Page 128 of Adonis

“Did you talk to Austin?” Laurence pipped up, stepping in once more to ease the conversation to calmer waters. Adonis had to admire the skill that Connor’s whelp used to navigate such situations without causing offence. He would do well in court and be an asset to Connor.

“He called,” Connor replied, voice bland. “Apparently, he thought I’d died and has spent the last few weeks drinking himself to death.”

“Can he get drunk?” Nick asked. He glanced at the drink that Connor had given to Adonis. “Even strong spirits affect Adonis, whereas with you…”

“Austin can hardly walk steady after one beer,” Connor answered. “Whatever traits he inherited from the merfolk, sobriety was not one of them.”

“So all the rumours about you going around getting drunk are fake!” Laurence said, giving Nick an arrogant look.

“He can act it well enough,” Sam remarked. “The rumours came from somewhere.”

“Hear that?” Nick looked pointedly at Laurence.

Later in the evening, when the sun had gone down and the group had tired themselves with activity and drinks, Connor leaned against Adonis’s side, watching Trevor approach with beer. Music played, and the others were engaged in animated conversation by the speaker. Adonis had noticed Laurence and Nick squabbling constantly about what songs were played.

Trevor settled next to Connor against the railing. Connor tightened his hand in Adonis’s hair, a warning not to fuss. Adonis obeyed.

“I know you’ve set your heart on going,” Trevor said, his gaze on his quarrelling progeny as Connor’s gaze slipped to him. “And I know there’s nothing I can say that will convince you otherwise.”

Connor tensed in Adonis’ arms. Concern flashed in his mate’s eyes, and Adonis saw the urge to yield in his eyes. His wish to do as his sire bid him was obvious and soured Adonis’s mood.

“I want to get away,” Connor said. “Everything that’s happened, everything I’ve learned—it’s a lot to take in. And I want time to do that away from prying eyes. I don’t mean you. Or Nick. Laurence pries a tad, but I don’t mean him, either. I want a break from the world. I’m somewhat sick of it all at the moment. I’ll come back, Trevor. I promise I will, even if I find paradise over there.”

“Just be safe.”

“Adonis won’t let anything happen to me.”

Trevor’s brown eyes moved to him. Adonis straightened under his gaze, lifting his chin to meet the challenge. “You’re not to let him out of your sight,” Trevor told him.

“Never,” Adonis said. “Together always.”

Connor cast him an amused but pleased look. “There you have it, Trevor. Adonis will be glued to my side. And he wouldn’t bring me at all if he thought there was any danger.”

Trevor seemed ill at ease, but his shoulders slumped in defeat. Adonis’s chest swelled with delight at Connor’s victory.

“I wouldn’t mind half as much if he didn’t look so smug,” Trevor admitted with a groan.

“Enough with the faces, Adonis,” Connor murmured to him.

Adonis buried his face in Connor’s hair to hide his expression. His mate smelled good, and he breathed in deeply.

“I’ll be home before you know it.”

Adonis didn’t whine: Connor had usedthattone. The one meant to soothe and not relay the truth.

When Trevor walked away, Connor turned to Adonis, capturing his lips and departing too quick for Adonis to kiss him back. His eyes shone. “Don’t worry,” he whispered. “I plan to make the most of our time alone… and you have set aside all those books for me. I don’t expect I’ll want to leave the nest you made so skilfully anytime soon…”

Adonis shuddered in delight.

Connor’s smile took on a rakish quality. “Do you like that plan?”

“Yes.”

“You and I, together forever…”

“Yes.” Adonis nuzzled Connor’s cheek, and Connor sunk his fingers into his hair. “Forever.”