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I stirred restlessly in my chair. “So, explain what you’re saying exactly, and tell me the truth. Do you have this mating bond thing for me?”

“Yes, Rylan. I do.”

“You could have just talked to me, you know. Just told me what was going on.”

“Yes, I know. I should have. Can you forgive me for not doing that? I didn’t fully understand myself and I was upset. I’m really sorry. You wouldn’t have been hurt if I hadn’t taken you onboard my ship.”

“That’s very true. You really do have a lot to make up to me.”

He nodded, looking down at my hand that he was still holding.

“I know. I’d like a chance to try, if you’ll give it to me.”

“Well then…what are you going to do about it?”

He looked up in surprise and stared at me for a moment.

“Well?”

“I-I’d like to make an offer for you to your father, if you’ll agree. I mean, I’m going to. If you say yes.”

“What does that mean,make anoffer for me?”

“Ask your father for a marriage contract on you.”

It was my turn to look surprised. I barely knew him, but that was often the way with royalty and arranged marriages. There had been talk of arranging one for me for a couple of years now, though nothing seriously. An arranged marriage was sort of what this was like, in a way, I supposed. In an odd kind of way. And then there was the fact that I was wildly attracted to him.

“I have to tell you, though,” he said, as I hesitated. “I don’t think I’ll be able to take no for an answer. If your father refuses, that is.”

“Why are you trying to ruin this for me?”

“I’m not. I just wanted you to know this bond is really strong. If your father denies my offer, I’ll-I’ll just…” He lowered his head and mumbled something under his breath.

“What was that? What did you say there at the end?”

He looked up and shrugged. “I’d keep you here anyway.”

I think my mouth must have fallen open. Was he serious? It seemed as if he was.

“Oh really? You will, huh? Just keep me anyway, like some kind of puppy.”

He blinked at me a few times. “Maybe. I’m not sure what that is.”

“You’d just keep me without benefit of marriage? Is that what you think of me?”

“I couldn’t possibly think more highly of you, Rylan. Surely you know that. And I’d still marry you regardless.”

“Regardless of whatIsay?”

His shoulders slumped. “I really hope it doesn’t come to that. But I don’t think it would make much difference what you say, to tell the truth. That’s how strong this mate bond is.”

“I see. So, in your mind, this is pretty much a done deal?”

“A what?”

“Athing that has already been decided before those of us affected by it even hear about it, leaving us with no optionwhatsoeverbut to just fucking accept it! Even though I barely know you at all.”

“Oh.” He seemed to think about it and then nodded. “Yes, that does sound like it.”