Unraveled (Undone) by Jennifer Dawson

“I think we should have a little fun, don’t you?”
    I giggle. I so love devious Layla. “Oh yes.”
    “I don’t know about you, but I’ve been really put through the paces today.”
    We don’t talk details, because of Michael and mine’s unfortunate sibling relationship, but Layla is the only submissive friend I have. And I know from talking to her, that I’m the same for her. She’s the only person who understands, that I can talk to about these things, and I’m so grateful to have her in my life. So I just try not to think too much about the fact that it’s my brother that’s the orchestrator of her madness.
    “Me too.” I puff out my lip in a pout. “It’s really not fair.”
    “It certainly is not.” Layla tilts her head and her hair flows over her shoulder. “I think it’s only fair we twist the knife a bit, you know, put on a little show for them.”
    A huge smile spreads over my lips. “Michael is going to hate that.”
    Layla’s features twist into exaggerated sympathy. “Awww, poor baby.”
    I roar with laughter. “Let’s go.”
    This is going to be so fun.
     

 
     
     

    Ruby
     
    I sit at the table as the three guys talk around me, all apparently in a hell of a good mood.
    The only person not having a good time is me.
    I’m still reeling from Chad’s revelation. I mean, how can that be? Him of all people? Leo and Michael I get—they have a way about them—but Chad is just an affable, good guy.
    How did I end up the only straight-laced person here?
    “Ruby?” A male voice rips me from my thoughts.
    I blink, finding Michael, Leo and Chad staring at me. I’ve missed something. I frown. “Sorry?”
    Chad points at the waitress, a pretty brunette dressed as an angel in all white. “Do you want something to drink?”
    I wish I had someone monitoring my drinks. I blink again. Where did that come from? I want no such thing. I don’t want anyone telling me what to do. Ever.
    So why did that thought pop into my head? It must be the care in the act. Because I can’t remember the last guy that even opened the door for me.
    That must be it.
    It’s the care, not the intent.
    In a flash of memory, I see my dad, sitting at the table reading his paper, while my mom bustled around him like a happy, little homemaker. It had made me ill. She could have been so much more. Once she’d been a promising violinist, but she’d abandoned all that for my dad.
    She’d given up her dreams. Her goals. Her life. So she could do his bidding.
    I was not that kind of girl.
    “Ruby?” Chad says again. “She’s waiting.”
    The girl flutters her lashes at him and gives him a coy, flirty look.
    Something thuds in my chest. Something I don’t like and refuse to name.
    I clear my throat. “Vodka soda, please.”
    “Coming right up.” The angel girl bites her lip and looks at Chad. “My break’s in a couple hours.”
    Chad grins at her. “I’m sure you’ll find me if you need something.”
    “Oh, I will.” Her tone so full of seduction I have a sudden urge to punch her.
    How does she know he’s not my date? That I’m not a contender?
    She gives him a hungry once over before turning with a swish of her hips, sashaying off with an exaggerated sway for Chad’s benefit.
    That knot sits in my stomach and I pick up a napkin and twist it. I shouldn’t have come. I’m not in the right frame of mind. Instead of something fun and interesting that will appease my curiosity, I’m suffering from a mess of emotions that confuse me.
    Maybe I should make up an excuse and go home.
    But I can’t do that, Layla will insist on following me and I can’t ruin her night. I know how much she’s looking forward to this.
    I’ll slip away when she goes to the private room Brandon arranged for Michael and Layla.
    With an escape planned, the tension in my shoulders eases and I blow out a slow breath.
    Leo raises a brow at Chad. “She looks promising.”
    Chad shrugs, but doesn’t say anything.
    “You can ask