Page 40 of Mystique of the Fallen
“I’m assuming you don’t want some outlandish designer option, so jeans are definitely affordable.”
“And I’m sure the RKs picked an apartment I can easily pay for because they aren’t assholes who’d start my career off by putting me in a bind.”
“Correct.”
“So, what else am I going to spend my money on?”
Roman shrugged. “You may not want to live in that apartment forever. Maybe you’d want to save up to have your own sanctuary, not just a roof over your head picked by someone else.”
Stuffing his hands into the pockets of his casual uniform pants, Grant scowled. “Maybe we should be clear about how our relationship is going to work.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Well, I was taught that everything was secondary to Fate. Nothing is more vital than her gift of a mate. So, I’m wondering why I’d be saving up for a sanctuary when you spent years working out how to afford a nice place. Don’t you imagine we’d want to live together here at some point?”
Shaking his head at his foolishness, Roman wasn’t sure whether to laugh or roll his eyes.
“Of course. I guess I’m still wrapping my head around everything,” he answered honestly. For the past eight weeks, he’d feared it would be difficult to separate the past from the present. But what Roman had failed to do was prepare for his future—or at least one with a mate as eager to forge a relationship as him. “But to be fair, we should also consider finding a new condo or house together. Something that suits us both perfectly instead of me expecting you to move somewhere I chose.”
Grant scoffed. “Because I’m suddenly some expert at real estate or room design? Dude. You’re here. That’s what matters.”
“Your directness is blowing my mind,” Roman said. Not once had it occurred to Roman that Grant would jump into a matebond with both feet. Which was silly. As Grant had pointed out, every fallen knight was resurrected with the knowledge of mates and the importance of Fate. It would’ve been completely out of character for someone so devoted to the teachings of the Council to be anything less than eager to dive into a relationship.
“I don’t know why, but I like knowing I’m already keeping you on your toes.”
“Without a doubt, you’re definitely surprising me, and I like it.”
Grant was silent, so Roman took a second to ensure their meal was ordered, then pocketed his phone and focused on the other fallen knight.
“Roman?”
“Yeah?”
To Roman’s amazement, Grant stepped forward until he was inches from Roman. “I’m glad you like it. I may be young, but I’ve learned a little about myself already. Here’s what I know. I don’t like to do things by halves. For the past eight weeks, I’ve pushed myself. I split my time evenly between studying and punishing myself physically because I had a goal. I wanted that fucking title. So, I earned it. Now, I want to treat that title with the respect it deserves. And in the last couple of hours, meeting you has changed things. Now, I have two goals. Two avenues I want to pursue. I’m going to kick ass at my job. I’m also going to focus intently on you. Being a Venerable Knight is my future. More importantly, so are you.”
Roman was so turned on, he was afraid Grant would notice the erection tenting the faded jeans he’d changed into while his other half had toured his condo. Grant’s confidence was overwhelming and sexy.
“Well, on the matebond front, you’re doing pretty damn good so far.”
The grin on Grant’s face made Roman’s cock jerk. “I wish I could say the same about you, but this business about me finding an apartment when I’m definitely moving in here someday is still kind of pissing me off.”
“Sorry.”
“Don’t you want to grovel a little?”
Roman rolled his eyes. Thankfully, the doorbell rang, and he eagerly grabbed the opportunity to get the hell away from Grant before he did something stupid, like tugging him close to ravage his mouth. Although being sexually attracted to his mate was important to Roman, he needed to get to know Grant first. The physical side of their relationship could wait until later.
“Nope. No groveling,” Roman called out as he stalked to the front door. He grabbed the food from the delivery person and wished them a great day. Roman had already tipped them through the app, so he shut the door and carried their meals back to the round dining table.
“Are you sure?” Grant asked.
“Yes, now get your fine ass into a chair so you can eat. You’re probably starving. Did you have time to grab lunch today?”
“Yeah, I went to the cafeteria and had a sandwich. But I’m starving. This smells fucking delicious. Thanks for having me over tonight, I appreciate it.”
“Agreed, and hey, your gratitude is unnecessary. I’m glad you’re here. I wasn’t sure if you’d be upset that I withheld the truth from you about our matebond for the last eight weeks.”
“You were thinking of me, and you understood how difficult my training would be. I know why you kept the secret, and I appreciate it. But that doesn’t get you off the hook for assuming I’d want to live without my mate. Are you sure you won’t reconsider the groveling thing? I bet you look damn good on your knees.”
