Page 92 of Reluctant Rebel

Eric held up a hand. “Z could be on the run for years. Yes, his capture is a factor in everyone living happily ever after. But none of us know how long we have. What if right now is your time? What if it’s your chance to live happilyfor now? Isn’t Mikhail worth it?” He poked her in the side, making her wiggle. “Aren’tyou?”

Her reflex was to say shewasn’tworth it. But it was surprisingly easy to squash. After all, fate had deemed her the perfect complement to Mikhail, and she believed him to be amazing in every way. “Yes. Even a few days as mates would be worth it.”

“I’m glad you agree.” Eric hopped up and pulled her to her feet. He pushed her toward the door. “Now, go get ‘em, tiger.”

“What? Now? I can’t go like this!” Jinx exclaimed, dodging Eric’s sly hands. “I haven’t brushed my hair. Or my teeth. And I really need to pee.”

“Then get to it. You don’t want squirting to take on a whole new meaning when you’re having mating sex.”

Jinx gaped at her friends. “Eric! You’ve been spending too much time with that dirty pixie.” But she was laughing as she went into the bathroom and went through the motions.

“Phaedra has a lot of experience to share,” Eric said, his amusement clear through the bathroom door. “If you’re nice to me, I might just disclose a trick or two with you.”

Jinx flung open the door and into his arms, giving him a hard hug. “You’re the best friend an ex-sex slave, tiger shifter could ask for. You always treat me like, well, me,” she ended lamely.

Eric smiled at her. “Because that’s all I see:you. The real you. And I knew from the moment we met you were a queen.”

“Oh …” It was a lovely thing to say, but it gave her a moment’s pause. “Do you think the people of Purgatory will accept me as their queen?”

Eric looked at her like she was nuts. “Are you kidding? Do you know how many people will feel comfortable and safe talking to one of their own? You’ve been them, Jinx. You can relate to the people. With your history, you are in a unique position to help so many of us. They will accept you with open arms, I promise you. And if they don’t,” he shrugged, looking serious, “I’ll get Sabre to stab them.”

Jinx nodded. She hadn’t considered any of that, but it made sense. “And if Mikhail doesn’t? Accept me with open arms?” she asked, biting her bottom lip nervously.

“ThenIwill gladly do the stabbing,” Eric vowed solemnly. He coaxed her out of the room, leading her down the hallway. “Go to him now. Don’t waste another day without telling him how you really feel.”

As if summoned by her thoughts, Mikhail appeared from the corner, almost knocking her and Eric over.

“Jinx, my apologies. Are you okay?” Mikhail said, holding onto her forearms, his eyes running over her body. He didn’t so much as glance in Eric’s direction, who was hopping up and down, holding his foot.

Jinx grinned. “I’m fine.” She was a little breathless, not because of the near-miss but because her mate looked dreamy in a steel-grey collared shirt and black slacks. His hair was still wet from a recent shower, and he smelled like a walking wet dream.

“Good morning,” Mikhail said with a smile, his voice deep and smooth.

“Morning,” Jinx replied, trying to keep her tone casual and pretending her heart wasn’t about to beat out of her chest.

“I’m fine, too,” Eric said. “I have nine other toes. I didn’t need that one.”

“Good, good,” Mikhail murmured, keeping his focus on Jinx. “I was just heading to your room to escort you to breakfast,” he explained, still holding onto her.

“You were?” Her hands began creeping up his chest.

“Yeah, because you really need help walking to breakfast,” Sabre snarked from behind Mikhail. “She’s not going to topple over. You can let her go now.”

Jinx frowned, peering around Mikhail’s body. “Good morning to you, too.”

Sabre huffed, looking a little contrite. “Hey, Jinx. You good?”

“I am,” Jinx promised, concerned for her friend. The attitude was unlike her. “But you don’t seem to be.”

“Ignore her,” Mikhail bade. “She woke up pissy this morning.”

“I woke upimpatientthis morning,” Sabre corrected. “We need some action. But you seem to have forgotten what thatis.” She crossed her arms over her chest and pointedly looked between them. “Bothof you.”

“Sabre, can you give us a minute?” Mikhail didn’t look at her, and Jinx could see the annoyance on his face. “Now.” It clearly wasn’t a request.

After a moment, Sabre huffed and grabbed Eric’s sleeve. Eric mouthed, ‘Good luck’over his shoulder before they both disappeared around the corner. “What’s up with her?”

Mikhail looked around and, finding them alone, leaned back against the corridor wall. He tugged Jinx willingly to him, holding her hand in a sure grip. “She’s not used to any of this—being at court, making plans, waiting for the other shoe to drop. She’s used to getting things done and controlling everything. It’s an adjustment. Plus, despite her saying she’s fine with how you and I are handling our relationship, I don’t think she really is.”

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