Page 30 of Maiming
“Depends on the time of the day, really.” Rime voice is quiet and rasping. Tired sounding. “Sometimes I’m amazed at this delicate strength that rips through her. I’ve never seen so much fucking anger in someone so beautiful.”
“I have.” Chaos cuts him off and there’s a moment that passes that makes me wish I knew what look they’re currently passing between each other.
“And then there’s sometimes that I swear to the fucking goddess she’s entirely crazy.”
My lip twitches and it’s a struggle for me to keep the blanket of sleep in my features.
“But you look at her differently, Rime.”
“What do you mean?”
A second ticks by. And then another.
A heavy exhale has the man at my side shifting against the mattress.
“I’ve known you for a decade and you never noticed me in a different way until we met her.” There’s a gentleness in Chaos’ voice that hurts to hear. I know that sound from years ago when I wasn’t so sure of myself or my love life. It’s the sound of insecurity. “If you’re just with me to be with her, you can tell me.”
My eyes open slowly and Rime’s gaze locks with mine. He watches me in silence while Chaos keeps his attention held on the ice dragon. The three of us lie in Kain’s bed, me on the edge, Chaos on the other edge, Rime resting in the middle.
“I never came on to you because I knew—I knew that someday you’d find a beautiful mate.” His voice softens as he trails over my features. “I knew that that person would be perfect in every way that I’m not. And I knew you’d leave me behind. Because everyone always does.”
The simple beating of my heart is painful. If I could wrap these two men up and never let the cruelty of the world touch them, I would.
Chaos’ fingers skim against the side of Rime’s hand. For a moment, Rime doesn’t turn to show Chaos his soft, exposed features. It’s a rare look, the hard cruelty he always keeps in his gaze is absent. And he watches me watching him for several seconds.
Does he feel safer not showing Chaos? Does it hurt him to hide so much?
“You have no idea what you’re talking about. Perfect’s fucking overrated. Flaws. Flaws are sexy.” Chaos’ words are just the right thing to say.
They always are.
A small tilt of Rime’s lips has both of them almost smiling at one another.
“I must be one sexy mother fucker,” Rime whispers.
A rumbling sound hums through Chaos as his fingers skim higher against Rime’s forearm.
“And what I meant was, it’s okay if you’re not attracted to me like you are her. I know there’s a difference. I get it. I just—I know it can be confusing. It’s a lot to take in at first. It’s okay if you’re confused. I’ll wait. I can be patient.” Chaos swallows hard just as an actual confused look pulls Rime’s brows low.
It takes me a minute to remember that Chaos is the first man Rime’s ever kissed. It slams into me hard that Chaos is scared. He’s scared Rime might not really like him the way Rime likes me.
I never once questioned if either of them truly liked me. Because I can feel it. I’ve been in a relationship where I wasn’t wanted and I know what it feels like to not be wanted.
Neither of them have ever made me feel anything less than completely desired.
But I never paused to wonder if there was insecurity in their minds.
Before anyone can say another word, Rime shifts himself over Chaos. His palms brace his weight on either side of Chaos’ dark hair, so close to my own. His gaze is predatory like as he trails over Chaos’ wide eyes, his surprised features, and his parted lips.
“I’m not confused, Chaos.” The serious look in his gaze is testing. Teasing. Honest.
Slowly his leans forward and Chaos’ lashes flutter closed. Rime’s mouth brushes over one amber eye and then one sapphire eye. He kisses the strong angle of Chaos’ jaw, letting his beard meet his lips.
“What are you doing?” Chaos’ palms settle on Rime’s lean hips, careful not to grip too hard. Careful not to ruin the moment.
“I’m taking an inventory of every sexy fucking part of you so you know what I think is attractive.” The even tone of Rime’s words is casual.
They’re both shirtless. Skin against skin. The hard outline beneath Rime’s jeans presses against Chaos’ as their hips meet just right. His takes his time kissing the other side of Chaos’ jaw before raking his teeth over his lower lip so slowly I feel that sensual touch right down to my core.
