AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m talking about—about us!”
In spite of himself, Jem felt a small smile hook his lips. A moment later, a hint of amusement creased the corner of Tean’s mouth.
“What’s going on?” Jem asked. “You’re not upset because we don’t have a psychic bond. You don’t even believe in psychic bonds. So, what’s really got you cranked? Are you mad at me because I ran a game? Are you angry because I did something illegal or unethical or whatever? Did you finally reach your breaking point because it’s embarrassing to drag me around and…and explain me, I guess?”
Tean sat up a little straighter. “Jem, is that what you think—”
“Is it about the lying? Because I’ve tried to be good about lying. I mean with you, anyway. And I know I should have told you, only everything happened so fast, and the last couple of days have been a blur.”
“Hey, hold on.” Tean took Jem’s hand. “I am not embarrassed by you. Well, I mean, that time you tried to get the barber to give you aFresh Prince of Bel Airhaircut, that wasn’t the most comfortable moment of my life.”
“I have the jaw for it. I could pull it off.”
“I love you. You’re so smart and talented and funny, and you put up with—with Bessie the mule.”
That smile hooking Jem’s lips pulled bigger.
“I am not embarrassed by you,” Tean said again, scooting closer until their legs were pressed together. “I’m proud of you, of everything you’ve accomplished, everything you do for our family. I’m proud that I’m privileged enough, fortunate enough, just plain, um, damn lucky to have you in my life.” Dusky color rose under the soft brown of Tean’s cheeks. “I’ve been bragging about you for the whole conference, although I’m never going to admit that if you try to tell Hannah.”
“Ok,” Jem said. His eyes stung, and he whispered, “Swear jar. That was only a nickel one, though.”
Tean kissed him, and Jem, after a moment, cupped the side of Tean’s face and kissed him back.
“I am mad,” Tean announced when he sat back.
Jem groaned.
“I am,” Tean said. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t. Lying has been a big problem for us in the past, Jem. It’s—” He paused, and he looked like he was groping for the right word. “It’s scary to me, to know that you can do it again. Did do it again. Because it was easier for you. That cost us so much before.”
“I know. I swear to God, I know. I’m not going to do it again.” Jem heard himself, and then he gave a shrug, unable to help the wry sharpness of his voice as he added, “Which, of course, is what all liars say every time. Including me.”
Tean drew a deep breath. But if he was going to follow that thread, he changed his mind. “I’m also not happy that you took a risk like that.”
“I wasn’t in danger.”
“Especially without telling me.”
“Tean, come on. This is the redneck butthole of the country. I can handle myself.”
“Jem, something could have happened to you! Anything could have happened to you! You told me they cornered you behind a van, and they saw you, and then those men tracked you back to the resort!”
After a glance at the door, Jem made a lower-your-volume gesture with his free hand. “Ok, but—”
“No buts! Someone attacked me tonight. They thought—I don’t know, it was all so fast.”
“Someone attacked you? What do you mean, tonight? At the sanctuary—”
“No, here. Tonight. When I—when I went on that walk. They must have seen John-Henry from behind, mistaken him for you.”
“Are they blind?”
“That’s what I said,” Emery said through the door.
Tean opened his mouth, but Jem said, “Holy God, Tean, are you ok?”
“He’s fine.”
“This is kind of a private conversation!” Jem shouted back.
