I nodded, taking his comment to mean without the teenagers, and I watched as everyone waited for him to pick up his fork to eat. Once he had, everyone else began to as well. It was so odd, like we were dining with the Queen of England instead of a Chicagoan businessman. I didn’t know what he sold other than sushi, but apparently, it was a lot.
It was quiet as we ate, and I tried not to think about the fact I’d slept with two people in this room. Nope, that wasn’t awkward at all. Scratch that, I realized. I’d let another one eat me out, and another one finger fuck me as a stranger in a public club. And when I actually thought about it, I’d let another hold me up against a wall while he pilfered my village. Shit. I have had sexual encounters with all five men. I just conveniently kept forgetting about the one with Atticus. It was easier to pretend that way and not want his hands on me again. Shifting, I was surprised when a voice spoke up, causing me to jump, nailing my knee into the table.
“Is the food not to your liking, Mrs. Carter?”
Atticus’ voice had my face blooming even redder after the last thought I’d had. “Oh no, it’s lovely.”
“Is something else the matter then, Spitfire?” Sax smirked, lifting an eyebrow at me.
“Nope, nope.” I shook my head, emphasizing my point. The guys chuckled at my response, and I wanted to fall onto the floor and hide under the table, but my conversation with Imogen came back to me, reminding me what I was fighting for.
I could do this. I would own it. I wasn’t ashamed of the things I’ve done. In fact, I was proud of them. So, instead of being embarrassed, I held my head high, knowing that at one time or another, every single man at the table, not counting Jude, had wanted me.
That was a power I wanted to build on. Smiling, I lifted my head and stared right back at Atticus.