Page 87 of The Retreat

“I gave him his pills.”

“I had an alarm set. I would have taken them. I’ve been great about it!”

“Love is making you take care of your mental health.” Colin army crawls over to the edge of the bed. “We care about you.”

“Maybe love me less.” I smile at him, not serious.

“You don’t tell Oliver to love you less.”

“No one tells Oliver anything.” I open my eyes, flicking them over at my brother. “And even if they did, he wouldn’t listen.” I shoot my brother a grin. “The more he likes you, the worse he gets. He’s just mean when he doesn’t like you, but if he loves you, he’s really mean.”

Oliver’s mouth forms a line. “It’s for your own good.”

“How many times have I heard that?” I extend my hand.

Oliver takes it, helping me up. “As many as you need to, and you’ll like it.”

I give him a hug. “Look at how hard your love is.”

Colin grumbles. “You could love me harder…”

“What was that?” I ask with a knowing smirk.

“He means with your dick,” Oliver says.

“That’s not what marriage is about.” I meet Colin’s eyes, barely holding back my laugh. “Dick isn’t fixing anything.”

Colin shakes his head, clearly catching onto my joke. “You mean I’m not getting the magic dick to fix me?”

“My dick didn’t get us here, husband.” I give a little laugh, but hopefully not enough to give myself away to my brother. I knew he’d find out eventually, but right now it’s only mine.

Oliver pretends to gag. “Maybe not your dick…” He lightly slaps my cheek, winking at Colin. “His innocence never gets old, does it?”

Colin’s eyes snap to Oliver’s.

I’m not sure what I’m missing. I’d have to ask Colin later.

“I need to get dressed.” I look at Oliver.

He glances at Colin. “He can stay, but I can’t.”

“We are married, and he sees me naked all the time.”

Oliver gasps, which is shocking. I rarely catch him by surprise. “Why?”

“We live together.” The warmth in the center of my chest from the secret. I’ve never had something that was just between someone else and me, and I like it. I want to keep it to myself a little longer. It feels special.

Colin stands up and puts his hands on his hips. “And we’re married.” His grin made the warmth in my chest bloom even brighter.

“Gods.” Oliver lifts his hand to block Colin. “I’ll meet you at the arena.” He leaves without ceremony, and I’m sure I’ll hear about it later, but right now I have other pressing needs.

I turn on Colin.

“Too much?” he asks. “I’m sorry.”

I cross the room without a word, wrapping my hand around his throat. “No apologizing.” I rub my thumb over his artery.

“Are you mad?” Colin asks, lifting a brow.