My stomach released a knot that I didn’t know had been stuck there, relaxing my entire body into nearly melting into a puddle. “And how are you so sure you love me?”
“I’m not sure of anything. I know that you moved into my life like a whirlwind, and I haven’t looked back. Being here without you is miserable. I miss you when you’re at work. I get excited when I know you’re on your way back.” His breath hitched, and voice wavered. “And I don’t want to not have you around. Also, I think I’m for sure in love after that fucking. I didn’t know you hadthatkind of spark in you.”
I ran a sticky hand through my hair and took a long breath. “I needed it.”
“I think I did, too.” He took a deep breath and sighed before drawing a sigil in the air with his hand with a flick. Our messdisappeared from the bedspread, and my body didn’t stick to itself in places. The scent of lust and sex evaporated from under my nose and took with it a little of the joy.
“Aw…” I never thought I’d enjoy a mess, but once it was gone, a new sort of relief caught up with me.
“Okay, so we’re expecting a kid and I’m out of places to hide pocket dimension in this place.” He sighed heavily and tucked his shirt back in, smoothing out the wrinkles with little flicks of magic here and there. A waste of energy, some might say, but I enjoyed watching the fastidious motions.
“House shopping? I suppose I couldpossiblyask Father for asmallraise.” I sulked but Gre waved me off.
He started to speak but halted as my stomach gave an audible growl. “Sorry.”
“Go get Vincenzo to feed you. I’ve got some calls to make.” He sighed heavily and pulled out his phone, leaned back against the side of the bed, and stretched out, his long legs and mussed hair a treat for my eyes.
“About?”
“I need a better job. We need a game plan, and I’m not prepared to have that discussion. If my mate wants to move up the corporate ladder, I need to make sure nothing stands in his way. Because you know what alphas and beta males often have that give them afairadvantage?” He half grinned at me, resting a hand on his drawn knee. I waited to hear his answer. “A partner at home doing all the little things.”
“You want to be a stay-at-home parent?” I shook my head, half grinning.
“I’ll need to make enough to hire a good nanny and be home and present enough to set the world on fire at your whim.” He turned his attention back to his phone as it chimed, and I wandered off in search of food.
Maybe Vincenzo had that jar of capers in the fridge still…
Or just a brick of parmesan. I could gnaw on that happily. Or a spoon full of preserved garlic…
Chapter Thirteen
Greginald
My phone’s GPS drew me inexorably toward the center of town to the law offices of Faust and Atmos. As far as I knew, my case was over, but Esmeray’s was only just beginning.
I checked into the front desk and was directed toward the elevator that I moved up through with ease.
The way to Draevus’s office was simple, straight down the hall toward the most ostentatious door, and up to a rather plainly dressed secretary with a stare that could freeze saltwater. “It’s Mage Hawthorne. I need to speak to—”
“He’s expecting you.” She waved me off and I trod into the office, heart racing. I’d only had a moment to speak with him to ask for the appointment the other night, and I wanted time to present my conundrum under the guise of me wanting to branch out to provide for his son better.
“Gre! How are you?”
I smiled and nodded, taking a seat that he directed me to. “Well, all things considered.”
His tasteful office had been spared no expense, all tastefully minimalistic with art that I would never afford myself. Could? Probably. Would? Absolutely not. The harsh angles of everything gave a sterile appearance that singled me out and made me the focus of his attention. From my spot, he studied my face with unease.
“Is Esmeray taking the lawsuit harder than I can see?” He dropped the professional air and leaned onto his desk conspiratorially.
“Has Esmeray spoken to you since I called you?” I pursed my lips and earned a hesitant shake of his head.
“Well, we had a meeting with my sponsoring deities, and they dropped some heavy news on us. As you well know, both my patron deities are fertility adjacent…” I waved my hand and gave him a meaningful look that halted him in place.
He pawed a hand over his face with a hiss of unease. He didn’t swear, but it was close to it. The desire to do so was apparent over his every feature. “This is not part of hisfive-year plan.” He made air quotes as he said it.
“It is not. That’s why I’m here to speak with you.” I sat up straighter. “Esmeray is proud of himself, and I adore that pride as much as I’m learning to adore him. Our mateship is going well and I wish to humble myself and ask a favor of you.”
Draevus blinked in surprise. “I’ll do my best. What is it you need?”
