His questions give me better insight into his dynamic with his friends and why Everett took over most of the talking on the island instead of letting Adelbert explain the bonds to a bunch of nervous human women.
 
 “Would Rollo like it if you called him about getting a dog?” I ask, trying to get him to see reason.
 
 “Good point. I’m going to have to keep you around if I don’t want to offend people.”
 
 “You’ve got me for as long as you want me.”
 
 “Forever,” Adelbert whispers.
 
 Chat Log
 
 MONSTER FUCKERS CHAT
 
 Sylvia: Florence, you’ve been holding out on us, girl. Saw your art hanging in Sadie’s store*starstruck emoji*You’re so talented! I know a gallery who would be interested in showing more of your pieces.
 
 Natalie: Send a pic! I want to see too!
 
 Alice: Sucked that you couldn’t come to Sadie’s opening, Natalie.
 
 Cordelia: It was so much fun!
 
 Natalie. Sorry I missed it. The Arctic Circle is pretty cool, though. Living the dream up here*smiling face emoji*
 
 Iris: Natalie, do you even have time to breathe while taking care of two males?
 
 Natalie: They’re taking care of each other right now*winking face emoji* *fire emoji*
 
 Helena: Glad you don’t have to do all the work
 
 Sadie: That question is better asked to Diana. She’s got 3*hot face emoji*
 
 Diana: No complaints from me.
 
 Louisa: And to think, I was happy when I got chocolate.
 
 Florence: @Sylvia Yes! I’d love that*face holding back tears emoji*! Sorry for the slow response, didn’t have my phone with me.
 
 Sadie: I think we all know why*smirking face emoji*
 
 Chapter thirty-six
 
 Adelbert
 
 Walking through the forest with Florence’s hand in mine is the most extraordinary feeling. Her sheer joy is so strong it’s nearly palpable, making me feel incredibly grateful to her for allowing me access to her emotions. She hasn’t stopped humming since she woke, a fact that hasn’t escaped my notice.
 
 “I’m really happy we are going to our meadow again today,” she tells me with a broad smile that’s been stuck on her face for hours.
 
 Florence’s cheerfulness is contagious and I answer her smile with one of my own. My heart has had this odd, full feeling since I’ve finally admitted my love for her and she has returned it with the same fervor. It is something I have never experienced before and can never do without again.
 
 “I am happy to go anywhere with you, but this meadow does feel special. Plus, the last time we had a picnic here was rather memorable,” I tease and enjoy Florence’s blush. “Perhaps we could recreate some of that, but this time I’d like to use all three hands and my cock.”
 
 “That sounds… promising,” Florence says, trying to sound nonchalant but failing spectacularly when her arousal spikes and hits me square in the chest.
 
 I take a deep breath and let that feeling settle into me, then shoot her a smirk so she knows I noticed it. Florence shrugs with one shoulder and raises her eyebrows suggestively.
 
 “You’re trouble,” I say with a laugh. “And I love you for it.”
 
 “Someone’s got to keep you on your toes.”