35. Tez

35

Tez

The dockyards extended far and wide, and it took a fair amount of maneuvering to get near the boat-rental section.

I'd only just managed it when Bree kissed Riggs. And lightning shot right through me to something that had no business being involved at all.

It clearly didn't agree.

Nemi twittered, no doubt wondering what the fuck my issue was. The dock was bustling with people, no cover anywhere, when Bree started doing a striptease. I was seeing through both of their eyes, and couldn't seem to shut it down.

Fuuuuck.

I made a hash job of tying off the boat and staggered along the dock like a drunkard. Had to hold on…

The boat owner watched me approach from behind his booth with lowered eyebrows. The orange fluffy fur that covered him was distinctly shorter on one side of his face than on the other.

"You did good, then." He eyed my panting state and came to another conclusion. "Spending your hard-earned money on useful things, I see. That Poletuber juice is powerful stuff."

Dammit. The deal had been he was owed a part of my theoretical Brircan profits, so I made a grab for some semblance of control and pulled out my coin purse. Dumped a handful out, before handing it to him. "There's your take." I gasped as control once again became an illusion—when Bree stroked Riggs. I was going to explode, right here, in front of this hairy old boat keeper.

Apparently, he was also a pervert. "Looks like you got some good stuff." He licked his lips. "I have a room in the back?—"

"You're not my type," I stammered, and forced my legs to carry me away. If I didn't find somewhere private in the next few minutes…

I staggered alongside a barge already loaded with cargo. It was quiet, waiting for its crew to arrive, no doubt. Desperate, I hopped on board and sneaked between some crates…

Just as Bree sank onto Riggs, wrapping him in her slick, velvet heat.

My knees gave way, and I propped myself against a wooden barrel as my hand dug beneath my cloak and tore at my laces. I groaned when my cock practically leaped to my hand. And then I was swept away in sensation, as Bree rode Riggs, and then, reached out to his wing?—

Fucking hell.

He shattered, took her with him—and me too. Wave after wave passed through me until I lay limp, propped between the cargo.

This kind of thing could get me killed. Breathing hard, I laced myself back up and peeked around a crate, preparing to force myself upright on my shaking legs. And yanked my head back again.

There were two Priests standing on the dock.

Now I was shaking in earnest. I took another careful look—they were heading away from me. I watched until they vanished amid a group waiting for a transport ferry upriver.

I would have run right into them if it hadn't been for my little distraction. Would they have known what I was?

Best to not find out.

Slipping out from between the crates, I hopped off the barge and hurried down the street, away from the docks and into the city.

Tez? You okay? Bree must have sensed a hint of my panic. I caught a quick glimpse of her walking with Riggs through the halls, and neither of them were too steady on their feet, either.

Fine. I winced at my tone. Perhaps I was a little grumpy. Thanks to the two of you, I'm distracted as hell. Okay, I was more than a little annoyed.

A bass rumble swept through my mind. Now you know how it feels, you bastard.

If I'm going to lose control every time you guys bang, it's going to be a problem.

Welcome to the IBTM club, he stated, and he sounded smug.

What?

He enlightened me. The "I've Been Thoroughly Mindfucked Club."

That's a club? Bree asked.

So I've been told, Riggs assured her.

Well, next time you guys decide to frolic in a lagoon, let me know, I snarled.

I'm not asking for permission every time I bond with my mate, he snarled back.

Okay, that's enough, Bree interceded. How bad was it, Tez?

Innocent sounding question, but I sensed a certain carnal curiosity beneath it. I gritted my teeth. Pretty bad. No way I could be doing anything else.

I got a burst of what could only be amusement from Riggs. There was a pause, and then I had the distinct sensation of having a sharp feminine elbow driven into his ribs.

Okay, he admitted grudgingly . I can see that spontaneously erupting might not be the best thing in your situation.

Which is his way of promising that we will behave ourselves until you are out of there, Bree added.

I didn't say that, Riggs growled.

No. I did, she said. And I meant it.

I took it for the olive branch it was intended to be. Thank you.

Just stay safe, Bree said, and sent me a pulse of warmth along the link.

My stride hitched. This telepathy thing was going to take some getting used to…