The corner of Tristan’s mouth quirked up. “I’m glad.”
“Do you like Liam?”
“I did not say that.”
Austin stared.
“I like him very much,” Tristan amended.
Chapter Thirty
A splash and a startled sound drew Austin’s attention to the corner as he entered the room. Liam was in a bath.
“At least you’re washing yourself this time.” Austin shut the door. He eyed the dozens of glowing rocks scattered around the room, erasing any trace of shadow. They’d encroached upon the estate like an infestation.
“What happened to your throat?” The water sloshed as Liam twisted to study Austin.
“I hurt it. But it’s fine now.” Austin leaned against the edge of the tub. “Do you enjoy getting dragged across the ocean?”
“Not particularly.”
“Then stop doing it. Tristan was meant to drop you home, not bring you back.”
Liam ignored the remark, studying Austin’s throat.
“Tristan cleaned it,” Austin said. “He runs a troop of men who are constantly getting hurt. I’m sure he knows how to take care of a scrape.” He’d personally brought Austin cream for his sore muscles when he’d first arrived and knew how to clean the sand out of his gills. “What are you doing?”
Liam was awkwardly leaning forward, shielding his front. He fixed Austin with a flat look, and Austin snorted. He pulledthe bathing screen over to block the fire and sat on the couch, lifting his feet to bake his soles in its warmth.
Water pattered on the ground as Liam got out of the tub. “You know,” Liam said in a gruff tone, “that you aren’t meant to live with a new boyfriend until you’ve known them at least six months.”
Austin frowned at the fire. “What?”
“It’s a dating rule.”
“That doesn’t sound right.”
“It’s the most importantdating rule.” Liam crossed the room to the dresser. “Visits and sleepovers are fine, but you shouldn’t be living together until you’ve known each other longer. Ask Tammy if you don’t believe me, or look it up when we’re home.”
Austin scowled. “Cottage,” he corrected.
“What?”
“It’s my cottage, not ‘home’.”
“Right,” Liam said. “Google it when we’re cottage.”
Austin growled, aggrieved. Liam joined him on the couch, wearing what again looked like something belonging to Inx. A book dug into Austin’s thigh as he moved over to make room for Liam. Austin moved his leg, automatically reading the cover even as Liam quickly covered it with his hand.
“What’s that?”
Guilt and discomfort hung in the air. Liam studied Austin’s expression before sighing and moving his hand. “I’ve been reading. To make sure I’m doing the right thing, or at least, not doing thewrongthing.” He gestured vaguely to Austin.
Confusion filled Austin. “Why would this help…with that?”
Complex PTSDwas stamped across the book cover in bold blue print.
“Trauma, Austin,” Liam replied, steady.
