“That's exactly what Ember just said he didn't want.”
“Oh, right. But if other Lords do it . . .” he trailed off when my men glared at him. “I guess I'll stick to fucking people who aren't Ember.”
With grim seriousness, I said, “Honestly, Nex, I couldn't handle that thing in your pants.”
Nex's grin went supernova. “I have ways of preparing my lovers.”
“Cause you have to,” Rath muttered.
“That's right, buddy!” Nex slapped Rath's shoulder, earning a grimace from him. “And once they have me, no one else will satisfy them.”
“Because they're so stretched out, no one can fill them?” Kel asked in a bright, helpful tone.
“Precisely!”
“Stay the fuck away from me,” I said.
Nex snorted. “Aw, that's so sweet. Thanks.”
Then Keltyr, going oddly serious, said, “I wouldn't do that to you, Ember. If you get to the point where you're falling for me, and I don't feel the same, I'll withdraw my suit. And if I fall for you in return, I would never cheat. I'd accept that I was a part of this group because I knew it was a possibility when I asked you out.”
“Thanks, Kel.”
My fears drained away, and suddenly, I didn't care that Kel didn't distract me as Jath did. Keltyr was a good man, and he would be a wonderful addition to our team. Team, dear Goddess, what a strange word for us. But we were a fighting team in addition to being lovers, and if Kel joined us, we'd be a stronger team. And if I gave my heart to him, it wouldn't be in danger. I could trust him, and that meant a lot.
“But you could make it a rule,” Keltyr said. “Join the group and be faithful to it.”
“I couldn't put a rule on love,” I said. “That's ridiculous.”
“Not love, sex. They wouldn't be able to fuck anyone else.”
“And if they didn't love me or weren't happy with only me as their lover, that would breed contempt.” I shook my head. “No. Healthy relationships don't work like that. I'm not forcing anyone to be with me.”
Keltyr grinned, a keen look coming to his eyes. “I had a feeling you'd say that. And that's why your little love group will work, Ember.”
I snorted. “You'd better not have said that just so you have an out.”
“Come on.” He pulled back in his seat and placed a hand over his heart. “What kind of monster do you think I am?”
“The kind with horns and a tail,” Xae drawled.
Keltyr stuck his tongue out at Xae. “Takes one to know one.”
“I can make sure they never stray,” Death said.
“Fucking enough already!” I growled.
The table went quiet.
Oh, fuck. I looked up. Everyone was staring at me. I'd spoken aloud. Shouted. Wincing, I said, “Sorry. Uh, it's these damn pancakes. I can't stop eating them.” I dramatically cast up my arms and declared, “Enough already, Ember! Stop eating the fucking pancakes!”
Keltyr snorted a laugh. “It's the butter.”
“What?”
“They fry them in a pan of butter,” Kel explained. “That's what makes them so damn good.”
We all stared at him.
