Page 127 of Entranced By the Basilisks

Jasper’s grip on my shoulder is warm and grounding. “We’ll go back to the penthouse. Together.”

My lips twitch. His words echo like an order. The world is topsy-turvy today. The penthouse is no longer mine. Emilia has an arm around me like she’s scared I’m going to disappear even though she’s angry at me, and Jasper is the one giving orders. I want to let him. In my moment of helplessness, I want to cede my position of giving orders.

But then who would I be?

“That sounds good,” Emilia says.

“Yes,” I say. “We’ll go from there.”

We’re stepping out of the elevator in the next blink. The warmth of home surrounds us and I let it soothe me. I’m eternally grateful that Emilia’s mother lectured me yesterday because there’s only one bottle of alcohol on the countertop instead of a slew on every surface of my home.

Not my home.

“I’ll just pack a bag and be out of your hair—” I start.

“You’re not going anywhere,” Jasper says, exasperation bleeding through.

“Why would you go?” Emilia asks, looking hurt.

“This place is yours now,” I say, my throat raw. “But I have something else I have to do.”

I lower myself to my knees in front of the two mates of my heart. They both are frozen in shock.

“I am sorry. You were both right to be angry at me. I squandered the trust you placed in me and manipulated your emotions for my gain. I thought that I was doing what was best, but I was really just holding what I wanted too tight. I should have trusted you both.” My breathing hitches. “I would give you both all that I have to forgive me, but it’s no longer mine to give.”

“You are so dramatic,” Emilia says in wonder.

I frown.

Jasper breathes out. I think he’s trying to keep from laughing. “Emilia, he did lose a lot of money. Did you see the size of that fine?”

Both of Emilia’s brows shoot up. “Jesus Christ, I thought I was going to faint.”

She kneels to match my level. “Ari, you’re being ridiculous. Am I angry about what you did? Yes. I’m furious. I’m also hurt, but I don’t want you to go. I don’t even want your money. I wantyou.I’m in love with you. And that means I can be angry and hurt but still want to end up in your arms. I’d give all your money back—”

“Best not tempt the wrath of the Circle,” Jasper interjects.

“Say that again,” I say, unable to take my eyes off Emilia.

“I love you,” she says. I growl and pull her into my arms, kissing her.

“I love you too, my ember,” I speak against her lips as if asking for absolution. She kisses me back.

“I’m still mad,” she says.

“Okay.” I continue kissing her until she laughs.

Emilia pushes away and stands, but I don’t yet. She isn’t the only one I hurt. Jasper strolls forward, caressing my cheek with his fingertips.

“You don’t kneel for me,” he whispers.

“I do when I’m asking for forgiveness.”

“I forgive you. Your lies mostly hurt me in the way they hurt Emilia. So please get up.”

I stand and pull him into an embrace that’s mostly joy and some unspent adrenaline from the Circle really letting me go.

“I love you… I thought I lost you both.”

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