Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 4 (M)

I shut the door behind us as we enter my bedroom and I'm overcome with shyness as I face the doors. Perhaps it's because it's been a month since I've seen him, or the fact that he has not frequented my bed as he used to. Since my return to this life, I can tell there is tension in him and it's not necessarily about me. 

It is the inability to relax, I had to go through it as well when I thought he had died yet I did not get the courtesy of knowing instantly that he would be okay. Where he ripped me back from the brink of death with his bare hands, I had taken the slow road but, I don't think the destination arrives anymore quickly. 

I turn to face him, leaning back against the door but he's not looking at me. He's still angry, angry at me, angry at my attempted assassination. I stride over to him, curling around him to stand in front. "I'm fine," I tell him firmly, taking the easiest option first. "If I got upset every time there was an attempt on my life, I would never get a chance to live. I understood that when I signed up to be your servant. You got him, I'm okay. Ana does a good job keeping an eye on me."

 I file my annoyance with Loan away for later. Someone really does need to be done about that situation. 

Verando exhales roughly, "It's not the action, it's the reason." He finally allows. "I'm having a damned pity party like some child while you're about to become a pin cushion due to your sexual preference. I just-" He sets his jaw for a moment, I can practically hear his teeth grit together. "I forget that 'this' is not natural."

I frown at him. "Yes, it is." I snap in annoyance. "Says who? The church? Some shitty old men sitting around a table? I have always said that I don't care about going public, Verando. I'm fully aware that this is not accepted but it is natural. More men would find it quite natural if their heads were shoved so far up their asses already."

He can't keep his composure when I curse, it makes his expression soften just slightly. "Awful language for a lady." He teases, fluffing the lacey stock tie that's shoved into the neck of my shirt. 

I roll my eyes and yank it off, marching away from him to kick off my boots and settle on the bed to rub my sore feet. "Loan did that on purpose."

"I think it's a fine outfit for a man." He hides a smirk, walking over to my closet to go through the clothes idly. 

I toss one of my shoes at him. "When did you get so nosey?" I demand, feigning innocence as he glances over his shoulder. "You look ridiculous, too, you know." I lie through my teeth because I feel he looks rather ravishing. I'm not used to this clean-cut Verando, I'm much more accustomed to the rough and ready Alpha version. 

He approaches me in a slow stalk, finishing his approach by standing before me. 

"Appears I just can't stop running my mouth."

"It would appear so." His voice is low. I wriggle my toes impatiently.

"At least let me get my socks off before you give me such a 'come hither' look. I'm not an animal, I don't romp around with my socks on." I manage to crack that solemn expression, he grins at me broad enough to dimple one of his cheeks and I know I've made some progress in his mood.

 Slowly, we begin to find each other again as we always do. No matter how much time we spend apart, the relief of being ourselves always brings us back together in a way that is so complete to me. I can only fathom that this is my reluctance towards marriage, I already have everything marriage promises me, what more could there possibly be? 

 I yank off my socks as he slides off his coat and he stands before me, dressed like a proper gentleman, I bite my lower lip. I put my hand on his chest. "Sir, whatever are you doing in my bed chamber?" I breathe. "If my fiance finds you here, he will be most displeased."