can I come over?
