Page 129 of Serpent In White

The sexy lake fun with Drake got me a couple hours of rest. I ended up passing out on the chaise on my back patio, in only my sweatpants, using a towel as a blanket. Not that it’s cold outside or anything, but when I opened my eyes to Gina staring at me like I’m insane, it occurred to me that I probably should have made the extra ten steps inside the house.

The sun is up over the lake as I get out of the shower and get dressed, going to the kitchen for some tea and maybe a piece of fruit or something. I’m really still on edge. Last night helped, but sex with Drake always ends up feeling like a backslide. We don’t get anywhere.

Maybe we’re meant to just be fuck buddies. But that doesn’t make sense, because I’m in love with him. Plus, he’s my brother. Add Abdiel to the mix and I’m back to square one with my confusion.

I hear Gina coming and try to pull a mildly less despondent face, though it’s not really working. I kind of feel like everyone knows there’s something up with me, but it could just be the insecurities that come with a need for more Empyrean.

Her thoughts are faint as she brings a basket of strawberries up to the counter and begins separating them to wash. She’s worried about Abdiel. She wishes she knew when he was coming back.

You and me both, girl.

Bringing the mug of tea to my lips, I sip slowly while I watch her. I wonder what she would think about me being in love with her adopted son. Would she hate me? Would she think I’m a creep for being much older than him?

Would she ever condone our relationship? If I wanted to divorce my wives and marry Abdiel, would she and Paul give us their blessing?

My stomach is in knots. I’ve completely lost my appetite, and I’m even more worried now than I was yesterday.

“Are you alright, sir?” Gina grumbles, pulling me out of my head.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” I blink.

“Because you’re just standing there, staring at me.” She drops a berry into the basket and turns to face me.

My mouth opens, stunned at the brazen attitude she’s giving me. People rarely talk to me like that, except Drake, obviously. Sure, I’ve known Gina for a long time, but still. I’m taken aback.

Does she know something? Has she picked up on the way Abdiel and I have been looking at each other? Did she see us together?

I straighten and resurge my confidence as Head Priest, folding my arms over my chest. “Is everything alright withyou, Gina? Why are you being so short with me this morning?”

She glares at me for only a moment longer before her shoulders slump and she sighs, rubbing her eyes with her fingers. “I’m so sorry, Head Priest. I’m just… very worried about Abdiel. It’s not like him to go off by himself like this, and well… you know about the mountain. After his parents and everything, I’m just…” Her forehead lines in duress I can feel in my gut. “I want him home.”

Me, too.

“He’s a very strong boy.Man,” I correct myself, clearing my throat. “He’s smart, and he knows what he’s doing. I’m sure he’s fine, and I’m sure he’ll be back very soon with some stories for us.”

I wink at her, and she smiles, chuckling and nodding along. “You’re right.”

Taking my mug of tea, I pat her shoulder, picking a strawberry out of the basket and popping it into my mouth on my way out of the kitchen. I leave out the front and walk to the far end of the porch, watching as everyone prepares for work, beginning their days.

Some commotion trickles down my way. I see a few people rushing around up the trail, and then I hear a faint thought that sends my heart into my throat.

Abdiel’s back!

I heard it, and before I can even process what’s happening, I’m diving off the porch, ready to run to where he is. But I stop myself.

Fear of how it would look stops me.

My fingers flutter at my sides while I pace back and forth.He’ll come to me first, right? He has to, he lives over here.

I’m dying to rush to him, pull him into my arms and kiss all the breath out of his lungs, but I can’t and it fuckingsucks. I hate keeping this a secret. I’ve hated it with Drake for all these years, though I understand why it’s necessary. And Drake doesn’t want anything out in the open; he’s made that abundantly clear.

But Abdiel is different. He deserves arealrelationship. He deserves a King, not a sordid affair.

Pacing the porch for what feels like hours, I’m so antsy I could fall down, and I’m so excited to see my prince, I could physically implode.

What I’m not prepared for, however, is the parade of drama he’s seemingly brought back with him.

I finally spot Abdiel, strolling down the path toward housing, smiling, as usual. But with a strange girl by his side.