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Mehl sagged in relief, but Toren’s lips twisted up in a wicked smile. “Truly? I hope you’re willing to prove it.”

* * *

Toren’s smilewidened at Ria’s confounded expression. In spite of her life experiences, there was a sweet innocence to her. Perhaps it was her relative youth, for although she was an adult by their standards, she was a young one. She hadn’t spent centuries dodging the innuendo and intrigue of court like he had.

“I assume I can prove my intent clearly enough by signing a contract,” Ria said.

“That you will,” Toren agreed. “But that isn’t what I had in mind at the moment.”

Her breathing hitched. “Indeed?”

“Hmm.” In a quick motion, Toren grabbed Mehl’s hand and tugged him close. Toren kissed his husband long and deep, and his body went impossibly hard at the thought of Ria watching them. When he pulled back to look at her, his breath came in sharp pants. “First I should know… Does that bother you?”

Her eyes were wide, but the pulse at her neck throbbed a frantic beat. “Ah. No. Feel free to continue.”

Beside him, Mehl chuckled, and Toren found his own lips curling up in another smile despite being almost painfully aroused. He released Mehl and spanned the short distance between him and Ria. She twitched at the rapid movement, and he froze, remembering suddenly the abuse she had suffered.

“I’m afraid I might be too forceful for you, Ria,” Toren said softly.

“My father never did anything likethat,” she replied, her face going red. “I think I could tolerate some level of assertiveness, so long as there’s no…no hitting.”

He curled his fingers over her shoulder, his thumb caressing the delicate skin at the base of her neck. “You will tell me at once if I go too far. Never hesitate to tell me to stop. If I should be too lost in my power to hear, Mehl will ensure I comply.”

His heart pounded as she stared at him, and for the life of him, he couldn’t define why her answer mattered so much. This was temporary. As soon as she was pregnant, she would no doubt flee to her own suite of rooms and see them as rarely as possible. He was happily married—what need had he of more than momentary acceptance?

When she nodded, he told himself the relief he felt was born of convenience. They wouldn’t have to search for another woman to bear their child. That was all. But he couldn’t resist drawing her against him and stooping down to capture her mouth with his. Her sweet, honeyed taste hit his tongue, and he devoured. Mehl’s lips brushed against the back of his neck at the same time, drawing out a moan, as he pressed his hard body against Toren’s back. Mehl curled his arm around Toren to caress Ria’s waist, and Toren’s own skin burned.

Didn’t know it was possible to want to be inside two people at the same time.

Ria pressed closer, her breasts rubbing against his chest, and she wrapped her arms around his waist, right over Mehl’s. Already, the control Toren held over his magic thinned, and they hadn’t even shed their clothes. But they wouldn’t have to for him to take her, and both of his mates could withstand his power.

With a low growl, Toren gripped Ria’s thighs and lifted her against him, her heated core landing directly over his cock. Mehl eased back, and Toren started across the room, heading for the pair of plain wooden thrones on the far end. They sat high enough off the ground that he could take her there. Mehl would probably only be able to reach her breasts, but he was a creative lover. He would figure out a way to participate.

Toren sat her down on the cool wood and shoved her skirts up to her waist. She gasped in surprise, but she widened her legs, sending another wave of heat directly to his cock. Still, he paused to meet her eyes. “The contract will be a mere formality after this. Allow me to take you now, and you’re mine.”

Her eyebrows rose. “For how long?”

The word “forever” almost slipped from his lips, but that was foolishness. “The duration of our contract, of course.”

She took a long, shaky breath—and nodded.

His husband came into view as he stopped beside the throne, exchanging a heated glance with Toren before trailing his fingers down Ria’s arm. She shivered, and Toren smiled. This would be perfect. The only possible problem was the angle.

“Mehl,” Toren commanded. “Sit and hold her on your lap. That should give us enough height.”

Before Ria could stand, Mehl scooped her up and sat. She froze for a second, a flush rising up her neck, and then parted her legs once more. The blood pounded in Toren’s ears as he stopped to stare at the sight of the two of them splayed on his throne.

Private court meetings would never be the same.

With an impatient tug, Toren loosened the bindings on his court robe and let it drop, leaving him in only a thin tunic and loose pants. He stepped over the puddle of fabric, only to pause again at Ria’s wince. But she wasn’t looking at him. Her frown was focused on the robe he’d left on the floor.

“That fabric could buy a small kingdom,” she muttered. “You can’t just…”

Mehl’s laugh rang out. “Better pick up after yourself, beloved.”

The mood might have been ruined by having to arrange his robe carefully across Mehl’s throne—except Mehl rewarded them all by tucking Ria’s skirts up around her waist and slipping his finger into the slit in her underclothes. She twitched and let out a startled cry, her head falling back against Mehl’s chest as Toren returned to stand in front of them.

That delicious image had Toren’s plan changing. Instead of preparing her himself, he let Mehl’s talented fingers do the trick. Her soft moans began to echo around them, and Toren slid down her bodice, freeing her breasts. Usually, they weren’t his favorite feature, but he found himself leaning down to tug one nipple into his mouth.