Page 74 of D'Vaire or Nothing
“No, I’ll have my hand wrapped around your cock,” Heathcliff vowed, already imagining the delightful scenario. “I want to watch porn with you too. But let’s not get distractedby how much we want each other. You were trapped with your family.”
“The more I lectured them, the crazier things got. They were furious that I would dare lecture any of them. Absurd rules started popping up. They refused to control themselves and decided I was the problem. It wasn’t them. Not their outbursts or constant fighting. It was me. Everything I did was restricted. I couldn’t go to the library without an escort to determine which books were good for me. It was ridiculous.”
“Fuckers.”
“I was so furious. So, I stayed, but I made plans. What choice did I have? My first paycheck wasn’t even in my account before I was out of there. I’d saved enough from holidays and shit to get myself into a crappy hotel. Once I had money, I got a permanent roof above my head. I never looked back. For four years, I’ve kept my distance. I have no intention of doing anything to change that because I guarantee you nothing about them is different.”
Heathcliff caressed Brinley’s cheek. “You did what was best for you. That took incredible courage. I’m proud of you.”
Joy filled Brinley’s blue gaze. “I did it for me, but thanks for saying that. It means a lot coming from you. A titled man and all.”
“You need to get over your issues with titles.”
“Why?”
“Because you share mine now.”
Brinley blinked heavily. “Say what?”
To please them both, Heathcliff rubbed his thumb across Brinley’s full lower lip. “You are Brynewielm Duke-mate.”
“What if I never learn to spell that?”
“I figured it out. You will too.”
“What’s it mean?”
“It’s an Old English word related to fire.”
“Oh damn, that’s cool. I’m guessing they chose that for you because you’re a phoenix, but I’m going to pretend it’s also because your mate is a fire mage.”
Heathcliff chuckled. “I like that it represents us both.”
“Fire and fire. I’m just realizing that should’ve scared the hell out of me because my parents are the same. But it didn’t happen. Meeting you was overwhelming. I had to work. Then we were together. You were so wonderful I never had a chance to freak out. Fire requires control. To have it, I need peace within myself. You give me that. So does this stupidly big house you live in. I wish we had a tangible way to thank Fate instead of yelling into the sky.”
“I understand, I’d love to give her my gratitude for you too.”
Brinley kissed Heathcliff until the fire lurking beneath their skin filled his veins with their desire. The mage pulled away. His fingers feathered through Heathcliff’s hair.
“You were right about the chandelier. It does look like there are little round drops of fire on the walls. It’s beautiful.”
“So are you.”
“I was thinking that about your hair. This iridescence. I’m obsessed with it. Heath?”
“Yeah?”
“Can I sleep over?”
“Did you honestly think I’d kick you out or want you to leave?”
“No, but I had to ask,” Brinley said. “Can we sleep now? I’m fucking exhausted.”
Rising, Heathcliff left his mate to pull out a pile of clothes from his closet. “Larissa gave me these to give to you. She didn’t have time to make anything specifically for you yet, but she keeps some sizes on hand for emergencies.”
“That was sweet of her. Remind me to thank her if I forget my manners in the morning. At least I didn’t yell at you for this surprise. That has to be one of my most embarrassing life experiences.”
“Already forgotten. It’s been a wild couple of days, and we’re tired. Let’s cuddle and get some sleep.”
