Page 111 of Peacock Me Like a Hurricane

I chuckle, tilting my head into him.~He’ll take off when you do. I think once he saw we were okay, he was fine. ~

Talia smirks boldly at Rafe, eyes flashing. “Oh, is that what it takes? What gets touched for that momentous occasion?”

He tilts his head, giving her a return smirk. “That’s for me to know, pet.”

She shakes her head and matches his expression. “You clones are all about yourbigsecrets. Youdoremember the rest of that little ditty, don’t you? If I follow you around with a teeny stick, will I find it if I poke often enough?” Pausing, the other woman seems to rethink. “Though, as you stay immobile, the following is less of an issue.”

Lips pressed together, eyes dancing with mirth, Rafe replies, and “You never know. I was never one to complain about a good poking. You’re welcome to find out anytime you like.” She blinks at him and he blinks back, looking innocent. “Is something wrong?”

I giggle, but Taurus glowers at him. “Are you macking on my woman, you long haired Leonidas?”

Talia turns and snaps at him. “Don’tevengo there, you arrogant fowl.”

Grinning mischievously, Rafe shakes his head. “Leo cooks. I’m Rafe—try to get us straight. I’m just being me. Though, nice choice of words. Macking? Wonder where that phrase comes from?”

I roll my eyes. “You aresucha pain.”

“Besides, my hair being long has nothing to do with it, Simba,” he quirks a brow, looking amused.

Ignoring Talia, Taurus growls. “That’s it. Out.”

Talia frowns. “Taurus. Be nice.”

Arching a brow at her, he says, “You, too. Out. Go flirt with Sampson over there someplace else.”

My mate looks at Talia and winks. “It’s okay, pet. I’m being a pain on purpose,” he chuckles and offers his arm. “Shall we, my dear? It looks like we’ve worn out the proverbial welcome.”

Giggling, I grin, “Sampson—that’s a good one.”

She glares at Taurus, standing and defiantly taking Rafe’s arm. “Nice to know there is still a gentleman around.” She sniffs over at her primary, ignoring him, though I can tell that she’s glad we’re okay. “I’m with you, Rafe. Let’s blow this place. It’s gone to the cats and birds.”

“Chuckling, he gives me a wink and a mental pinch. “It’s a bloody zoo in here, alright. Off we go then, Blade, your choice. I’m game for anything you want to throw at me.”

Taurus groans into my head.~Bloody buggering hell. Doesn’t he know that she’s worse with the challenges than you are, Minx? He’ll get no relief now.~

I chuckle, replying to him mentally.~He wasn’t lying; he likes it dangerous. He’ll take it all with a smile and a flip of the mane, love. Trust me. ~

As he and I whisper to one another, Talia grins. “Are you now? Good. I’ve got a kitchen sink that I’ve been storing away forjustsuch an occasion. Let’s go.”

“Then plumbing it is. Later, kids! Be good so we don’t have to come back.”

Taurus watches as they leave, then sinks back into the pillows. “Christ, that was bloody exhausting.”

“We got spanked,” I snort.

He chuckles. “Yeah, we did. I like our way better.” His expression turns serious. “You know, Talia was a little concerned with Rafe’s flirting. I don’t know if you felt it or not.”

“Concerned? No, I didn’t, but I’m used to him being that way.” That would be true until recently. He hasn’t since Alistair. He’s not shown even a whiff of interest in doing anything, even this party for him, since that happened.

Hell, I don’t care if she’s a ten-foot purple Martian; I’d do anything to see his gorgeous smile again. I may be ensconced with Taurus, but I love my primary and his melancholia has gone on long enough. I made it past them; he needs to now.

“It’s not that. She’s—she’d not want you to think she’s moving in where she’s not wanted. I think she enjoyed the banter, though.”

“Honey, I’m not in the least worried. Rafe and I are very free with one another. Sure, I asked him about the marks, but only to let him know more than anything else. If he and Talia like each other, then good for them. It’s good to see him socializing again. He needs to.”

He sighs. “So you and me and this?” His hand strokes my arm, then shudders in pleasure.

I lean into his touch and my eyes close. “Feels marvelous.”

---