Page 6 of Saint

“I think it’s a bit too late for that, Songbird,” Lake replied in a far too gentle tone, clearly meant to calm Nix’s nerves.

They’d gotten into a huge fight and had sort of made up—or, at least had come to an understanding. Trying to get along was the best option for the both of them, but Nix couldn’t lie to himself that Lake’s actions were an act. Somehow, during their time together, the man, who was kneeling at his feet, had actually developed feelings for him.

“You like me,” Nix stated matter-of-factly.

“I do.”

“Tell me why?”

“Why does it matter?”

Nix dropped his hand. “It just does.”

“Are you trying to use me to distract yourself?”

He didn’t deny it.

Lake hummed and then stood, hovering over Nix, demanding all of his attention with his mere presence alone. He had that effect on everyone. He was electric and domineering by nature, something that would no doubt come in handy once he took the throne and became emperor.

Something that, if Nix were being honest with himself, had always made him feel safe. Even when they’d been at their worst.

“Our date was interrupted,” Lake said. “Should we attempt another?”

“I wouldn’t really call that a date.” Nix had agreed to attend the gallery showing with him as a sort of step in the right direction. It’d all gone to shit the moment Yejun’s painting had been revealed, but it wasn’t like it’d been an amazing first date prior to that. “More like an obligation.”

“Are you suggesting dating me is—”

Nix rolled his eyes, cutting Lake off. “I’m saying we can’t count that.”

He was quiet a moment and then reminded, “I did ask you to guide me in this department.”

“It’s not like I have a lot of dating experience either.” Not wanting to rehash their entire conversation, Nix dropped back so that he was lying on the bed and stared up at the darkening sky through the window above him. “In any case, this day is clearly cursed.”

Lake hesitated and then eased down onto the bed at his side, turned toward him so he could rest his head on his hand and gaze down at Nix.

The position was far too intimate, and Nix felt himself growing self-conscious.

“Quit squirming,” Lake ordered, the corner of his mouth turning up ever so slightly.

“I’m not.”

Lake rested a hand over Nix’s center to still him.

The touch brought a rush of heat throughout his entire body, but Nix inwardly fought against the sensation. He wasn’t kidding. Today had gone so horribly wrong. Even if they’d somehow completed the task handed down to them by the Order, someone had lost their life in the process. That couldn’t be considered a win, could it?

“I don’t want to.” Nix looked away, unsure how his refusal would be taken, but Lake merely frowned before he seemed to catch on.

“Relax, Songbird. I’m not going to fuck you tonight. You’ve been through enough.”

The deal the three of them had made—behind Nix’s back—was Lake would wait to sleep with him until the others already had. They’d crossed that bridge, but Lake had found out at the worst time, and Nix had been on the defensive with him ever since. Now, while he was exhausted and, admittedly, in serious need of comfort, would be the best timing for Lake to take advantage.

But he was telling him he wasn’t going to?

Nix didn’t know how to feel about that.

“Then…” He motioned with his chin down at where his hand still sat. “What’s this?”

“My attempt to get you to confide in me,” Lake said. “That’s what you wanted, isn’t it? A mate you could rely on and talk to. So, talk to me.”

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