Gaius smiled. “Sure... we’re just mildly reassured that you have your priorities straight.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning that you’re maybe finally over your fuck toy here now that you’re married and have a lovely wife.”
His words fell loud into the silent room and the women looked at them, slightly mortified.
Marius downed his cup, squeezing it hard, and his blue eyes didn’t give anything away, a small smile on his lips. “Sure, father.”
Gaius was a bit thrown, and they resumed eating, Marius making sure he didn’t touch Kyle at all. He glanced at him though and noticed how pale he was, his breathing shallow, his face an expressionless mask.Fuck this...
After desserts, Marius got up and went to the terrace to clear his head. He had too much to drink again, but was not utterly drunk, and he wished them all away to hell.
Clavius silently followed him, laying a hand on his shoulder. “Spill.”
Marius sighed but couldn’t lie to him, his voice soft. “I almost hit her today.”
“Hit who?”
“Seraphina...”
Clavius turned to him, making him face him. “What?”
Marius smiled bitterly. “Yes... she got on my nerves... said something which just made me blow up. About me fucking my whore and not sleeping with her...”
Clavius’ face fell. “Is that true?”
“Yes...”
“And?”
“And Kyle got the blow. He stepped in front of her.”
“Marius...”
He looked at Clavius, bitter. “Yeah, I know... She loves me, or so she says, but I don’t...”
Clavius squeezed his shoulder. “Well, at least your boy saved you from a lot of trouble... I won’t comment on you raising your hand to your pregnant wife, no matter what she said.”
Marius nodded, giving in, his shoulders sagging. “She’ll never leave me alone...”
“That’s a wife for you.”
They chuckled, and Clavius sighed, turning dead serious. “You have to make sure this never happens again, ever. You can’t beat her around, that’s not you.”
Marius nodded. “I know...”
He ruffled Marius’ hair. “You’re a twat. A huge one. Apologize to her tonight. Hell, even sleep with her.” Marius pulled a face, but Clavius jabbed him in the ribs. “That’s the least you can do.”
“Maybe she doesn’t want to see me...”
“In that case, you’ll deserve that, too.”
“Thanks for your support...”
“Any time.” Clavius toasted him and left him alone, facing the night.
After the guests had left, Marius stood, torn. He wanted to take Kyle to bed and make up for that horrific blow, but Clavius’ words rang in his head.Fuck, fuck, fuck...He went to Seraphina’s room and knocked on the door. Thais opened it and she sank to her knees straight away.
