Page 217 of Bound (A Faery Story 1)

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younger man. “Forget I’m the bloody King. I’m your cousin. Talk to

me that way. The goddess knows I need someone who’ll be honest

with me.”

“Fine,” Colin said, his eyes narrowing. “I’d tell you, cos, to get

the stick out of your ass. My relationship with my wife isn’t open for

your judgment. I heard that gentry marriages were cold exchanges of

protection and money, for bloodlines and a proper bond. I don’t want

that. I want a real marriage. Maybe it’s because I’m a commoner, but

you can keep your perfect little bondmate. I don’t want to be treated

like a bit of fluff to be taken off a shelf and fucked when my mate

thinks about it. I certainly don’t want to treat my wife like that. Life is hard, no matter your circumstances. You should have a partner, not a

weight around your neck.”

Beck felt his stomach drop. He thought about what he’d said to

Meg. He’d told her she was a responsibility to be borne. She’d asked

to be his partner, and he’d complained about having to feed and clothe

her.

“I don’t think of her that way,” Beck said quietly. He didn’t. He

thought of her all the time, though. Now that he’d had her, he couldn’t

sleep without picturing her close to him. He held a pillow close to his

body at night and pretended it was Meg against his chest. Goddess, he

missed her.

Colin poured another round. “It’s hard in the beginning. Marriage

ain’t easy. You have to find your way. It’s harder for you because

there are three of you involved.”

Bound

207

“Ci doesn’t seem to be having a problem.” Beck took a drink,

shooting the warm liquor into his belly. Cian had been plain in his

correspondence. He was pissed with the way Beck had treated their

wife up to this point.

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