Page 34 of With the Stars

Peter slowly turned. “What? Mush faces?”

“You know kissing? In front of me.”

Peter somehow resisted the urge to roll his eyes.You know you want to roll them.

Not helping, Minho.“Rex. Tell me how I’m supposed to know when you’re in the kitchen when I’m at the shop? Should I put a camera in here?”

“No!” Rex practically shouted.

“That’s quite a reaction,” Minho murmured. “Have you been doing something in here you don’t want Peter to know about?”

Rex glared at Minho. “No, but I’m sure you two have. I don’t need to hear you two having sex. My dad having sex at his age. Why don’t you just have it mentally and send those emotions to each other?”

“How do you know how deep the connection can go?”

Peter shot a glance at Minho then looked back at Rex. “You mentioned it?” Rex shrugged, stood and left the kitchen.

“Maybe I did say something.” Peter shrugged. He couldn’t remember what he had and hadn’t said recently. Their life had changed with Minho coming into it and he may have mentioned how deep the connection went. “Do you want something to eat?”

Minho looked at him then dropped his eyes to his neck. “Later.”

Peter sucked in a breath, his body responding to the heated look on Minho’s face. “Actual food, Minho. We can do that later.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

“With everything happening, you should move in.”

“We have discussed this but we don’t have to rush.”

“We’re mated, and with the situation as it stands, it makes sense. You have the skills to keep us protected.”

Peter realized he’d said something wrong when he saw Minho’s face go blank. All expression leaving it. “Minho—”

“I think I might be insulted.” Minho disappeared without saying another word, leaving Peter staring in shock at the empty space he’d been standing in.

Minho? I didn’t mean to insult you.

I’m sure you didn’t but I’d like some time alone. I’ll contact you soon.

I’m sorry.

I know. I love you, Peter, even when I’m not happy.

Peter closed his eyes and sighed deeply. He hadn’t meant it to come out the way it had but he’d said those words and he couldn’t take them back.Stay safe. I’ll be here waiting for you.

I’ll see you soon.

Peter actually felt Minho’s presence leave him, a feeling that left him strangely empty inside. He’d become used to having the warmth Minho sent him constantly there and now… nothing. Siting at the table, Peter closed his eyes. He’d made a mistake but he’d make it up to Minho when he was ready to talk. All he could do now was wait.

Chapter Thirteen

Minho watched Peter lock up, laughing at something Sammy said. Sammy had come home for the weekend and Minho wanted to go and join them, but he had to be honest and admit Peter’s words had hurt. He knew they’d been unintentional but the sting was still there.

Sighing softly as he watched the man he loved walking along the sidewalk with his son, Minho ignored Kelvin for a minute. He concentrated on his mate, ready to step in if anything were to happen. When Peter walked out of sight, Minho turned to Kelvin, nodding once when their eyes met. “Kelvin.”

“Why are you up here and not down there with your mate?” Kelvin spoke softly, his hands in his pockets. “Humans can be unintentionally cruel sometimes. Speak without thinking and not mean what they’re saying. Key and I had a few issues at first. It’s more cultural between us but we’ve learned to talk things through and not react.”

“You think that’s what I should do? Speak to him?”

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