Page 34 of Little Music of Night

He disappeared in a blink and Erik let out a long sigh, offering me an apologetic look. I patted the bed next to me and he joined, his shoulder bumping against mine.

“Ray has saved me countless times,” he said. “His reluctance is because he already cares deeply for you. He doesn’t want you to regret loving us.”

“I won’t,” I said. “I know that I won’t. And you know it too.”

“I do.” His voice softened. “How about this? You think for the rest of today and tonight. We will come see you in the morning. And we can decide from there. And if you are not ready, that is fine.”

It wasn’t fine. We both knew that, but I still nodded. “But will he believe me if I say yes? Will he trust me?”

“I will,” Erik promised. “The only reason I have not made a bond with you yet is because Ray would not forgive me if I did so without telling you everything.”

“But he didn’t want to tell me about the curse.”

Erik winced. “Yes. It’s . . . I will talk with him.”

I sighed, frustrated. But only because I felt like my own desires were being doubted. “He has to trust me,” I said. “If he cannot trust me, then why would he want to be my mate?”

Erik slipped his hand into mine. “Do not doubt his love for you.”

“I doubt it as much as he doubts mine for his.”

He gave me a gentle squeeze. “I will come to you in the morning, angel.”

I leaned over and kissed him on his unmasked cheek. He drew me closer, pressing his forehead against mine and drawing in my scent.

For a monster who had seemed so harsh and cold, he was putty in my hands right now.

“I should take care of you,” he murmured. “Let me see your marks. Roll over for me.”

I did as he asked and let the blanket slip away. His fingertips traced over the welts forming on my thighs and ass from the cane and I let out a sharp hiss. Oh yeah, those were going to hurt for a few days.

Erik leaned down and pressed tiny kisses to them. “Thank you for this gift. They look beautiful on you.”

I shivered with happiness, unable to hide my smile. “Thank you.”

“Let me get you water and something sweet.”

“You don’t need to,” I said.

“But I want to. I know you like your baths. Should I draw you one as well?”

I paused for a moment, considering it. “Shouldn’t you go to Ray?”

“I will. But we also just did some intense play and then things kind of blew up, so I need to make sure you are taken care of first. I can feel his emotions right now through our bond. He will be okay.”

I took comfort in that as Erik left the bedroom. I listened to him rummage in the kitchen andof coursehe knew about my chocolate candy stash.

Well, Ididlike the idea of being cared for. I laid there until he returned and handed me a full glass of water.

“All of it,” he said.

I wrinkled my nose, but downed the entire glass. He then rewarded me with a small plate of sweets. Two chocolate chip cookies, two pieces of dark chocolate, and a couple of plump strawberries.

“Where did you get the strawberries?” I asked.

“Your neighbor won’t miss them.”

“Erik,” I gasped.