Page 93 of Thorn Evermore
“He is. Hardworking too.”
“I noticed his eyes linger on you.”
Jensen’s expression softens as his gaze flickers to my face but then returns to my cock. “He’s sweet, and I know he’s into me, but…” He shakes his head. “Why am I saying this to you?”
I laugh softly. “I bring it out in people. I’m easy to talk to. What’s holding you back?”
“He’s so young. I’m fifteen years older.”
“Hmm. He seems mature.”
“He is. I just don’t know if I can keep up. Then if it goes south, what happens here? He’s become important to me.”
“What does your heart want?”
He pauses as he’s smoothing plaster on me, returning his gaze to me. “Him.”
“Well, I’m a big fan of living to the fullest. If you want him, and he wants you, then have at it. You’re both adults and can figure things out. What if it works out and you end up life partners?”
Jensen nods, returning to his task. I can feel his energy lift as he works out the possibility in his head. “Lie here for a few minutes. It hardens quickly.”
He walks off to wash his hands and my thoughts return to my love. Kyson’s scent still lingers, the taste of his blood thick on my tongue. I can’t believe I thought having a fated mate would suck.
Thirty minutes later, I’m cleaned off and dressed. In two hours, I can return to get my prize.
While I pay for it all, Benedict and Jensen stand next to each other behind the counter. On a whim, I decide to help out, sending a small wave of compulsion to help them overcome their fears and follow their hearts. I guess I want everyone to feel the way I do. Call me Cupid.
When I look up from my card receipt, both men are gazing at each other. Grinning, I back out of the store as the two fall into a passionate kiss. Okay then. My work here is done.
I return to Kyson’s workplace and slip down the alley to hide out. From here, I can easily feel his emotions. In fact, my chest tightens from the absence of closeness. I’d much rather keep him locked in my apartment, but he loves his job, and I love that for him. Whatever that man wants, if I can give it to him, I will.
Hours pass, and it’s finally time for lunch. I leap from the building, entering it just as a pizza delivery man does the same. I feel Kyson before I see him, my heart calming as he hurries toward me.
“I can’t go to lunch,” he says, frowning. “Neal called an impromptu manager meeting.” He glances over his shoulder. “He’s acting super weird.”
“Mean?”
“No.” Kyson shakes his head. “Just… odd. Like he’s not himself.”
“Oh.” I nod. “I forgot to tell you because I couldn’t explain how I knew before, but something is wrong with him.”
“Yeah, I know.”
I chuckle. “No, babe, I mean medically. He’s sick. I smelled it in his blood.”
Kyson’s jaw drops. “Is that why he smells so awful to me?”
“Likely. You can sense it too.”
“Do you think it’s serious?”
“No idea. Did anyone find the money?”
“Oh, yeah. One of the stockers did. Neal hasn’t said anything yet.”
“I’ll be nearby. If he gets crazy, I’ll be here to make sure you don’t.”
Kyson nods, smiling up at me. “Thank you. I feel mostly normal, but I get these twinges that don’t make sense.”