A broken hiss came from him as Emily stuck the needle into his knee. I closed my eyes, not wanting to see it myself.
“All done,” Emily declared. “And I thought Collin was a baby.” The last words were muttered.
“Watch it,” Collin grumbled, but there didn’t seem to be any heat in his tone.
I opened my eyes, watching their banter. Her gaze was bright, mischievous.
“Ryker says pancakes are ready,” Collin said after a moment.
I nodded, letting Enzo stay against me. At least his breathing had calmed.
Emily waited for Collin to leave the room before finishing packing up the stuff she had dug out. With her voice low, she said, “Take it from me, and let Ryker help you both in whatever ways you need him to.”
“He doesn’t care,” Enzo muttered, turning his face so his cheek was pressed against my chest.
“He does.” She paused. “He’s out of his element with the two of you, but give him a chance. I gave Collin one, and now I couldn’t ever be happier.”
Sitting at the table, I couldn’t help but watch everyone interact. It was fascinating, to say the least.
I had gotten used to sitting here to eat meals with Ryker, but Enzo hadn’t yet. He sat beside me quietly, eating as quickly as he dared.
Ryker and Collin talked about no-nonsense things that didn’t hold my attention. Every so often, Emily would make some sort of contribution to the conversation.
Between people watching, I slowly ate my pancakes and sausage. I took note how often Ryker’s eyes shifted towards Enzo and me.
It all felt so normal. I wasn’t used to feeling anything other than misery and pain. I hoped this feeling would last forever.
“Can I have your meat, sir?” Emily asked, her voice lowering. I couldn’t help but notice how she was looking at Collin under her lashes.
“Watch it, brat.” It took him a moment to answer. Then, he leaned towards her and whispered something in her ear that caused her breath to hitch and her cheeks to redden slightly.
I held my breath, as did Enzo beside me, as we watched in both fear and curiosity. Moments later, Collin sat back, a pleased look on his face. Then, Emily sagged against the back of her seat, seeming to be happy with whatever he had said to her.
“She gets off on being a brat,” Collin explained, catching me staring. “I won’t ever do anything to her, or Silas, that they don’t consent to.”
“I never consent to the corner,” Emily muttered. Louder and clearer, she said, “But I know that’s a punishment for my actions. I have a word I can say if I want him to stop. And he will instantly.”
I had no clue what to say or what to do, so I turned back to my food.
“Our relationship is a bit different from most,” Collin supplied. “Their safety and needs always come before my own. That’s why they have a special word that they are allowed to say at any time.”
“Do we get one?” Enzo asked, fear clouding his tone.
“If you want one to feel comfortable, then absolutely.” Ryker was quick to answer. “We can talk it over later.”
Ryker
Running a hand down my face, I was never more thankful for having a quiet house again. I enjoyed Collin’s company, but the last few days had been stressful. Heck, the last few weeks had been.
Collin wasn’t all that helpful on how to deal with Enzo, other than sitting and talking to him. That was a lot easier said than done.
That man didn’t want anything to do with me. Maybe in time that would change, but I didn’t see it anytime soon.
Speak of the devil….
Enzo took a seat across the table from me. It took a moment for my brain to click into action. It was enough time for his eyes to fill with fight.
“What can I do for you?”
