Page 7 of Her Males

Silas nods. “Slow,” he repeats.

I climb off Gray’s lap and sit on the other side of the couch, and Silas stares at Gray for a moment longer before returning to his chair.

“I’m glad we have that settled!” Gray says, his eyes flickering excitedly between Silas and me. “I would like all three of us to share a bed. Starting tonight.”

Silas snorts.

It’s not the most enthusiastic response, but Gray doesn’t seem to care. I do have to admit I like the idea of all three of us sleeping together. I’ve grown comfortable with having Gray by my side, and I enjoyed the one night I shared a bed with Silas.

“What happened between you and Aziel?” Silas asks the incubus.

Gray’s been avoiding the topic, and he seems to shrink in on himself before he abruptly stiffens and returns to his relaxed posture. His initial reaction has already given him away, though, and I can’t help but feel concerned.

I bring my finger to my mouth, ready to chew at the skin, before dropping it into my lap when Silas snaps his head toward me with a subtle shake. He turns back to Gray a moment later, still waiting for an answer.

Gray’s throat bobs as he gulps. “We’ve agreed to part ways,” he finally says.

I still.

What does he mean they decided topart ways? They’re already bonded, and from what I’ve been told, that means they’re going to be connected for the rest of their lives.

“I don’t understand,” I admit.

Gray sighs and glances at the small coffee table between us. It’s bare, but he stares at it like it’s the most interesting thing in the world.

“We’ll always be bonded, but we aren’t going to honor it. We won’t share,” he explains, his eyes moistening. “I want you, Charlie.”

My bottom lip wobbles, and I bite it to keep it steady as I absorb that information. I hate being the reason for this wedge between them, but I can’t lie and say I’m not relieved.

The thought of someday being bonded with Gray is surreal, and it fills my stomach with butterflies.

“I love you,” I say.

Gray lunges, and I dissolve into a fit of laughter as he tries and fails to tickle me. Even Silas seems to enjoy watching Gray jab his fingers into my ribcage, and it takes a good five minutes before I’m able to pry the prodding fingers away and make an escape.

3

_____

CHARLOTTE

I MAKE IT only two steps into my bedroom before my door flies open and Gray saunters inside. He looks awfully proud of himself as he struts into my space, and I raise a brow before turning and heading into my closet.

“Can I sleep with you tonight?” he asks.

I resist the urge to laugh.

“I believe you already declared your plans to sleep with Silas and me tonight.”

My lips purse as I peer at my pajama options. What should I wear to bed? I’ve taken to wearing the slinky outfits Gray purchased, but they feel inappropriate if Silas is joining us. I don’t want to send the wrong message—not that I know exactly what message I want to send in the first place.

I’m not against being intimate with the two, but I don’t want them to think I’m expecting it. They both kissed me this afternoon, but for all I know, that may be as far as they wish to go right now.Fuck.Silas technically didn’t even agree to sleep with us.

He didn’t argue when Gray made his announcement, but that doesn’t mean he intends to join us.

I sink my teeth into my bottom lip, suddenly anxious. I hope he comes. I’ve been thinking about it all day, and I’m sure even my tutor, Rock, could tell my mind wasn’t on my studies.

Everything he said went in one ear and out the other.