Page 122 of Line of Sight

Brick stared at him. “Excuse me? This involves you too. Both of you will be seeing someone.”

“But we don’tneedto talk to anyone,” Aric protested. “We can talk to you.”

“What he said,” Seth added.

Brick pulled him closer. “Sweetheart, you’re more than welcome to talk to me. Anytime. But I’m not a professional. I’m more of a kill first, ask questions later kinda guy. You need someone who can empathize with you. And I’m not big on empathy.”

“This is such bullshit,” Aric muttered. “I won’t need therapy.”

“And yet you’re gonna do it, and you’ll go into it with an open mind.”

“Why?” he demanded.

Brick slid a finger over Aric’s cheek. “Honestly? Because I think the real you is hidden beneath all this stuff you’ve been dealing with.” He kissed the tip of Aric’s nose. “I love you, and I’ll love you even more once the rest of you shines through.”

Aric knew when to give up a fight. Then he realized he could play this game as well as Brick could. “Then you’re going with us.” He folded his arms. “And like you said, this is nonnegotiable.”

Brick smirked. “Or what?”

Aric gave him what he hoped was a suitably smug smile. “Or we won’t put out.”

“Considering we have yet to do anything, that sounds like cutting off your nose to spite your face.” Brick drew himself up to his full—and very impressive—height. “Don’t forget who’s in charge here.”

Aric could fight dirty too.

“And don’tyouforget you’re not alone. We need you, just like you need us. It’s ridiculous for you to think you can get through this alone.” He batted his eyes. “Please, Brick? Do it for us?”

“Please, Brick,” Seth added.

Aric could sense the battle of emotions taking place inside his mate. Finally Brick sighed. “Fine. But if I agree to this, what’s in it for me?”

Aric arched his eyebrows. “Two very happy mates. What more do you need?”

He could see the moment Brick relented. Brick pulled them both close. “Okay, but I want sex. Lots of it.”

Aric grinned. “Whenever, wherever. Just say the word.”

Brick gave a satisfied smile. “Then we’ll go together. How does that sound?”

Seth chuckled. “Like I want to be home to collect on a blowjob reward. When do we leave this place?”

Aric closed his eyes and breathed in the heavenly scent of his mate. Then he caught the tail end of a thought.

“Wait a minute. You said Horvan and Aelryn had a mission to plan.Whatmission?”