Page 80 of Tears of Gold

“Since w-when can you . . . read essence?” Erritt whispers against my mouth, his hands dropping to my waist.

I twitch, coming back to my own senses. “Um, since right now, I think?”

He draws back and smiles. Once again, the dazzle blinds me. “You feel stronger than the first time I met you. Looks like Skye’s training is . . . paying off. When I’m feeling a bit better, I’ll . . . teach you what I can as well.” His arms tighten momentarily around my waist.

“I’d like that,” I murmur. I’m chest to chest with the second guy I’ve kissed today, and I’m not even flinching. Go figure.

He licks his lower lip. “And I’m sorry. For all the . . . stress I’ve caused you.”

Erritt apologizing to me definitely takes some getting used to, but he’s not the only one here with issues.

“I’m a criminal.”

He nods, silent for a few moments. I appreciate him thinking it over.

“And I’m a brute who beat up his best friend for years for the sake of public display.”

I snort. “Guess we’re both kinda fucked up.”

“Ava managed to forgive us.”

I’m unsure what the right words are, so I lean into him and kiss him again—seems like a pretty decent alternative to communication around here, especially since these two guys can read so much from touch.

And maybe I can too?

He hugs me close, then steps back and presents me to Ava. My mouth dries, and butterflies dance in my stomach.

Is this really happening?

Chapter Twenty-Five

Ava

Shivers that have nothing to do with the cool water run up and down my skin as Harper and Erritt lock lips. I thought it was a difficult test Skye set for Harper when we discussed it a few days ago, but his reasons made sense.

My prince and dragon have a lot of shared history—and complete trust for each other—built over years. Adding Harper only works if we all trust each other entirely. Especially considering Erritt is very touchy-feely, and Skye can be a little aggressive in bed.

For a moment, it looked like Harper wouldn’t kiss Erritt and my heart faltered. It was so hard waiting for Vanrey to leave, knowing Skye was going to ask Harper today. Watching the bracelet that bound his freedom fly through the air suddenly made me realize that my rogue might choose to leave and my throat had frozen at the idea. But then Harper looked at me, and I saw in his face that he would do anything to be with me.

My stomach turns upside down as Harper walks my way. Skye removes his arm, kisses my hair and gives me a little push. Water splashes as Harper and I wade to each other.

“Are you really okay with this?” I ask.

“Are you?” he asks back.

“Yes.”

“Then yes, I’m okay with anything.” He wraps his arms around my waist and lifts me.

A laugh spills from me as he buries his face in my neck. “Good.”

“You’re beautiful,” he says.

Heat floods through my body at his raw tone.

“Forgive me? For kidnapping you, trying to steal you from them and being an asshole, and running away when things got hard.”

“I already have.”