Page 103 of Taste of Thorns

Now, I’m wondering if that has given Beaufort the opportunity to reconnect with his old girlfriend.

“I’m not sure I’m ready,” I say. Yesterday, I was ready. Since hearing this information about Beaufort, I’m unsettled and less sure about everything. Especially now he’s in Onyx and didn’t even come to say goodbye.

“It’s too unsafe to remain here,” Dray says in a manner that suggests he won’t be brokering any arguments.

“Dray, I really don’t think I can.” If Beaufort really is cheating on me, moving in with him and his bond brothers would be the most stupid act in the history of stupid acts.

“Why not?” he challenges.

“Beaufort–”

“We’ve been over that. People are idiots – especially most of the people here. I know you find it hard, Kitten, but you gotto start trusting us. Otherwise this thing between us, whether destined by fate or not, is fucking doomed.”

He’s right.

“Fine,” I say, folding my arms over my chest. “But, if I’m going to move in with you, there have to be some conditions.”

“Shoot,” Dray says, arms back around me, hands resting on my backside.

“I will continue to eat my meals in the canteen.”

“Seriously?”

“I like the food there.”

“Because you have bad taste,” he mutters.

“Must do,” I snap back, “if I’m dating you.”

“Touché, little Kitten.” Dray chuckles. “What are the other ones?”

“My friends will be visiting the tower and hanging out with me in my room – when they do, you’re all banished unless I invite you to join us.”

“But that won’t be every day, will it?” Dray says, disappointed.

“Most days,” I chime. “You’ll need to respect my privacy. Just because it’s your tower, doesn’t mean you can walk into my room whenever you like.”

“Humph,” Dray says in a sulk.

“And if it’s not working out, I get to move back and you won’t stop me.”

“It’s gonna work out,” he says confidently, standing there in absolutely no clothing.

“You don’t know that.”

“Yeah, I do.”

He marches inside my tower and I follow after.

I offer him some clothing and he considers a pair of my panties with a mischievous smirk on his face, but it’s clear there is no way they will fit him. In the end, he opts to remain nakedand I suspect he likes it, especially as it gives him a chance to show off his very honed physique.

Five minutes later, we’ve packed up my meager belongings.

“Now you’re gonna have more room,” Dray says, swinging the one bag we’ve packed up onto his shoulder, “we can have the rest of your stuff sent from home.”

I snort. “This is all I have and there isn't anyone to send anything anyway.”

“This is all you have?”