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“Agreed.” Alex shivered, leaning back into the sofa. If she’d seen something disturbing from Vivian’s past, that was her own fault. “Still, I only needed to skim the surface to confirm you’re soulmates.”

“If you believe in that kind of thing,” Vivian scoffed. After all, it was their synchronized hearts that had run Liam off to begin with. Finding your soulmate was supposed to bring couples together.

“Whether you believe it or not, it’s obvious you have tender feelings for him.”

Vivian narrowed her eyes. “Careful, my darling. You’re no longer skimming.”

“Liam feels the same. He’s just too stubborn to admit it to you.”

Vivian ignored the warm tingle of pleasure coursing through her. “You do realize, with Liam and I mated, there’s no need to play matchmaker.”

“Isn’t there?” Alex countered, growing more assertive. “Whereas Liam is steadfast about maintaining his freedom, with you, he doesn’t feel trapped. Perhaps because you’re a confident and independent woman yourself. He sees you as his equal.”

Before Viv could scoff at her observation, Alex leaned closer as if poking deeper into Vivian’s psyche. “I believe Liam’s showing you what it truly means to be free, and it scares the hell out of you because you like it. You like not being in control for once. You’re tired of the role you’ve been playing. With Liam, you can let go, be yourself. Sure, it might have taken a while, both of you getting lost along the way. How ever it came about, you’re mated now. It’s past time you accept the fact the two of you were destined to be together.”

Before Liam came back into her life, Vivian had forgotten what it felt like to have the wind in her hair. To step outside her carefully erected walls and be reckless and wild.

Scores of men were hunting her. She was on the run, in danger—and she’d never felt more alive. Yes, she wanted more of that feeling. More of Liam. While they hadn’t discussed their future, she was beginning to think of herself as his Bride.

None of that was Alex’s business.

Time to turn the tables on the little know-it-all. “Things with you and Jericho seemed a bit tense earlier. And don’t insult me by blaming it on cabin fever.”

Alex frowned, and Vivian fought the urge to cackle and rub her hands in glee. Not so fun to be on the receiving end, was it?

“Jericho’s so paranoid,” Alex huffed. “I haven’t seen another soul in weeks.”

No wonder the poor dear had clung to Liam as though he were a life raft. “It is awfully isolated up here.”

“That’s the idea. Jericho wanted to give me a chance to adjust to my new skills before word of my existence got out.”

“Seems reasonable.”

“I guess. Before my transition, Jericho was a devoted member of Victor Custodis’ guard. He spent all his time training and working. Now that he’s taken a leave of absence, he’s turned that same focus to my training.”

“I sense a but.”Ha!The little twit wasn’t the only one with abilities.

“But all we do is train,” Alex whined, her voice rising with frustration. “Every day, he expects me to meditate for hours on end, then we work until the sun sets. He says he fears something big is coming, and he wants me to be ready. In the evening, we read, drink tea, stare at the fire, then go to bed. We haven’t made love in over a week,” she grumbled. “Lately, he treats me more like a project than his cherished Bride.”

Vivian tapped her finger against her chin. “Hmm, this is a problem.” After all, a gorgeous male like Jericho shouldn’t go to waste. He reminded her of a powerful jungle cat with his prowling gait and sleek muscles. She’d long admired his bronze skin, high cheekbones, and smoldering whiskey eyes. Then there was that glossy black hair of his that made a woman want to run her fingers through its length.

“Seduce him,” she suggested. “Remind him you’re still the woman he fell in love with.”

Alex snorted a laugh. When Vivian didn’t return her humor, Alex rounded her eyes. “Oh, wow. You’re serious.”

“As you may already know from poking around in my brain”—Vivian’s tone turned censorious—“when Liam and I first met, I was working as a burlesque dancer. Lucky for you, I’m an expert on the subject.”

“I read your most prevalent emotions, not your full bio,” Alex defended. “No offense, but your meeting Liam in a strip club makes a certain kind of sense.” She choked a laugh. “No wonder you're both so perfect for each other.”

Vivian set her mug on the side table, tossed her blanket aside, and levered to her feet. Once free of the sweater Alex loaned her, she smoothed her thermal jumpsuit over her hips and wiggled her fingers. “Come. I’ll show you some of my trademark moves.”

Dove used to beg her to teach her to dance. At the time, Vivian had been too afraid to reconnect with that part of herself. She’d been a fool for not training Dove when she had the chance.

“You’re going to teach me to strip?” Alex was slow to join her. Still, the gleam in her eyes said she was intrigued.

Vivian pressed her hand over her heart, saying in a solemn tone, “Only if you swear to take these secrets to your grave.”

Alex tucked her thumb into the waistband of her flannel pants and pulled. “I really don’t think either one of us is dressed for this. I mean, come on, you’re wearing long johns, for goodness’ sake.”