Page 116 of The Shattered Kingdom
“What are your plans for this afternoon?” I direct my question toward Aaron.
“I’m heading into Bellmere,” he says. “My guards say there’s a popular, invite-only restaurant that’s next to impossible to get into. We’re going to use Kie’s name to get in. Then we’re going to visit a brothel near—”
“Aaron!” Mom hisses. “We’re eating.”
Aaron shrugs. “She asked. I answered.”
“What brothel?” It’s Mason who asks.
Kie’s fingers, which have been tracing mindless patterns into the top of my thigh, still. I shove a piece of bread into my mouth, giving Mason my complete and undivided attention. I’ve heard all about his extensive history with brothels.
Is he going to suggest my brother visit a specific location or a particular woman? I like to think of myself as a relatively rational person, but I might lose my mind if Mason gives him a locationand a name.
I know who I am, and I’ll obsess. What made her so memorable that she’s worth recommending to other men? Does Mason still think about her? Does he try to replicate those memorable things with me? Do I live up to the memory? I’ll kill him.
Aaron glances between Mason and me, his eyebrows furrowed, before answering. “I’ve heard a few things about The Underground.”
Mason’s eyes dart toward me. “Don’t go there. Faeries have superior immune systems, and we don’t know how sexual illnesses manifest in humans. Something that takes a faerie a day or two to heal from might be enough to kill you. There are several establishments where the women are regularly tested and always wear protection. I’ll give you a list later.”
Kie’s fingers resume stroking my thigh, but it’s slower than before. Mom and Dad share a glance, and Aaron awkwardly bobs his head. I’m not sure how I feel. I suppose I’m glad Mason’s looking out for my brother, but I don’t enjoy the reminder that his entire sexual history is with sex workers.
Experienced sex workers.
“What about you, Mom?” I ask, eager to move away from the topic of brothels. “Any fun plans?”
“You seem to know a lot about brothels,” Dad says, ignoring my attempt to change the subject. He sets down his fork, leveling his expression with Mason. “Have you spent a lot of time in them?”
Mason licks his lips, his back straightening. It’s a far cry from the timid posture he usually uses around my parents, and I realize he’s bothered by the question.
“Yes,” Mason says. “I have.” There’s a brief moment of silence before he continues. “I am a thirty-year-old mansurrounded by noblewomen faeries who either want to see me dead or wish to get pregnant and force a marriage. Brothels were my only option. Is that a problem for you?”
My dad’s face grows red.
“Drop it.” Mom’s pointed words are aimed at my dad. I sink into my seat. She turns back to Mason. “My husband and his friends worked through my sorority like it was their life’s mission, so he knows better than to judge.”
Aaron smirks, crossing his arms over his chest. “Yeah, Dad. You were a real whore, weren’t you? I faintly recall overhearing a story about you and Mom’s second cousin.”
Mason’s fists are clenching and unclenching, and I place my hand over the one closest to me. I’m not upset, not really. Faeries and shifters are significantly more open to the topic of sex, and Mason was trying to help Aaron. He just went about it in the most uncomfortable way possible.
Mom hums. “First cousin, actually. Shall we talk about that, honey?” My dad’s mouth opens. Mom continues. “I mean, if we want to question others about their sexual history at the dinner table, it’s only fair we discuss yours, too.”
Dad, whom I honestly think should be used to getting ganged up on at this point in his life, retreats. He carries his empty dish into the kitchen, and he glowers at us as he dumps it into the sink.
“I would like it to be known that Ineverhad sex with your mother’s cousin,” he says. “And I don’t appreciate the lies you three are keen to spread about me. I am a pure, innocent man.”
Mason huffs. “So am I.”
It’s a well-timed joke, and I can practically feel the tension fade as a loud, deep laugh bellows out of Dad’s chest. Even Mason relaxes, his shoulders softening and his harsh breathing evening out. This whole family thing is going to take a while to adjust to, but I think we’re getting off to a good start.
Chapter Forty-Five
MASON
ABBY CURLS UP against me, her body warm and breathing even.
I love her most like this, when she’s sleeping and comfortable and unable to tell me to stop staring at her. She gets angry when she catches me looking, which is bothersome. She’s my mate, and I should be allowed to look at her whenever I please.
I’m just happy she allowed me to sleep with her last night. I thought she’d be too angry to let me join her and Kie in bed. She, Kie, and every council member were upset when I made my demands, but at the end of the day, I’m in charge.
