Page 30 of Love Spell

“You just got married.You should be off on your honeymoon.”Timo’s mind was spinning, pulse racing, and he wasn’t sure why.Something about Rhys, something critical, life or death, was sparking around in his brain, but what was the problem?He hated this sensation, loss of control, unsure where to turn or what he felt, and it made him snappish, though it wasn’t as if he minded Rhys being here.

“We were.We’re back, had a few days to spare, and I’d been meaning to show Lars this place for ages.We thought it would be nice to spend the days here before we return to work.”Rhys frowned.“Not that it’s any of your business.”

“Are you okay?”Far from annoyed by the interruption, Lars looked worried as he watched Timo.

“I have to talk to you,” Timo snapped at Rhys.“Right now.Alone.It’s urgent.”

“You can say whatever you have to say in front of us both.”Rhys still frowned, not budging, but Lars leaned in, perhaps nudging Rhys with his foot under the table, giving Rhys a meaningful look.

“Please.”Timo just stopped himself from plucking at a sleeve.He had to see Rhys and he had to find out — yes.All at once he understood what was buzzing through his blood and rattling his skin.Or at least knew the right questions to ask.

Exasperated, Rhys followed him around the corner to the empty stairwell.

“What’s going on, Tim?”Rhys asked.“Are you on holiday?”

Million-pound question.

“Business outing.Rhys?”Timo turned to him at the foot of the stairs.He was still striking.They must have made an incomparable couple and Timo had failed to appreciate it enough, as if men like Rhys grew on trees.

Rhys rested a hand on the newel post, waiting.“Yes?”

Timo kissed him, grabbing his face, shoving him back into the banister.He had only a couple of seconds worth of pure surprise to work with, Rhys reacting fast, shoving violently back so hard that Timo almost fell, staggering and grabbing the opposite post.Rhys followed, his whole energy transformed, wrathful, fists bunching.

“What the fuck is your problem?” His lowered voice was actually shaking with rage.

Hmm.Timo gripped the post at his back, considering.No … That hadn’t done anything for him.Sure, there were moments he still missed Rhys, perhaps always would, but that had nothing to do with anything lately.

No electricity.No blinding flash to tell him that his misguided fixation on Noah was nothing more than redirected passion thanks to seeing the man Timo should have married three years ago marry someone else.Nothing.

At the end of the day, Timo was honestly happy for Rhys.Rhys deserved someone like Lars who would take care of him, who probably told Rhys he loved him every day.

So it wasn’t anything to do with Rhys?Where did that leave Timo?

It left him about to get punched.

Rhys was right in his face, lecturing him about years ago, and telling him to stay away from Rhys and Lars if he was going to act like this.

Timo had always been the volatile one in their relationship.It was kind of sexy to see Rhys so worked up.Still not sexy enough to make him revise his new conclusions.

“Well?Are you going to say anything?”Now Rhys was apparently also annoyed that Timo wasn’t defending himself.

“It’s … too hard to explain.”Timo, still leaning away from him, tried for a smile.“I’m sorry I did that.”

“No you’re not.I’m the one who trained you to say that.You’re only able to read people enough to know when it’s called for; not able to feel it.”

“Really, Rhys, I didn’t mean anything by it.It’s not as if I don’t know the magic is gone and wish you and Lars every —” He stopped, mouth open, eyes blipping out of focus.Then breathed, “Fuck it …” He blinked.“Rhys … Magic?”

“What?”

Timo snatched at his arm.

Rhys jumped back.“No.Keep your hands off me.”

Why did Timo keep hearing that lately?

“Rhys, something did happen that day.”

“What day?”

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