Page 50 of Tis the Season for Tentacles
“That’s why you’ve been hot and cold with me?”
“Mainly,” I admit. “But also because I probably can’t give you what you want.”
Felix crosses his arms and I find myself drawn to the steely glint in his eyes. He’s such an interesting man, one who can be tender one moment and strong and defiant the next.
“How do you know what I want?”
Okay, that’s fair.
I grimace. “Indeed. I am once again assuming when I shouldn’t. From various comments you’ve made, I thought you were looking for a committed partner to share your life with.”
Felix sighs. “I won’t lie and say I don’t want that, but I’m also a realist. Sometimes that doesn’t happen, and I’m not willing to settle for anything less than the kind of love my grandparents shared. But that doesn’t mean I plan on being celibate until I find true love. Are you opposed to a fun fling with me? A friends-with-benefits situation?”
I stare at him, more than a little flummoxed. “Honestly, I didn’t think that was something you would be interested in.”
Felix chuckles. “I’m a thirty-five-year-old man with plenty of needs. A no-strings arrangement with plenty of good sex sounds a-okay to me. And don’t worry. I’m not under any delusions that it would be anything more than that.”
I should feel relieved at his words, but for some reason, they make that ache in my chest return.
Felix continues, seemingly unaware of the unexpected conflict waging war inside me.
“If we keep things casual, we can both have fun and make some nice memories to remember our short time together.”
I frown. “Entering into a sexual union with you is problematic given the circumstances under which you found yourself among us.”
“My abduction, you mean?”
I nod.
Felix cups his chin in his hand and makes a humming noise. “I can see where your concern comes from, and I’m not going to suggest there isn’t a worrying power imbalance in this whole scenario that is totally skewed in your favor.” He steps closer, eliminating the distance I put between us. “But I want to trust you because I believe you to be an honorable man.”
His words send a wave of giddy warmth throughout my body and the tips of my tentacles tingle with pleasure.
“How can you know that?” I ask softly.
He smiles. “Your friends speak very highly of you. They trust you with their lives. And they’re not lying.” He chuckles. “Especially Khephren. I don’t think he could lie, even if he had to.”
It’s my turn to laugh. “You’re right about that. My best friend is foolishly open and honest with everyone.” I shake my head. “It gets him into a world of trouble sometimes, and I have to be there to pull him out of it.”
Felix’s features soften. “He’s lucky to have such a loyal and loving friend.”
I swallow thickly at his words of praise. “Thank you. Kheph is one of a kind, and I trust him with my life as well.” I hesitate. “I’m still not sure this thing between us is wise.”
My rock-hard cock silently screams at me in opposition. It’s fully on board for a friends-with-benefits fling with Felix.
“How about this?” Felix suggests. “Why don’t you swear one of your warrior oaths to me that you won’t do anything untoward and that you’ll uphold your earlier promise to see me home safely at the end of our journey?”
I brighten, hope blossoming deep within. “That would make me feel much better. Would it alleviate your concerns as well?”
He nods and then flashes an amused smile. “Besides, if you act like a jerk, I’ll just tattle on you to Luna and Khephren, and then you’ll have to deal with them.”
I give him a slow clap. “I never knew you were so devious. Well played.”
He winks at me and my foolish hearts flutter just a little.
I drop to one knee and hold my hand to my chest. “I do hereby swear to uphold my promises to you and to treat you fairly and equally during the time we are together.”
When I rise to my feet, Felix’s cheeks are flushed as he licks his lips. “Good. Now what do you say to making the most of this room tonight?”
