Page 25 of Endlessly Raphael
“What’s his backstory?” Justice asks.
“Rich family that disowned him over a family business. He stands to inherit it all through his grandfather’s will, but he has to be married first. Traditional family.”
“And he can marry a dude?” Bowie asks.
“Apparently. I agreed simply because…” I shrug. “I guess I just wanted to do a good deed.”
“That must be some good ass,” Thorn mutters, drawing me to my feet.
In a flash, I grip the collar of his t-shirt and growl as my beast rises to the surface. Thorn stares back at me with wide eyes, his face a mask of confused surprise.
My own reaction startles me, and I back down quickly, stumbling back to my chair. All of us fall silent, processing what just happened. Finally, Thorn speaks.
“Sorry, brother. I’ll be more respectful of your fiancé.”
I have nothing to say, so I just cross my arms and settle into my seat.
“I think that’s all for now,” Yves says. “You have your assignments for this week.”
The meeting ends, but as I walk back to my unit, Eros catches up with me. “Hey,” he says, grabbing my arm.
“Hey.”
“Not to be clingy, but I’m used to you telling me stuff.”
Smiling, I put my hand on his shoulder. “It happened quickly. Besides, things are different now. You have a mate.”
“But I’m still here for you.”
“I know. I’m good. It’s not like it’s real love. It’s a transaction.”
“But he’s in your bed. That has to mean something.”
I glance over my shoulder to ensure Haven is still tucked safely inside my apartment. “The first night was a wild hookup on the roof of the car. The second time was here last night. We’re very compatible in that area. I guess I just wanted more of him.”
“Uh-huh.”
“And with me agreeing to marry him, it felt appropriate to spend a little time together and learn about each other.”
“Okay.”
“What, Eros?”
“It’s just so unlike you. Are you sure this…” His words trail off as he shakes his head. “Nothing. You know what you’re doing.”
“You know you can say what you want to me.”
“Yeah.” Eros glances over his shoulder. “It’s just your reaction to Thorn, and agreeing to something so major. Are you feeling like it might be time to find a love of your own?”
I scoff. “Eros, my dear friend. This isn’t love or anything like it. It’s incredible sex and a favor for someone who really needs one. It doesn’t affect my life at all. When the time is up, we’ll do the paperwork and go our separate ways. My stance on love and mates is the same as it’s always been. Not for me.”
“But that’s so wrong. You know what Yves says.”
“Yves’s view of the world is colored by his fantastical ideas. Not all of us are searching for a soul mate. I’m happy for you and the others, but for me, I’m fine.”
“None of us were looking either, Raph. I’ll remind you of that.”
“What are you saying?”