The statement dropped like a bomb at the dinner table, leaving Ryan and me staring at each other, totally floored.
'What the hell does this mean? Am I just a stepping stone for their careers?' I thought.
Sure, I wouldn't mind hooking up with Sophia, but if Scarlett was just using me for her own gain, how was I any different from a hired gigolo? Suddenly, I felt a bit queasy. Was I just a pawn in their game?
One was chasing readers, the other was chasing cash.
"Isn't this a bit much? David hasn't even had a serious relationship yet," Ryan said, looking awkward.
"Isn't this perfect? It'll help David up his game in bed, so he won't be as useless as you when he gets a girlfriend." Scarlett shot Ryan a disdainful look, then gave me a knowing glance when he wasn't looking. Was she hinting that I needed to learn some bedroom skills from Sophia before getting with her?
No way, did she really think that low of me? Just by size and stamina, I was definitely more impressive than Ryan!
Then it hit me—what she said earlier about introducing me to a beautiful woman. Was she talking about Sophia?
Damn it! I thought she meant someone like me who hadn't had sex before! And now she was talking about a woman who'd been married for almost ten years?
After ten years of marriage, Sophia's body must've changed, right? Sophia and Scarlett's bodies must be quite different; just thinking about it was a turn-off.
So why did Scarlett say Sophia was a beauty like her?
I shot Scarlett an angry look, feeling stupid for believing her earlier.
In my frustration, I pressed my toes against Scarlett's crotch, squeezing her thick labia and twisting to the right.
Scarlett winced, squeezing her legs together and biting her lip to keep from making a sound.
Seeing her pained expression, I eased up, gently rubbing her instead.
Her face relaxed a bit, but her eyes shot daggers at me.
Ryan, oblivious to our little exchange, heard Scarlett's disdainful words and his face darkened.
"Scarlett! Do we really need to talk about this at the dinner table?" Ryan snapped.
"What? Embarrassed now? If you can't perform, why stop others from talking? We're all family, why be ashamed? If you're not happy, why don't you last a few more minutes!" Scarlett shot back, crossing her arms and refusing to eat, the two of them locked in a standoff.
But she kept her legs tightly closed, shifting her hips forward slightly, as if expecting me to keep massaging her with my toes.
I tentatively poked her again, and Scarlett let out a satisfied sigh, her tense expression easing.
No one said a word at the table, and Scarlett's breathing was getting heavier. I was worried Ryan would catch on to what was happening between us.
I sighed dramatically, "Ryan, Scarlett, stop fighting. I'll just go sleep with Sophia. You both do so much for me, it's the least I can do."
Plus, hooking up with a beautiful woman for free? No strings attached? Count me in.
"David, don't listen to Scarlett. I'll handle my work stuff. No need to put yourself out there," Ryan said, trying to look out for me.
Scarlett laughed, "Handle it? With your people skills, how many team members have you pissed off? Forget whether the company will hire outside talent or if Robert will decide. Just based on the employee vote, you're toast!"
Ryan tried to argue but couldn't find the words. It was like everything Scarlett said hit home. All he could muster was, "You're being too harsh! Your words are really hurtful!"
"Say what you want, I've already got a solution for you. Whether you take it or not is up to you." Scarlett snorted, got up to clean up, and shot me a look before leaving.
It felt like she was telling me to seize the moment—my only shot at Sophia.
"Ryan, let me do this," I said.
"How can I let you? You're my brother, I can't let you get hurt!" Ryan frowned, his brows furrowed like a winding river, genuinely worried about me.
That made me feel even worse. Ryan had been so good to me, and here I was, thinking about sleeping with his wife.
I was absolutely shameless! I had to sleep with Sophia to repay Ryan and ease my guilty conscience. And if it worked out, Ryan would owe me one.
It would balance out what happened today.
"But this doesn't cost me anything. Sleeping with Sophia for a night not only makes me happy but also helps you in your career. Isn't that a win-win?"
Ryan hesitated, but his furrowed brow relaxed a bit.
He was wavering.
I pressed on, "And if I can satisfy Sophia, maybe we'll have more nights together. Who knows what benefits I could get from her in the long run?"
"Can you do it?" Ryan's worried gaze met mine, almost making me laugh.
He struggled to last ten minutes himself, and now he was worried about me?
This was ridiculous!
"Don't worry, Ryan. When I, uh, take care of myself, I can last at least half an hour."
"Alright, with that said, I feel better. If you want to go, then go," Ryan said.
"But I overheard your conversation with Scarlett, and it seems like she has a good relationship with Sophia. I'll go talk to Scarlett to understand Sophia's preferences better, so I can please her more effectively tonight."
I said this, but in my heart, I was thinking this would give me a chance to be alone with Scarlett and pick up where we left off.
"Okay, I'll be working in the study tonight. I'll come back to the room to rest at eight. During that time, you can get to know Sophia better with Scarlett."