Page 53 of Hidden
“It’s not like that at all.” Titus’s expression cleared, and there was a hint of a smile on his lips. “Would you like to see?”
I pressed my hand against his face as he lowered it toward me.
“No, not right now.” There was a question in his eyes. “I don’t understand, how does this work with…” I wasn’t sure how to explain. Calling it ‘the arrangement’ was becoming embarrassing. “The others,” I finished lamely, biting my lip. “I feel… connected with all of you. I can’t—”
There was a wetness in the center of my palm, and I pulled my hand away back, looking at it in disgust. “Did you just lick me?”
“I don’t like it,” Titus replied without pause. “They’ve all had their families, their relationships. They had their chances at life. I don’t like the idea of sharing mine.”
My heart thundered at the sudden dark look on his face. “Titus…”
“But it’syou,” he said, his expression unwavering even as his voice grew softer. “You’ve always been close to all of us, and I can’t make you choose. I’m not the only one who has always felt this way.”
My heart pounded—what did he mean? “Titus?”
“Just don’t forget about me.” He pulled me close. His hand pressed against my head, and I could hear the wild beating of his heart. “Every lifetime, I’m always the furthest away.”
“Why would you be the furthest away?” I gripped his shirt again. “You’re right here.”
Titus sighed, pressing his face into my neck. “I always will be, if you let me.”
It probably wasn’t the best timing, but my anxiety wouldn’t let me avoid the question anymore. “Are you disappointed?” His mouth had pressed against my skin, but he paused at my question. “That I’m not a virgin, too?”
Titus was silent for a moment—unmoving—before he pushed back. This time he looked confused, and almost angry. There was a hint of red swirling within the depths of his eyes, as if he couldn’t decide which emotion to focus on. His lips pursed, before he finally responded. “Too?”
I thought it was obvious. My pulse raced; I would have to explain.
“I’m not a virgin…” My voice wavered. “And Damen and Julian said you’ve never…” My words trailed off at the expression on his face.
He seemed genuinely offended.
“There are many incorrect assumptions in your first statement. I’ll address those when you’re in a better state. You don’t seem like you’re ready for that discussion,” he said finally. “But as for the second. I’ve never had sex inthislife”—his cheeks dusted over in pink—“but that doesn’t mean I’ve never—”
“You’ve been married and had children?” My spine stiffened. But the others had said…
Titus frowned. “No.”
“But you’ve had sex before,” I said. “Doesn’t that mean that there might be little dragon babies—”
He didn’t even hesitate. “There is absolutely no chance.”
“But you’ve had sex with a woman…” My words trailed off as realization washed over me. Scenes from my secret stash of comics flashed through my mind.
Titus stared at a point over my head. His face was darkening with every passing second.
It was all the confirmation I needed. “You’ve had sex with men? Titus, are you gay?”
“What?” Titus’s eyes snapped back to mine. “I’m not gay. I’m notanylabel. I’ve only ever been interested in one person,always. I guess it doesn’t matter which form they are born into.”
My mind screamed in embarrassment, because how could I not remember?
And that manga, all those romantic X-rated moments. Usually such things frightened me, but I hadn’t been able to look away. No wonder they were so interesting. Men were different, and I was having flashbacks! They had been strangely fascinating.
Reincarnation worked in mysterious ways.
“What are you thinking?” Titus asked, touching my cheek. His eyes met mine, and a second later, a smile touched his lips. Suddenly, he seemed very proud of himself. “Are you imagining it?”
“No!” I pushed against his chest, trying to put some distance between us. Between this and everything else today, I was not in the right frame of mind for this conversation. “I’m so not.” My voice shook.
