Reaching Answers (Artemis University #8) - Erin R Flynn Page 0,78
He’s been good to me.”
Well, that was enough for me to do Nelson a solid then.
I wiggled out of Craftsman’s arms and slid on his shirt from the floor—giving him a nice view of my everything as I bent over—and headed for the door. Seeing that much of me distracted him a moment and I reached my goal before he could barely hiss at me to wait.
I opened the door and winked at Nelson. “Yes, I took him back.”
“Holy fuck,” Nelson whispered, his eyes going bug wide.
“It’s okay, you won’t remember it’s me,” I teased. “But I’m going to do you a favor since you’re tight with Julian. Your former conquests are banning together to try and get you into serious trouble. Screw who you want, Nelson, but stop making it sound like there’s more to what you’re doing.”
My accusation shook him out of his stupor. “I don’t make—”
“You’re doing something that leads so many to think it’s more than a fling,” I argued. “So, so many of them. I hear it all. A few, sure, I would think it was them being stupid, but this place is a pit of vipers, not lambs to fall for shit. You’re leading them on.” I gave him a sad smile. “You’re hurting some of them the way she hurt you, and you don’t mean to. So cut it out before you ruin your life.”
He was gobsmacked that I was not only lecturing him, but I’d listened to his thoughts enough to know about the ex-lover who had crushed him completely. I knew from listening to his mind right then. But he believed me, which was great.
Good.
I reached out to grab his wrist and used a fairy rune to alter his memory and what he saw right then. He’d remember what we’d talked about, but not the setting and the decisions we’d made. Nelson would also think he saw Craftsman’s mystery lover, seeing me completely different than I was. Just to be extra careful, I made him lean towards my being a fox or deer shifter.
Hey, more confusion and subterfuge always worked for us.
Once it was all done and I’d played the part, starting the introduction over, Julian joined me at the door and wrapped his arm around me from behind.
“I’ll catch up with you, mate. I need to say good morning to my love and send her off right.”
“Of course you do, cheeky Brit,” Nelson drawled. “Fine, just don’t be late for the meeting in an hour.” He muttered it was nice to meet me and clearly, having an accent worked out for some men.
Twit.
“You didn’t have to do that,” Craftsman murmured once we were closed back in.
“People will notice you’re different. They’re too nosey and judgmental of everyone all the time here to miss it. I’ve told you tons of times that not having an answer or story ready is how people get caught.”
“I only caught about half of that,” he chuckled, nuzzling my neck. “I’m too focused on you being naked under my shirt and having woken up in my bed.”
I flinched. “I didn’t—you said—”
“Slow. I said we’d slow back down and I meant it. I’m not forgetting what happened or pretending it all okay now.” He lips pressed against my skin as he hugged me under my breasts. “I’m just not going to hide how bloody happy I am you’re here and we’re back together.”
I nodded, snuggling back against him for a moment before pulling away. “You’ve got to get ready for your meeting.”
“I need to know you’re okay more,” he worried, snagging me again and turning me so I was facing him. He cupped my cheek and studied my eyes. “I love you so much, Tamsin. Tell me I didn’t hurt you by caving last night.”
I shook my head. “You would have hurt me by denying me and I know that doesn’t even make sense, but I’m all muddled. I’m fine, Julian.”
He studied my aura and seemed fine with what he saw. “Okay, but you’ll recharge a lot today, yeah?”
“Yeah, I’m sure Irma’s already loading up trays and extras for me so I can unfreeze more tomorrow. It really was okay.”
“Good. I don’t care if it’s selfish, but you mean more to me than all the fairies in that world and Faerie itself. I hope they all come back, but not if it hurts you ever again.” He pressed his lips to mine before I could respond. “Keep the shirt. It looks better on you.”