“God,” I breathe out.
He nods. “I don’t know what the fuck is wrong with them, but there’s something broken in their society. Rathyn’s more aware of it now. Cielo’s…I don’t know. I don’t know enough about him or how he was raised or anything. I just know he was the scapegoat, and when I got in trouble with the Vyastil, Cielo paid the price, and he seems to think he deserved it.”
I reach for his hand and squeeze it. “You have to stop blaming yourself. I don’t know what happened, but I have a gut feeling none of that was your fault. And you saved him.”
“Not before he was hurt,” Everest says, his voice cracking. “Not before they…” He stops and swallows.
I know why he can’t say it. It’s the same reason I struggle to look at Cielo’s wounds. God only knows what they put him through.
“They want him to suffer here. That’s why they exiled him,” Everest whispers. “We’re not allowed to keep him with us at the Foundry, but I will pay you if you promise to make sure he doesn’t suffer anymore.”
My eyes go wide. “Dude. No. You’re not going topayme. If he’s comfortable here?—”
“I’m sure he is. This place is probably like a palace to him compared to what he had before,” Everest says miserably.
Fuck, that’s so sad. This place is my home, but it’s no palace.
“He’s easy to please. A soft bed and endless coffee?” Everest snorts a little. “He’ll love you forever.”
My heart leaps at the thought, but I know he doesn’t mean it that way. And I hate that it’s making me feel things I can’t quite come to terms with. But I’m already attached to this damn monster, and I doubt anything will change that.
And now that I know his torment went on long before he was physically harmed by his people, I’m even more determined than ever to make sure he never suffers again.
The knowledge that Everest bestowed on me sits heavily in my chest. I make my way down to the shop to put in a few hours in inventory to distract myself, because if I stay in the apartment, I’m going to fuss over Cielo, and then he’ll know that I know the truth. And I don’t want him feeling weird.
Besides, I have a mountain of work that needs to get finished, so when I told Cielo why I was going, it wasn’t a lie.
Luca has been helpful, but I can’t put my responsibilities on him for much longer. He’s leaving for Vegas soon, which means I can’t keep delaying and making excuses. Thankfully, the cum seems to be helping Cielo heal faster than the herbs alone, so I no longer need to watch him constantly.
My eyes shift down to my dick.
I plan on making sure he has a fresh, full vial to wake up to.
I wish he’d just suck my dick for a few hours and heal completely, but he obviously doesn’t want that, and I won’t push it. I already feel bad enough sneaking him my cum like some kind of…well…monster.
I sigh as my hand shakes slightly, and I feel my stomach clench.
Standing up, I take a deep breath, trying to make the uncomfortable feeling go away.
It helps only marginally, but life doesn’t slow down for upset stomachs and twitching hands, so I force myself to move, unpacking boxes, logging each item into the database before making sure the shelves are fully stocked.
By the time I’m done, I’m exhausted.
As I make my way back across the street, I find Cielo asleep on the couch, his ears fluttering, a soft hum coming from his throat. I wonder if that’s their version of a snore. It’s fucking cute, whatever it is.
Grabbing a bottle of water, I sip it as I watch him sleep. Even on the small sofa, he looks peaceful and relaxed. At least, more than he has been the last couple of nights in his recovery. I need him to know he will be safe and cared for when he’s with me.
I want to be his safe space.
I really wish I had another bed for him, but the spare room is stuffed full of all my crap—discarded hobbies, boxes of extra sex toys, and clothes that don’t fit me anymore. I need to go through it all to make room for him, so he isn’t sleeping on a lumpy sofa. He deserves better than he had while working for Rathyn. He needs his own room, his own bed.
I set the bottle of water down and step toward him.
His tail is twisted around his waist, one large, clawed foot on the floor, an arm thrown over his face. He’s completely naked apart from his groin area, which is covered with a small slip of fabric.
I step closer and bring a soft blanket over him, unsure if he likes the warmth of it or if he prefers the cool air hitting his skin.
His nostrils flare, and I see him move slightly, one rainbow eye suddenly peering open at me.
