Page 27 of Masters of Control

“She wanted to have girl time, and I figured it would be a good time to talk to you all since she was the one who suggested it.” Law rubbed his fingers together. “This way, she won’t be suspicious.”

The guy looked more nervous than Q had ever seen him. He was contemplating proposing to a woman who he’d been with for less than a year, even if they had moved in together. That would likely make anyone nervous, especially since Iris had only moved in because circumstances—aka her ex-roommate Noelle—hadn’t left her with a ton of choices.

It had made sense at the time, and she and Law were doing so well, they’d decided to make the arrangement permanent, but it couldn’t be denied that they were moving fast. Hell, who was Q to talk? He’d never had a relationship he’d thought might end in marriage.

“I don’t think she’s going to be suspicious, considering how fast you’re moving,” Asad said, echoing Q’s thoughts.

Law’s fingers stopped.

“Do you think it’s too fast?” He nervously rubbed his hand over his bald head, swiping over the crown and around the back before seeming to realize what he was doing. Snatching it back down, a moment later, his hand drifted back up to rub nervously at his goatee.

“I think the more important question is whether you and Iris think it’s too fast,” Connor said.

“Yes,” Asad said at the same time. “Ow!” From the way he jumped, then shot a look at Connor, Q guessed that he’d been kicked under the table.

“Don’t listen to him. Asad would think ten years is too fast to get engaged.” When Asad opened his mouth, presumably to argue, Connor shot him a look, and he closed it again. “Everyone moves at their own pace. So, do you think it’s too fast?”

“Not for me, but I’m a little worried it might be for her.” Law was rubbing at his goatee again, his nerves overcoming his self-awareness. “I am older than her.”

“Okay, Grandpa.” Asad rolled his eyes, grinning when Law glared at him. “I’m just saying. Age doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with it.”

Pressing his lips together, Law looked at Q, raising his eyebrows as if to ask his opinion. Yeesh. Talk about pressure.

“Have you asked her friends? I think you’d do better to talk to them than us.” Way back when Angel as one of his roommates, Q had it drilled into his head never to assume anything, and if you needed to be sneaky, ask the best friend.

Law made a face.

“I will, eventually, but I was hoping I could rely on my friends first.”

“Of course, you can always rely on us.” Asad held his hand over his heart, his expression too solemn to be genuine. It looked odd on him since, unless he was in his Dom headspace, he was normally smiling or smirking. “I think Q has the right of it, and you should talk to Iris’ friends.”

“You’re all useless,” Law groaned. “I need friends who have already been through this.”

“I have friends who have already been through this. Want me to make some introductions?” Q grinned. “You could also ask Olivia. You’re friends with her.”

“I’m still not exactly sure what you’re asking us for. Permission? Help with picking out the ring?” Connor shrugged one massive shoulder. “I think you two are good together and will end up married to her, so why not sooner rather than later?”

“Not everyone is as eager to jump into a lifelong relationship as you are,” Asad drawled.

Connor blushed. Well, that was interesting. Q hadn’t known Connor’s thoughts were trending that way. He didn’t seem to be dating anyone.

“I agree with Connor,” Q said, taking some of the attention off the other man. “As long as you’ve at least talked to Iris about it. Or did you want to do a big surprise?”

“We’ve talked about it,” Law confirmed, which didn’t surprise Q.

Law was a methodical planner that rarely made a decision without thinking it all the way through. Chances were, in this case, he was overthinking things because of that.

“In a general kind of way. Like, saying ‘when we’re married’ or ‘in a few years’ or talking about how we’d want to raise our kids.”

Asad shuddered dramatically. The rest of them ignored him.

“Sounds like you’re ready,” Q said, Connor nodding to back him up. “If I was talking that way with a woman, I know I’d be figuring out when to propose.”

“Hey, you might be closer than you think,” Asad teased, glancing at Q before looking at Law. “You missed seeing him and Sam all cuddled up at Stronghold last week.”

Heat suffused Q’s cheeks. Before he could deny it, Law was already chuckling and answering.

“Oh, trust me, I’m not missing anything. I get to see them in class on Mondays. They have more chemistry than anyone else in the room, except maybe Steve and Master Eric.” Law’s grin widened as Q sank back in his chair a little. Thankfully, his skin never showed much of a blush, but he still felt it. “I thought I might have to worry about you two, but things seem to be going well.”