Devices had meant nothing good as far as Nico was concerned. He used to remember the scientists and trainers using them to document results of their experiments, although Nico had heard them used for social engagements, too.Does Ben have a social engagement he doesn’t want us to know about?
Rubbing his chest, Nico glowered at the moon-kissed sea. He did not like that idea. But even as he thought it, he doubted their Ben would withhold anything of a personal nature from them. Ben had told stories about some of his social encounters—always making sure Nico and Teilo both knew nothing he’d ever done before impacted their relationship. It only came up in conversation because Teilo had asked about the men who owned the island they were using.
Another ding pierced the quiet roll of the sea.Why doesn’t he answer?Nico had spent a lifetime worrying about events out of his control. Every single thing in his life had been dictated by others—when he and Teilo could eat, which wasn’t often, when they could sleep and when they were allowed off their leashes and sent out to kill. With no idea on how to mentally cope with ‘having a honeymoon’ which is how Ben described their island stay, Nico worried.What if those sounds are a threat to us and our bonds?
Tilting his head back, Nico stared at the stars. So innocent, so light. Ben had been honest that he wasn’t an innocent man. He’d lived a long time and been through a lot in his lifetime. Nothing like Nico and Teilo of course, but there were a lot of times when he’d been helpful when it came to showing both Nico and Teilo how to use basic things around the house. The first time Ben had turned the television on, Nico had jumped a full foot in the air. Something that had made Teilo crack up with laughter at the time.
Nico’s nature had always been to keep silent. He could do nothing about the abuse he’d suffered himself. He’d only ever reacted if he could take the attention off Teilo. As the device dinged again, Nico decided he was not going to go through another day worrying about a piece of plastic with a fancy screen.
I will ask him. I will ask him outright and demand to know what those dings mean for our future. Just as soon as he’s awake.Nico was barely aware of the hours passing until the moon disappeared and the sun’s first rays colored the white caps pink and orange.
Chapter Thirteen
Ben
Nico’s thoughts were loud and had woken Ben, who got up and padded silently to the kitchen to make breakfast. He yawned and scratched at his bristly jaw, unconcerned about his nakedness as he opened the refrigerator to check out what they had for breakfast. The boat had arrived a week earlier with supplies Todd organized for them. It was the only contact they had with the outside world… besides Ben’s phone, with its constant messages from the council and Todd.
Todd he’d responded to, but hadn’t opened the many files he’d sent with information on the setup in Paraguay to his email. Ben wasn’t sure he was ready to have some of his suspicions confirmed.
Up to now, he’d managed to put aside all thoughts of what came next. Only it appeared Nico was worried about the outside world taking away what they’d established in their time alone. With it just being the three of them, they’d grown bold and taken their pleasure when they wanted it. They wanted it a lot, especially Nico. Teilo was happier to lie down and let his mates touch him all night long in either human or his animal form. Bliss was the only word that fit his expression when they did that.
Ben was learning what each man enjoyed and worked to make sure the balance between them didn’t tip in anyone’s favor. Up to now, he’d managed it. Outside life would possibly change that, and that was why he’d avoided picking up his phone.
Life, however, couldn’t be kept at bay forever, no matter how much Ben wished for it. He pulled out eggs, sausage, tomatoes, and cheese, laying them on the counter. His thoughts shifting with Nico’s as he put the meat into a frying pan on a low heat, then grated cheese and whisked eggs.
Ben sensed Nico’s presence behind him when the kitchen became scented with frying meat and tomatoes.
“You didn’t get a wink of sleep. What’s worrying you most?” Ben asked as he flipped the sausages. He saw no point in pretending he wasn’t aware of Nico’s state of mind when he’d explained how they could sense each other’s thoughts and speak to each other through their link.
Nico, also naked, looked beautiful as the rays of the morning sun traced over the contours of his body. He moved closer, sitting on the stool, his dark eyes were watchful. “Of course, I worry. Why aren’t you answering the device on the counter? The dings are getting more frequent. That can’t be good. What are you avoiding? How can we stop it?”
Coming to the counter after turning down the heat, Ben pressed a kiss to Nico’s unsmiling mouth. “It’s nothing to worry about, not much anyway. I’m avoiding work. I didn’t want it to encroach on our time as we all got to know each other. I’m selfish. I want as much time with you both before the real world takes over as I can. I worry too. I worry that when the real world intrudes, our time together will get cut short because I have to deal with everything waiting for me.”
“Is that all?” Nico’s tone was serious.
Something that Ben figured was part of Nico’s nature. Ben hoped it would change with time and love. Their declarations the day before had left him floating on a damn cloud. He’d not expected that type of emotion so fast from either mate. It made leaving the island even more difficult, knowing how much they’d all benefited from the time together.
Both men looked healthy and had filled out. They continued to have a rangy build, only now it was solid with the additional weight they’d put on from eating regular meals.
He pecked at Nico’s lips once more before returning to the pan on the stove. There was no point hedging, attuned as Nico was to Ben’s moods and Teilo’s. “No, you know me too well already. That’s not everything.” He poured the whisked eggs and grated cheese into the other sizzling pan.
The sound of feet moving over tile brought his gaze away from the pan to the man coming from the direction of the bedrooms. Teilo was sleepy eyed, with bed hair. He’d never looked more beautiful. His smile was wide as he sniffed the air. He loved eggs and cheese. “Omelet?”
“Yep, and sausage for Nico.”
Teilo chuckled as he slid onto the stool next to Nico and rested his head on his shoulder. “Why didn’t you come to bed last night?”
Ben carried on making breakfast, waiting for Nico’s answer, though he suspected why with the thoughts.
“The device was dinging… a lot. It was bothering me.”
“Oh…”
Ben flipped the omelet over, his body tensing at how Teilo expressed his anxiety in that one word. “It’s work.”
“Are we going to leave here?”
Ben grabbed a plate and slid the omelet onto it and went and laid it in front of Teilo. “We need to discuss it.” He put as much reassurance into his voice, only neither man was smiling now.
