Page 52 of The Rake OR The Orca Who Met His Match in a Selkie Desiring Revenge

It wasn't as if he'd expressed a desire to be mated and hadn't been successful in his efforts. Further, much of his job hadn't been conducive to having a partner. Of course, he'd had a good time, but it had honestly been out of necessity.

"Speaking of which, I wanted to talk to you about that."

"Oh?"

"Yes. Your life, previously, seemed to have been quite different from the last few weeks or so. If this were long term, you and I, I suppose we should address our expectations on the matter." She stared straight ahead, though she still held his hand.

"That's true enough."

"And so is that something you are eager to return to? Further, I feel we must be realistic about my limitations. I understand we might not have a full sexual relationship because of my ...difficulties. As such, I suppose it is only right that I be prepared to make someaccommodations,though, because they are difficult for me, I'd prefer we set some boundaries in advance."

Aegir stopped and spun her to face him. Her eyes were red, though she'd done an admirable job of keeping her emotion from her voice. He tilted her chin up to face him and caressed her cheek. "You've got a lot going on in that head of yours. I couldn't think of sleeping with anyone else if I tried. In fact, I did try the night after you ran from me. You were stuck in my head, you blasted woman, and I thought I might work it out with some friends of mine."

Elspeth scrunched her nose and turned her head, refusing to meethis eyes.

"I couldn't even leave, Ellie." He turned her face back to him, smiling down at her in hopes she could feel his sincerity. "I couldn't muster up desire foranyonebut you. I was stuck in my cabin, because that was where you'd been last. I was tortured, desperate only foryou."

He shook his head, amused at the memory and shocked he was sharing it. "Hell, Irubbed my face on the carpetbecause it was where saltwater had dripped from your hair. I don't think you comprehend how fully you've bewitched me, my siren."

Elspeth nodded, but somehow didn't seem as reassured as he'd have liked or expected. "So as far as I am concerned, the discussion can go as follows: I am perfectly happy with how things are going and don't have any needs for anything else. Further, I do not anticipate developing those needs, at any point."

He lifted her up, so that she was level with him, and touched his forehead to hers. "You are more than I ever thought I deserved, more than I ever dared want. I cannot fathom spending any emotion or energy on anyone else that I could spend on you."

"But I'm—"

"The most gorgeous woman I've ever seen? Perfect for me?"

"Broken." She whispered it and pulled back, her eyes darting away.

"Elspeth. I count myself incredibly lucky to be with you, not despite yourdifficulties, but because of them. What was done to you was absolutely horrific. The fact that you are willing to let me help you heal from that? To hold you up when your knees buckle? Toletme love you even though it's scary? It's an honor. You don'thaveto try to work through what was done to you, but you've shown me you want to. And I am incredibly grateful that you trust me enough to help where I can."

"You are?" Her lip quivered, and Aegir couldn't resist kissing it.

"I am. So, so much."

Elspeth sniffled and nodded. "Alright, well, that's alright, I suppose. Me, too."

"You too?"

She nodded, tears blotting out her vision.

"That's my girl," he said, setting her down. "Now, after that monumental discussion, shall we get to the library so you can decide if you'll be breaking my heart?"

She rolled her eyes, but allowed him to lead her in the correct direction. "I imagine if we broke the bond, you would be just fine, but perhaps it's neither here nor there. I think a fair bit of my stress is having the questionhanging over everything. Once we know more, I think everything will be clearer."

"Agreed." He disagreed with her about how heartbroken he'd be, but figured there was little point in fighting about it.

“Aegir,” she said, stopping in the street. “What if itisthe bond?”

“Then, I suppose we will see where we stand.”

She flailed her arms. “Sorry, no I mean,Feann.What if he thinks helovesthe Navigator? On account of the bond. We’re going to kill him and Feann will becrushed.”

That was a problem. Aegir was happily bewitched but if the bond was actually responsible, it would be… difficult for him.

“All the more reason to know for sure.” He clasped her hand in his and began walking again.

The library was relatively close, and they arrived shortly after opening. The edifice of the library had been carved out of the rock of the cavern, with tall, gold gilded doors that were swung open each day. Behind them was a wall of windows two stories high with glass doors set into their bottom. Elspeth gasped when they approached, clearly taken aback by how beautiful it was.