"You've been excused from all of them."
"F-For having a bloody nose?"
"Yes."
"But—-"
"Would you rather I tell them the truth?"
"But t-thatisthe truth," she pointed out uneasily.
"It'spartof the truth, and it's why I realize I've made another mistake where you're concerned. You walked into a wall—-"
Summerine couldn't help wincing upon hearing this. "It was an a-accident!"
"—-because you couldn't stop thinking about how you walked in on your husband naked."
Her jaw dropped, and her gorgeous husband smiled at her.
"That's the complete truth, but perhaps I was also mistaken in assuming you didn't want your professors to know—-"
"You're not mistaken," she said hastily.
"Are you sure?"
His voice was gentle, but...
Was he teasing her?
A slight smile touched her husband's lips. "Yes, Summerine. It's exactly what you're thinking Thatwasan attempt to tease you in hopes of making you relax. But it doesn't seem to be working, does it?"
"I...I..."
"Would like to smile back but you just can't?"
Yes!
"Because you're not used to having this kind of conversation with your parents?"
Yes, twice!
"But do you remember what I told you before?" her husband asked quietly.
Oh.
"You remember then."
He had told her that she would never have to fear him for any reason.
"And I mean it, too. In every way."
He looked at her meaningfully, but...the meaning was lost on her, and when she saw his lips twitch—-
Did she really have an expressive face...or did he just not want anyone to realize he was telepathic?
"No, Summerine." Her husband's tone was very dry. "I am not telepathic."
B-But—-
