Page 7 of Fated Mates and How to Seduce Them
André felt validated. See? Even Felix agreed.
Benedict, though? Benedict looked down at his boyfriend with alarm.
Felix hastily backpedaled. “I’m just saying, Pre-Benedict, I’d have gone for him. Obviously not now.”
André loved how there was now an age for this. Pre-Benedict and Post-Benedict.
Anyway. “Also, most importantly, he’s proven he’s trustworthy. You know how rare that is in our social circle.”
Both men nodded immediately. Benedict didn’t seem to have as much trouble with this—he was a better magnet for good people—but Felix’s luck ran about as good as André’s. He not only understood but empathized.
“Latch on,” Felix ordered. “Do not let go.”
“Right? It would be such a waste to not make him my boyfriend.”
Felix and Benedict, for some reason, stared at him like they’d expected a different response. Fair, considering he’d never tried to date-date someone before this point. But he’d had reasons. Perfectly valid reasons.
“André,” Felix said slowly, as if trying to assess the situation even as words tumbled out of his mouth, “I was kidding. I mean, everyone knows you don’t do commitment. But you’re for real wanting to date him? Not, like, see him for a few days and the move on, butdatehim? I’m not trying to dissuade you when I ask this, okay? Why is he different?”
“I don’t know?” André scratched his cheek and tried to put the feeling into words. He’d probably fail but tried to explain anyway. “I mean, everything I said still applies, he’s trustworthy, he’s cute, what’s not to like? But when I’m with him, I just getthis…this feeling. This feeling I’m precisely where I’m supposed to be.”
Benedict, ever the voice of reason, tried to dissuade him. “He doesn’t have to be a boyfriend, though. I agree with your reasons, but it sounds like he’d make a good friend, too.”
André looked at his big brother like he’d lost his mind. “He’s this cute, and you want me to have him as just a friend? I repeat, what a fucking waste. Besides, he smells delicious. I want to get fangs in him so, so badly.”
“I’m not surprised he turned you down now that I’m thinking about it.” Felix’s eyes danced with mischief. “Considering your reputation. He’s probably afraid of getting eaten by you.”
“Are you trying to help me or not?” This was why André wanted to strangle Felix half the time.
“I’m helping!” Felix protested, eyes still laughing. “I’m just saying it could be why he said no. You’ve got quite the reputation, André. You can’t say otherwise.”
Dammit. He did have a point there. Not that André would admit it out loud.
Benedict tried to get them back on track. “All right, so you have a good feeling when you’re near him?”
“It’s not only that, although the feeling’s in the mix, it’s this…this force drawing me toward him. I see him, I want to be right next to him. Even I can’t explain why. I’m not sure if I even want to dissect it enough to be able to untangle the emotion. I feel good next to him, I like what I’ve seen so far, and he has qualities I respect. He’s kind by nature, fiercely protective, patient, and loves cats. I don’t understand what’s come over me, why it has to be him, but I’m rolling with it.”
Felix snapped his fingers. “Got it! I understand what’s happening. You’re finally maturing!”
André hefted a couch pillow and smacked Felix with it, making him dodge and snicker.
“Don’t hit him, you’ll hit me!” Benedict complained. “Felix, stop poking at him.”
“Never!” Felix declared, still grinning. “He’s my favorite form of entertainment to date.”
“Focus, would you. I think André still has something to say.”
Well, he did, and he somehow trusted Felix enough to say this aloud. Wonders may never cease.
“I don’t know what to do next,” André admitted heavily. “I’ve never had to pursue anyone before. Hell, I can’t remember the last time I had to take initiative.”
Knowingly, Felix tacked on, “Normally, all you have to do is just smile, give themthatlook, and they come to you.”
“Exactly!”
Benedict passed a hand over his face, weary already. “Of all the things you two could have in common, I wish it wasn’t flirting.”
What? He and Felix had a healthy sex drive. Sue them. And wasn’t like Benedict could complain considering how much fun he and Felix got up to on a regular basis.
