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“I create,” Ria answered at once. “My father shows me a design and provides a rough framework. Then I form it into what it’s supposed to be. If I can get a hint of what the customer wants from their mind, I can do a more accurate job. His clothes would be average otherwise.”

Mehl couldn’t keep himself from chuckling as the problem became clear. “It was an accident.”

The horror that spread across Toren’s face erased the hint of humor Mehl had felt. He didn’t need to link minds to understand what was bothering Toren. Twin problems, really. He’d made a serious accusation against the future mother of their child almost immediately after spilling himself inside her. But more—if she couldn’t control the impulse, what would happen the next time they made love?

Not that the second was guaranteed after the first.

“I am sorry, Ria,” Toren said, his expression turning grave. “You are correct. I deserved your blow.”

Mehl rocked back on his heels at the confession. Did she know how rare that was coming from Toren? Would it matter? They’d made an oath to begin the contract, but the contract could be broken. With Toren’s concession, she could sever the agreement and leave at once, child or no. Unfortunately, he didn’t know her well enough to guess what she would do.

Though at the moment she appeared more confused than anything.

“What does it signify if our magics streamed together temporarily?” she asked. “It wasn’t overly different from the testing you performed on me except that King Mehl was also involved. We didn’t join, so there was no harm.”

Mehl startled at the brief but shattered glance Toren gave him. Was Toren still upset that he’d called her a traitor, or was it something more?

“We could have,” Toren whispered. “It was a near thing. And to link like that with me would no doubt destroy you both. You might be able to bear the testing, but…”

Ria took a step back. “I didn’t realize I’d almost done that. I swear. But I don’t think your magic would have hurt me.”

“Because I didn’t give it free rein.” With a few sharp motions, Toren straightened his clothes and marched over to grab his formal robe. “We play a dangerous game.”

Mehl’s muscles clenched at the cold reserve that entered Toren’s tone. Surely, he wouldn’t send Ria away. There was no logic to it, but Mehl had been drawn to her from the moment she stepped into their dressing room the night before. He was certainly no less so after being inside her body, if only her mouth.

Toren held his heart and his loyalty, and Mehl would abide by his husband’s decree if he truly believed the risk was too great. But that didn’t mean Mehl would be happy about it.

Chapter9

Sealing the Deal

Vibrating with power he could barely contain, Toren donned his formal robe as he fought to regain full control. He should summon one of his servants to guide Ria to a guest room, where she could stay in safety until they determined whether she’d conceived from their recklessness. He could have Mehl tie him to the bed if need be—one of the rare times Toren would ever allow that—while they waited. Anything to prevent himself from being tempted.

But he wouldn’t.

Toren cursed beneath his breath at his own possessive nature. Ria was theirs now, and he could no more bear to release her than he could Mehl. Which was a problem in more ways than one. She wanted freedom from her father, not one more chain binding her where she didn’t wish to be. And that potential link… Gods. He could never release the bulk of his power upon them like that. Neither Mehl nor Ria were likely to survive.

Still, he wouldn’t let her go.

“Get yourself presentable, Mehl,” Toren grumbled, his tightening throat making the words nearly impossible to say. “We have a contract to sign.”

Mehl’s brows lifted in shock. “I thought…”

“We’ll have to find a way to mitigate the danger.”

Toren glanced at Ria, and a hint of softness curled through him at the way she stood, her arms crossed uncertainly. A rush of pride joined the tenderness at the memory of her striking him. Despite all she’d been through, she would not back down to injustice. Her beauty hid a will he couldn’t wait to see turned on him in more…pleasurable ways.

“I know not to do that again,” Ria said softly. “But you needn’t be polite about the contract if you have changed your mind. I’m sure I can travel far before my father is released.”

A bark of laughter slipped through Toren’s lips. “I am hardly known for my immense politeness. Unless you have new objections, I’ll hold you to your earlier vow. You are ours.”

Her mouth slipped open on a soft “Oh,” reminding him of how she’d looked with her mouth around Mehl’s cock. Instantly, he went hard. If not for the multitude of formalities awaiting them, Toren would drag them both to his bedchamber at once. But he would leave nothing else to chance. They’d made their oaths, but they hadn’t sealed them. He would not let her slip away if he could help it.

“Well?” Toren demanded, lifting a brow.

Ria’s arms dropped to her sides. “Very well. Let’s complete the contract, then.”

* * *