I uncrossed my legs and widened them just a little bit. When I did, I couldn’t strip my eyes away from Christian’s growing erection, visible as it pressed against his jeans. “What a shame. It’s nice wearing shorts in this weather. I couldn’t dress like this on the streets. They would have drawn too much unwanted attention.”
Christian got up and strolled over to the chair beside me. After he sat down, he reached across and put his hand on my leg, his fingers tucking between my thighs. “I can see why.”
Awareness burned in his eyes, and I felt feverish from his touch. Christian and I were navigating our way through a new relationship, and we didn’t want to create unnecessary rules or pressure. We hadn’t opted for a shared bedroom. Some nights he stayed with me, and other nights I stayed with him. We didn’t always have sex; it wasn’t about that. I was discovering a new kind of intimacy with a man that had to do with trust, conversation, and patience. Sometimes we both wanted privacy and slept alone, and that was fine. Nobody got jealous or sparked an argument. Our arrangement was unconventional, and it worked. It built up the sexual tension between us to a crescendo, and I had no complaints.
He retracted his arm and sat back. “What’s on your mind, lass? You’ve been quiet all morning.”
I wasn’t sure how to broach the topic as it had been stirring in my thoughts for a while now.
After another sip of cold tea, I set the glass on the flat armrest of the Adirondack. “Tell me what you think before I mention this to Shepherd or Viktor.” I shifted in my seat to face him, my eyes scooping up the deliciousness of his biceps and tight-fitted shirt. “Shepherd’s busy with work, and Kira can’t keep an eye on Hunter with all her responsibilities. Viktor didn’t hire her to be a nanny, and I think he’s beginning to see that. None of us have time to give this kid schooling. I’m assuming Breed kids have to be educated like everyone else.”
Christian tipped his head to the side. “It depends on your definition ofeducated. Most Relics I’ve met don’t waste time teaching their children about history or economics. Their innate knowledge keeps them focused on their future career. With Shifters, it depends. Some of them have family businesses. The packmates teach the wee ones what they need to know.”
“But Hunter’s special. He needs a well-rounded education. We don’t know if he’ll grow up to do anything with his Relic knowledge. He’s also a Sensor. Not only that, he lives with a bunch of killers. I know Shepherd doesn’t want him neglected because we’re all busy. What do you think of a live-in nanny?”
Christian drummed his fingers on the armrest. “Viktor has trust issues, so I don’t see that happening. He only took in Kira because of the friendship he had with her father.”
I leaned on the armrest. “He’s gonna have to trust someone. If that kid doesn’t get some structure in his life, he’ll be a nightmare to deal with. Like a mad dog. Face it—nobody who lives with us is going to come out of it well-adjusted. Not unless they have a good mentor.”
“And where do you think Viktor will be able to find a nanny who won’t spill our secrets?”
“What about Switch?”
Christian dipped his chin so I could see his black eyes over the top of his shades. “Are you fecking with me? You want that numpty to move in here… with us? Well, that’s just grand.”
“I thought you settled your differences. He’s not a bad guy.”
“You didn’t think I’d be vexed over a man living in the next room who has his eyes on my lover?”
I gave him an impish grin. “I love it when you call me that.”
He turned his head away. “I’ll not have it.”
“Are you really jealous over someone I’m not interested in? Switch romanticized over the old me, but he doesn’t want anything to do with the new and improved Raven Black. The one who can kill a man with her thighs.”
I stood up and scooted onto his lap. When I nuzzled against his neck and felt him harden beneath me, I knew he wasn’t as mad as he pretended to be. “Think about it,” I said, nipping his neck with the tips of my fangs.
Christian hissed and wrapped his arms around me. “You’re not playing fair.”
If only we didn’t have an audience, I thought, glancing at the courtyard.
I nestled against him and ran my fingers through his beard. “I’ve given it a lot of serious thought. Switch is the perfect solution. This is what he does for a living, and whatever Viktor paid him would be better than what he earns from the packs. He’s not happy about his situation, and we’re not happy about ours. I owe him for putting his life on the line to protect my father. He would never break my trust, and he’ll protect Hunter with his life. I told you about what got him in trouble with the packs in the first place.”
“Aye. He might have admirable qualities, but that doesn’t mean I want your ex living here.”
“He’s not my ex. We never dated. We’ve never even kissed. Switch is good-looking, but I always liked those clean-cut guys.”
“So that’s your type? The all-American quarterback?”
I pinched Christian’s scruffy beard. “You’re my type. And I know you trust me.”
“It’s him I don’t trust.”
I stood up and raked my fingers through my hair. “I don’t know how to change that. Would you trust a different man, or is it just him?”
Christian gave me a mirthless smile. “Do you not know how persistent Shifters and Chitahs are by nature? They’re not only territorial, but they love a long courtship. Rejection among their kind is incentive to improve themselves and become worthy of a woman’s affections. What if Viktor sends me to some godforsaken country for another month? Your friend’s tail will start wagging, and you’ll see what I’m going on about.”
I sat down on the low wall and sighed. “It was just an idea.”
