Pleased with himself, Arden nodded and marched for the bell pull.
Grillon, the first footman, appeared and took Arden’s instruction before withdrawing and closing the door behind him as quietly as he’d opened it.
Arden drifted back to the hearth, his burst of boldness fading. Jack was such a large, compelling man.
When he had Arden in his arms, or within arm’s length, Arden softened to his presence. When Arden stood beyond his reach, a quiet voice whispered,Wait. Be careful.
Arden was used to being careful. To keeping his distance.
He slowed his steps and came to a halt outside Jack’s reach.
Jack tilted his head. “What is it?”
CHAPTER 24
ARDEN
“Nothing,” Arden said, and closed the distance between them.
Jack held out a hand in demand. Arden took it, and Jack tugged him gently between his parted thighs. “You can tell me anything. Whatever is on your mind, you can speak freely.”
“I don’t want to hurt your feelings.”
“It’s difficult to do,” Jack said, with a questioning lilt in his voice.
“I was wondering…it’s been weeks, and you never wrote anything about…I suppose I…I was just wondering…”
“About Beckett?”
Arden nodded.
“Why do you think asking about Beckett would hurt my feelings?” Jack drew him closer and palmed the backs of his thighs.
“Because my husband has been here all of three minutes and I’m already asking about another man?” Arden said.
“Not just any man.” Jack’s hands drifted up and down Arden’s legs. “Your lover.”
Arden choked.
“Your lover,” Jack repeated, smile widening. “Your big, strong, alpha lover.”
“I still can’t believe I have a lover.” Arden put his hands to his cheeks. “I haven’t even slept with my husband yet, and I took a lover.”
“So well, Arden. You took him so well.”
Arden gasped in outrage.
Jack grinned up at him. “You know that I want you to have a relationship with Beckett. It makes me happy that you’re asking about him. Whether you want that relationship to be physical, romantic, or simply cordial, it’s your choice. You get to choose.”
“And Beckett?” Arden heaved a sigh. “What about him? Does he get to choose anything about this whole situation? There he was, minding his own business, loving the most wonderful man in the world, thinking he’s safe from mewling omegas?—”
Jack groaned and tipped his head forward, pressing it into Arden’s stomach. “Arden, I amsorry. I couldn’t let Lassit suspect for even a second that I had any interest in you, or he’d have made sure I never saw you again.”
“You barely saw me after that, anyway,” Arden reminded him. “And now Beckett is supposed to share you with me, and…and take orders from me, and?—”
“From what I heard, you couldn’t order Beckett if your life depended on it.”
Arden blushed. “That’s not true. I asked him for more tea once.”
