Page 32 of Peyton's Price

It was difficult to make out what he was saying. Her eardrums were vibrating as if her head were going to explode. “I had no idea he was gay. Or that you were…”

Had she been imagining that Matthias wanted to kiss her? What kind of an idiot was she?

Peyton had known for years there was something wrong with her. Only a glutton for punishment would pine for a man like Liam Tyler. But this revelation was it—the proof she was simply wired all wrong and always had been. Not only had she spent most of her life in love with a man who would never love her back, but also the only other man who’d managed to turn her head even a little bit washis lover.

Except—except Liam was marrying Caroline. What the hell was that all about?

Matthias nudged her. “That’s because he’s not gay. And neither am I.”

Peyton’s head drew back, and she stared at him as if he were insane. He took her hand, then brought it to his lips. “Peyton, for some people, life is never that simple.”

Suddenly, he groaned and let her go. “And the fact I want to pick you up and carry you to my stateroom is only making it more complicated.”

“Now I’m really confused,” she said hoarsely.

He moved, settling cross-legged opposite her. His knees almost touched hers, but he was careful to leave a little distance between them. He reached for her hand, but then checked himself as if thinking better of it.

“Peyton, I know what I am. I had the benefit of learning it the hard way. Those painful lessons taught me to never compromise on what I need.” He shrugged. “I want what I want, and it’s to enjoy the pleasure of a man—or a woman—in my bed. Preferably both.”

“Oh.” So he was bisexual. “Err…would that be at the same time?”

The corner of his mouth kicked up. “On occasion.”

Peyton slammed the door on the mental image that popped into her head, but she couldn’t hide the heat across her cheeks. “Isn’t that a bit greedy?” she asked, her voice barely more than a squeak.

“Is that what you sincerely believe?” He risked touching her cheek with his index finger. “Or does this blush mean you find it a bit exciting?”

Tongue-tied, Peyton bit her lip, stalling until she could think. “Just because you are…omnivorous doesn’t mean Liam is.”

Laughing, he swiped his hand down his face. “Omnivorous. I like that. It’s not accurate, but I like it. In reality, there’s a whole spectrum of sexuality, each little wavelength with its own nuance their name or label can’t capture, but I digress.”

He leaned forward. “My point is I’d bet everything I owned on Liam’s true nature being omnivorous, too. Whether he will ever admit it is another story. The man does like to get in his own way sometimes. For your sake, I hope this isn’t one of them, because after meeting you, I sincerely hope you get your happy ending. One of us should.”

She snorted even though it wasn’t funny. “Wishful thinking won’t make it so.”

“Never underestimate the power of positive thought.” He tapped his temple. “I think that’s enough revelations for one night. Tomorrow morning, we dock in Boston Harbor. You’re almost home.”

Peyton’s breath caught, her belly churning once more.

Matthias took her hand, putting it in the crook of his arm. “Let me walk you to your stateroom.”

Still inwardly reeling, Peyton allowed herself to be led. They were halfway to her room when she tightened her grip on his arm. Something he’d said replayed itself in her mind. “So…you think I’m heartbroken over Liam because you are, too?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t go that far,” he said. “In fact, I’d venture to say neither one of us got out unscathed. Certain people tend to leave a mark. But I don’t have to tell you that, do I?”

They continued to her door in silence. He bent to kiss her forehead.

“Do I really look damaged?”

“You’ve been through an ordeal. A bit of damage is to be expected.”

“Matthias.”

He inclined his head. “Well, there is the fact you flinch almost every time I say his name. It is a bit telling.”

Her lips parted in consternation. She hadn’t been aware of that.You better stop before you get home.For years, she’d struggled to hide her true feelings from Liam. What if he looked at her now and saw the truth? What if Caroline did? Too many people knew and pitied her already. But Peyton couldn’t face it if Liam found out.

Matthias rubbed her shoulder. “It’s almost imperceptible, I assure you. But I guess you could say I was searching for that sort of reaction when you came aboard.”

---