Page 54 of Entranced By the Basilisks

Jasper’s eyes snap to Ari, and Ari continues. “I’m trying to be open about my wants. I know I’ve struggled with that in the past. If it’s not something you’re looking for right now, I’ll respect that, but I’m asking for permission to… woo the both of you.”

Jasper’s face is a mix of yearning and rejection. “I—” he starts.

“Trust me, Jasper,” Ari says.

Jasper swallows and looks away, his brow furrowing.

I try to cut into the tension with another apology. “I didn’t mean to make it sound like the only reason for us to have sex was to break the curse—blessing. I’m sorry.”

Ari’s lips twitch, but Jasper seems too lost in thought to respond.

Ari is working at being open… and I should be open with myself. I want both of these men, whether it’s a wise move or not. It’s definitely not in the name ofscience.

This is an adventure and it’s one that feelsright. Notrightin a comfortable way, like a sweater that fits perfectly, but in a rushing and wild way, like when I’d first discovered my love for books. It’s like being on the cliff of possibility, peeking over the edge.

I swallow. “I’m open to… being in a relationship.” I rush to add, “With the both of you.”

I’ve surprised Jasper, his gaze is direct and unflinching, but there is an underlying awe to it that helps me keep my spine straight.

“Really?” he asks.

“Really,” I breathe.

Jasper swallows. “I can have Agnes draw up papers. I’m not your supervisor, but we can make it so you don’t have to worry about anything that happens or doesn’t happen between us affecting your job.”

My lips part. I hadn’t considered that even though I really should have. Perhaps I didn’t worry about it because there is something so inherently honorable about Jasper that the idea of this affecting work didn’t occur to me. Or I’ve been tired.

Either way, Jasper providing the solution without pause touches me.

“I’d really appreciate—” I’m interrupted by a yawn and Ari chuckles.

“Well, now that that’s partially settled, it’s time for bed. You both look dead on your feet. How about we discuss this in the morning over breakfast,” he says.

He’s right. Even though my blood is buzzing with excitement, I’m exhausted.

Jasper looks thoughtful and I realize that Ari is buying time for him to think out what he wants in all of this. I hope he decides to do this too.

“See you in the morning,” I say directly to my boss, paperwork withstanding. Jasper’s pupils slit for a split moment before he closes his eyes and nods.

I flee the situation before it can get any more awkward.

25

JASPER

“Your boldness astounds me,”I murmur, too tired to be as stunned as I should be. This is Ari, after all. Things always work out for him.

He sniffs. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Emilia is interested in being withus. I’d avoided letting myself fixate on her since she arrived at the library. Years I’ve kept myself in check, not wanting to bother the pretty restoration expert, not wanting to make her even more uncomfortable around me than she already was. And after a single day with Ari, she’s agreeing to be wooed by us.

“Well, lover? You desire her. Will you join me in wooing? I noticed how you made sure to mention that the paperwork would protect her either way.” Ari pauses, a vulnerable look passing over his face. “Will you allow me to woo you? I don’t want to brow beat you into this.”

He wants a mating. He says it’s possible, though I don’t see how.

Can I really walk away from this?

I scoff at his words.

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