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He shrugs. “What can I say? Honestly, just keep your clothing on. I’m not trying to get you naked or sleep with you in any way.”
My eyes narrow on him. What’s the catch? “Fine.” I slip off my shoes but keep on my shorts and tank top. Ryker loses his shirt and pants and leads the way into the water.
I almost moan when my toes touch the water. The water is warm. Quickly, I sink into it, enjoying how the ache in my muscles ease.
“I come here once a week to relax,” Ryker says with a similar moan.
When I look up at him, his eyes are closed, and I take in his features. A scar runs over his face toward his lips. His pink hair clings to his skin, right against his forehead. His face is relaxed, and his pink lips are in a line.
“Why did you do this?”
His eyes open. “What do—”
“You don’t want sex, but you want to hang out with me?”
Ryker sighs. “Is your company not worth more than sex? I am perfectly capable of not having sex for a while, if you’d like.”
I roll my eyes.
“You hang out with Hazen and Ledger and watch movies with them.”
“Different.”
“How? You don’t like me?”
My eyes lock onto him. “You know I do.”
He swims to me, grabbing my hand to pull me close. “I’m just letting you know; I can wait for you.”
My eyes move to his lips. “I don’t date.”
“But I only want you and only want to be yours.”
“Why?”
He pushes a strand a hair behind my ear. “Because you’re beautiful, funny, and smart. When I’m around you, I feel… like a fae back in the Faelands. I feel free to be myself because you’ll accept it. Or have already.” He tilts my head back slightly and captures my lips. His sweet taste invades my mouth as our lips move together. His other hand pulls me flush against his warm body. But he pulls back before it goes further.
I’m not sure if that was the best decision.
Saturday rolls around quicker than I expect it to. Monday was a confirmed bonding ceremony, but since the confirmation, I’ve barely seen Inarian.
I visited his dorm to tell him about the stupid black-tie party my father wants to have, to celebrate finding our team. But I doubt he’ll show.
Fen rushes into my room, jumping on my bed. “This suit is itchy.”
I turn to him. He looks so handsome in his little suit, but I don’t tell him that. Instead, I say, “Maybe, I’ll convince Dad to not make you wear it.”
He sits up quickly. “Can you ask?!”
I nod, fluffing my hair. My heels clink as I move from my room. “Are you coming?”
He races to the stairs, stopping to wait for me. Then he holds out his hand, and I take it. Together, he helps me down the stairs. I don’t have the heart to tell him I can easily walk in heels.
At the bottom of the stairs, the front door is opened by one of the fae helpers. This is the only time we ever have anyone in the house assisting us.
“Goddamn,” I hear Hazen say, making me look up and push my silver curls back.
My hounds all stand in the doorway. I lift my head, smirking. My heels click with such power, and I move toward the gaping men.
