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His touch lights a fire in me, and my sex aches with need as his fingers dip lower.

He slides into me, one then two fingers, his other arm latched around my waist, holding me against the wall as he works me into a frenzy of scorching desire. I ride his hand, thrusting against his palm as I sink my teeth into his flexed neck.

“I want you to come,” he whispers. “I want you to come for me.”

My body obeys his command, trembling and tightening under him, his thrusting unrelenting as he coaxes my orgasm to greater and greater heights.

Unable to hold myself upright any longer, I slump against his muscular chest, my body limp.

And as satiated as I am, I want more. His fingers are still inside me when Metis pings us. “Marek, you are needed outside. The hunters and foragers are in conflict and require your mediation.”

Both of us moan, his forehead pressing against mine, his cock still hard and throbbing.

His fingers slide out of me, and I curse Metis and her miserable timing.

Marek kisses my forehead and helps me adjust my clothing, a wry--if disappointed--smile on his lips. “I will make this up to you. Da?”

I nod. “Da.”

He nods. “While I handle this, please, make this your home. Gather your belongings and move in. We are as one now. You and I. I have already had Metis add your palm print to the scanner. Welcome home, Dr. Azalea Clark.”

My heart swells and I almost cry at how happy I am as he kisses me deeply, then heads out.

I am breathless, still wobbly, as I slump into the couch and look around. Marek’s quarters are much more humble than the others I’ve seen. Less bling, more practical and functional. I prefer it, though it could use some softer touches to help it feel more inviting.

I head back to my suite, ready to pack and tell Robert about my decision. I still haven’t told him about Marek. Robert and Ivan were asleep when I found them together. The time didn’t feel right. Now… Now feels right.

I’m no longer the ball of nerves I was this morning.

I’m ready.

When I step into my suite, I see Robert sitting in front of the electric fireplace, nursing a tumbler of whiskey in his hands, a pair of crutches at his side, the artificial logs crackling behind him. The skin under his eyes is dark, his hair is a mess. “I know… I know you saw us.” He speaks softly. Takes another gulp of his drink. “I wasn’t asleep.”

I exhale, surprised, but also grateful he cut straight to it. “I’m not upset,” I say right up front, in case he’s worried. “Not at all.”

He nods. “I hoped you wouldn’t be. I never wanted to hurt you.”

“You didn’t. We were in an impossible situation. It wasn’t anyone’s fault.”

Robert’s entire demeanor relaxes, as if he’s been carrying the stress in his whole body. “I’m relieved to hear you say so. I feel we’ve been tiptoeing around each other this entire journey, neither of us voicing what it’s clear we were both thinking.” He shakes his head, chuckling under his breath. Then he stands and heads for the bar. “Here. Let me get you a drink.”

After a moment, we both settle into the couch, tumblers in hand, and I raise my eyebrow at him. “So… Ivan huh?”

Robert flushes and grins, looking like a much younger version of himself as he does. “It was… unexpected.” He fidgets with his watch–a relic from a time that no longer exists. “I didn’t even know…” He clears his throat. “Sorry, I’m so new to talking about this. I mean, you’re the first person besides Ivan I’ve had this conversation with. Um. I didn’t even know I was attracted to men. At least, I’m attracted to Ivan. Our connection was instant and has grown beyond something I can control. He… feels like home.” Robert pauses, a look on his face I recognize. “I hope that makes sense?”

The liquor warms my blood and softens the edges of what has already been an emotionally overpowering day. “I know exactly how you feel,” I say, my mind caught in a loop of everything Marek since he saved me that first day. Robert said it perfectly. Marek is my home. “There’s something you should know. I also have–”

“I know.” Robert grins. “It’s Marek, isn’t it?”

It’s my turn to blush, my cheeks flaming with heat. “Was it that obvious?”

He shrugs, sounding more casual with me than he ever has. “I spent more time with you than most. We might not have clicked but I still paid attention. We still lived together. I could see it that first day when he rescued you.”

I wonder who else has noticed how close Marek and I are. Astrid. Elspeth. Now Robert. Probably Lana. How many more? I suppose it no longer matters, thank goodness.

“Now what?” I ask.

He finishes off his drink. “I guess… we can finally be honest with each other. All of us. Ivan told Marek earlier today. We didn’t want to keep secrets from you both.”