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I’m yet again hit with a staggering pulse of jealousy that makes my tentacles twitch. Atlas doesn’t help matters, crudely licking his lips like the barbarian he is.
“If you’d like to practice lifting me to make sure we don’t have any issues, then we can probably make time for that before we go.” She gives me a gentle smile that makes my multiple hearts race.
“That doesn’t sound like a bad plan.” Silence steps over, offering her a hand off the couch. Malice chuckles while Atlas rolls his eyes, but she does place her hand in his.
Silence pulls her up, sending her toward me with a slap on the ass.
“Hey,” she hisses, no longer pliant and kitten-like.
“What? Not going to say ‘thank you’ for helping evade the council’s discovery?” He smirks, but I know him well enough to recognize his feelings are hurt.
“Thank you, but that also doesn’t give you the right to—”
“You’re right.” He nods, linking his hands in front of him. “But I’m afraid I must ask—have you ever felt guilt over the agony you’ve put us through?” Silence takes a step toward her. “Even now, you seem content to continue inflicting it.”
“What?” She crosses her arms over her chest, glaring up at him.
“Have you never bothered to ask why you didn’t feel the same in return? We may not have claiming bites, but the ceremony in Faere was binding. We told the council that, even as they pushed for us to consummate. Which you might have heard if you stuck around long enough to see how fervently we defended you and our union.” Silence raises an eyebrow.
“Speak plainly. I’m too tired for riddles.” She jabs a finger at his chest. “Unless you’re just talking in circles to make yourself feel better.”
Silence scoffs. “Come now, love. I know your lessons would’ve taught you about what happens when one party steps outside their bond.”
“What does that mean?” she snaps, glancing between me and Silence. “You didn’t bite me, so we technically don’t have a bond.”
I swipe a hand over my face. “They really didn’t prepare you on the same level they did your sister.”
“Malice, can I borrow you for a small presentation?” Silence asks.
“Sure, why not?” His shadows spill around him, and he raises in the air until he’s the perfect height for his feet to touch the floor before sauntering over. “Spoiler alert—I think your husband is about to kiss me.” He winks at Ali as Silence does exactly that. He slams his mouth to Malice’s in an angry sort of kiss.
Ali groans, clutching at her chest. She wobbles, and my tentacles immediately stretch out to support her.
Malice and Silence pull back as Ali gasps, attempting to catch her breath.
“That, dear wife, is what we experience anytime you touch someone who isn’t us. Outside of Atlas, since apparently, you’ve also claimed him as a mate.” Silence sighs. “And yes, it’s significantly more painful when it’s sexual contact.”
“I didn’t know.” She takes a step toward him. “Wait, how didn’t I know? Wouldn’t I have experienced the same thing?”
“Youwouldhave. Mull that over.” Silence turns on his heel and walks out without another word.
“Gods,” Atlas mutters, running a hand through his hair as he looks at the floor.
“Right.” Malice rubs his hands together. The effect is strange as his shadows swirl around him. “You should very quickly practice positions, because we have guests expecting a show. And I should check on Kash’s shell.” He moves to the dark corner to siphon out with his shadows.
I’m not sure why, but I feel quite strongly that he’s heading to check on Silence. It makes it very difficult to hate him, despite the pain I’ve had to endure so that he can kiss and touchmy wife.
Ali spins to face me, and she doesn’t fight my hold as I pull her closer. She opens her mouth to speak, but I bring a hand up, covering her lips.
“Atlas, if you wouldn’t mind? We should practice. We’ll want her visible enough that the audience feels satisfied, but also covered to the point they only have basic access.”
The orc nods his agreement, pushing off the couch and coming over as Ali studies me with a confused frown.
I shake my head.
Now isn’t the time for heartfelt conversations or discussions about where we went wrong.
* * *
