Thankfully, Theo had the answer for that one.
“Surprisingly, the only thing that’s drawn blood since we’ve been here is a leech.” He winked at me. “Though I did make Shep pay for that.”
“And just how did you?—”
Static blasted through the connection, making me wince, and as the line broke up, I reached past Theo to end the call.
I sat back with a sigh, suddenly feeling fuckingexhausted. It was good to hear from everyone, but the comment from King and Alessio’s stress had me wondering if being here was the best idea. Obviously Theo needed to be, and if I thought for a second he would stay put, I would’ve hopped on the next flight to do what I could to help.
And maybe part of me wanted to have a few private words with King too.
“I’d say that conversation calls for more wine,” Theo announced, reaching back for our glasses. He forced mine into my hand and clinked it against his. “Drink up,espèce de connard sexy."
“Did you just call me a fucker?”
“Asexyfucker.”
I smirked and relaxed my grip on his thigh. “That’s better, then.”Theo was right—I needed the wine. I swallowed down a large mouthful before curiosity took hold. “Sexy, huh?”
“Oui. The sexiest.” He took a small sip and leaned forward, waiting for me to part my lips. When I did, the wine trickled from his mouth into mine, and I devoured every ounce before sliding my tongue alongside his to steal even more. He gripped the back of my neck, holding me close, our bodies pressed up against one another in a way that was more than sexual. We were wrapped up in each other, and somehow it settled the annoyance that had emerged inside me.
Theo’s kisses tonight were slow, sensual; he took his sweet time like he was deliberately trying to soothe me into submission.
It was working.
“Much better,” I murmured against his lips.
“He’s just jealous.”
My eyes flew open to see Theo looking at me.
“That’s all that was with King. I’ve got you here all to myself, and that has to be driving him crazy.”
“I doubt that. He’s got his hands full.”
“Then he may not even realize it, but trust me, a man like that doesn’t snap for no reason.” He wrapped his arms around my neck and drew me in close again. “So let’s give him many,manyreasons.”
36
THEO
THINGS I NEVER thought I’d admit to liking:
Being taken care of.
Learning what made Shep laugh and smile.
Catching Shep looking at me when he didn’t thinkIwas looking.
