Page 124 of Red Ruin

He course-corrects and barrels into my arms.

Vhex surrounds me like a furnace, but his flames and lightning die off where we touch.

“Firefly,” he mutters shakily. “You’re mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine.”

My teeth clench. I force my jaw to relax.

He doesn’t know what he’s saying.

“You’re okay.” I squeeze the words out from his choking hug, giving him all of my silks and reassurances. “I’m not going anywhere.” Notnow.

Vhex must believe me, because his attention shifts beyond my shoulder. “This motherfu?—”

I stop his mouth. “Sit. Both of you.”

I push Vhex onto the bed, then hoist Remy up to stop him from lounging.

They’re not exactly battle ready.

Hands on my hips, I prep to unleash a speech.

Their eyes heat.

Right. Nothing left but my bra.

I reach for Remy, who’s still in full uniform. “Lend me your coat.”

“Shouldn’t you be taking off your clothes?” Remy asks, already pulling down his sleeves.

“You can take them off me after the terms and conditions part of this guidance session,” I grumble and snatch the coat from his hands.

Godsdamnit.

The fabric smells woodsy fresh with a hint of amber.

Vhex opens his mouth—never a good start.

I step between the Sentinels’ knees, covering their lips and bracing to be licked.

I’m learning to predict their bullshit.

Vhex and Remy suck, sniff, and fang-fuck my fingers.

I shake off a shiver.

Let them eat my hands as long as they sit and semi-listen. It’s rare that they’re both human, lucid, and only subtly trying to kill each other.

“Enough of that.” I shake their silks, killing whatever murder-energy they’re shooting back and forth on their private hate frequency. “No more disappearing or isolating anyone. You don’t hurt me and you don’t hurt each other. No one bites without my permission, or I swear to all the stars in Faervaine, I’ll twist you into a mental pretzel and leave you by yourselves to burn. I don’t need you to be friends. Just promise to play nice when we’re together in a room.”

Vhex stops licking to scowl. “If he touches my dick, I’m cratering his skull in his pelvis.”

“You’re only touching me.” I move my wet hand to his cheek and trace my thumb across his lower lip. “You only have to think about me.”

“That won’t be a challenge,” Remy drawls. His gaze turns mocking as he glances to Vhex. “I’ll be happy to send you back to the surface if you’re too intimidated to continue.”

“Intimidatedhow?” Vhex gestures sharply to his lap. “Are you not seeing this cock?”

I suck a breath through my teeth.

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