Page 111 of Heimlock

“Is there something you’d like to discuss regarding the texture of my penis?”

I groan, pressing a pillow to my face. “If I let you lick the other hip, can we pretend this entire conversation never happened?”

“No. But I will get started on the pancakes.” With a wide grin, he waggles his eyebrows, then disappears again.

Piling pillows on top of myself, I pretend to be buried alive.

***

Unfortunately, my wing is entirely better today. Plus, Trinte needs to go to work, and I need to go teach a self-defense class. It’ll be instruction only, to stay on the safe side, but I don’t want to cancel it.

After the pancakes — which are amazing — Trinte promises to text me. It sucks leaving him behind. We also agreed that we’ll be taking a day or two apart to let everything settle.

I hate the concept, but can appreciate the intent.

Before heading to the battle gym, I’m meeting with Talia for coffee. We haven’t had a lot of time alone lately, so I’m eager for the opportunity.

She’s already waiting for me, my favorite cinnamon hazelnut latte ready. She stands, offering me a big, warm hug. No one would look at us, with her dark skin in contrast to mine, and assume she’s my mother.

But Talia is more of a mother than mine ever was. She’s my mom in all the ways that matter.

“Hey, love bug, I’ve missed you.”

I take a sip of my coffee. “I’ve been busy lately.”

Talia huffs out a chuckle, settling into her chair. “These last couple of months have been wild, with Orliana finding Fynn. Now they’re in Slous having the time of their lives”

I’ve been getting daily updates via photos. Orliana has never smiled so wide. “They’re so good together.”

“Agreed.” Talia smiles. She eyes my wing. “How’s the injury?”

I flex my wings with a grin. “Basically good as new. I spent the last few days resting it.”

Talia looks like the sphinx that caught the bird. “And Trinte helped?”

Resting my chin on a hand, I say, “He did more than help, Talia. He was attentive and sweet.”

He was so much more than that, but how would I even begin to explain everything that has shifted with him?

She raises an eyebrow with a small smirk playing on her mouth. “So will there be less fighting at the next dinner?”

With a grin, I hold up my hands. “No promises. That man is mercurial.”

Talia hums, pursing her lips.

I cross my arms, narrowing my eyes. “What?”

She sips her coffee. “I’ve never seen him as mercurial. So there must be something between the two of you to bring out that side of him.”

Bristling, I ask, “What are you saying?”

Her expression softens. “I want to make sure you’ve thought it through, letting him get close to you.”

“Why? You don’t trust him?”

Talia gives me a long, knowing look.

Oh. “You don’t trust me?”