Page 82 of Third Offense

“But he’s not replacing Auricoryou.”

“I know.”

My eyebrow inched upward. “Then why ask me if I want him?”

“Because I need to know your feelings so I can prepare.”

“For what?”

“The possibility of our mate-circle expanding,” he answered bluntly, making me gape at him again.

“You… you would… be okay with that?”

He grunted. “No. I would not. But I would learn how to deal with it. For you.”

My heart skipped a beat in my chest, his words turning my world upside down. “You… you would?”

His chin dipped, his palm cupping my cheek. “I would do anything for you,” he reiterated, his lips whispering across mine. “Including stripping you down and fucking you in the shower. Right now. If it’ll make you feel better.”

My lips twitched a little. “That sounds like something that’ll makeyoufeel better.”

“So we’re agreed?” he asked, his palm sliding to the back of my neck.

I almost said yes.

But thoughts of Auric still lingered in my mind.

As well as Ketos.

And Novak’s revelations about Ketos.

My throat worked as I tried to swallow. “Auric…”

“Will come around,” Novak promised. “And if he doesn’t, I’ll make him.”

I swallowed, nodding against him.

Then I let him disrobe me and pull me into the shower.

But we didn’t fuck.

Instead, we washed each other and let our hands do all the talking. Which was just like Novak—his silent communications shouting so much louder than words.

He was telling me with each stroke of his fingers that he would never leave me, that he would worship me, that he would be there forever and always.

Every gentle kiss was another whispered vow, telling me he wouldn’t let anything happen to me. He would protect me. He would forever guard my heart.

Which meant he truly would ensure Auric came back. That he didn’t leave us. That he’d make sure I had a chance to tell Auric he was irreplaceable.

And with every stroke of my own fingertips against Novak’s muscular form, I drew symbols and words of love. Letters only he could understand. A whole new language meant only for us.

We kissed.

We petted.

We cherished.

Until my body was shivering with a need I almost couldn’t deny.