“Maybe I’ll do that after Marius leaves,” I suggest.
“Oh, I hope you do,” he replies, sauntering toward me and leaning in to give me a kiss. “But I suspect you’ll be busy.”
“Busy?” I echo, curious as to what kinky activity he has in mind.
He grabs my hand and leads me into the bathroom. “Yes.”
“Doing what?” I prod, wanting to know more.
“Talking, probably,” he replies.
My brow furrows. “What?”Does he mean like… dirty talk?I wonder, confused.
No. Absolutely not,he replies into my mind.I’m a possessive Strigoi, regina mea. The only one you will speak to in that manner is me.He pauses at the threshold between the bathroom and the bedroom.
“You aremine,” he adds out loud in a lethally quiet voice. “I do not share.”
I swallow. “I don’t share either.”
“Good.”
“Good,” I repeat.
His lips twitch again. “You’re the perfect queen.”
“I haven’t been crowned yet,” I remind him as we exit the bathroom.
“You’re my queen regardless of a crown,” he replies, his tone flatter than before.
And I realize why as we near the sitting room.Marius. Ciprian mentioned he was here, which means he’s putting on the stoic façade for his best friend.
Why don’t you let him see you smile?I wonder at my mate through our mental link.
Because he would tease me relentlessly for it,Ciprian replies into my head.I’ve often remarked that he smiles too much.
Why?
Because he fucking smiles too much, Ciprian mutters.Though, he doesn’t appear to be all that amused right now…
That last comment ironically comes through with a hint of amusement in Ciprian’s mental voice, making me curious about what he seems to know.
But before I can ask, Marius’s voice sounds from the seating area. “Thank fuck. Can you please present your mate and free me of this nonsense?”
“By ‘nonsense,’ you mean the loose ends you were supposed to take care of?” Ciprian replies at the same time a familiar voice begins to demand, “Who are…? Oh.”
“Yes, if you would allow others to speak rather than assuming you’re the center of all attention, you may learn some things,” Marius deadpans.
“Gaby?” I attempt to sprint around the corner, to see into the seating area, but Ciprian’s hand in mine yanks me back since his big body doesn’t move as fast.
“Vivi?” my best friend asks.
“There. Proof of life. Am I excused?” The irritation in Marius’s voice is very unlike the playful tones he used with me.
“No.” Ciprian’s word echoes through the room, preceding our entry into the seating area.
Gaby jumps up and runs for me.
I try to meet her halfway, but Ciprian doesn’t release my hand, causing me to embrace my best friend in an awkward one-arm hug.
