over, sleepy blue eyes peering at Dellan from beneath a shaggy mop of hair. Good morning. He let out a happy sigh. I feel great.
Dellan kissed his forehead. Last night was amazing. I had no idea simply cuddling could feel so good.
Me neither. Horvan kissed Dellan’s shoulder, then leaned over to kiss Rael. I could get to like this mates business. He sighed happily. And while I have nothing against cuddles, there’s no better way to start the day than with a good-morning fuck. There were Horvan’s fingers again, this time gently probing his hole.
Okay, I’m sold. Like he needed much persuasion. He yearned to feel Horvan inside him. Then he heard voices below. Dellan sighed. Talk about bad timing.
Possibly. Or maybe they’re doing it on purpose. Horvan withdrew his fingers, and Dellan’s tiger growled.
Rael glared. What the hell are they doing awake at this hour?
Horvan chuckled. Spoiling our fun, that’s what. I told you. They’re evil.
Evil or not, despite his friends’ teasing and sexual innuendos, they clearly respected him. Dellan had to admit, they were an awesome bunch.
It was this knowledge that settled him. I can do this, with their help. A night of sleep in his mates’ arms had worked its magic too.
“Do what?” Rael was instantly more alert.
Dellan sighed. “I think I’m ready.” He inhaled deeply. “I want my company back. And I want to make sure Anson pays for what he did to me. And those women. If he drugged them, that means they were victims too. I can’t let that go unanswered.”
Horvan rolled him onto his back and peered into his eyes. “You’re sure about this?” he said quietly.
Dellan nodded. “But we do it my way.”
“And what does that mean?” Rael narrowed his gaze. “You’re not thinking of going there alone, are you?”
Dellan laughed. “Do I look stupid? Why would I do that when I can walk in there with my mates and those three awesome guys downstairs?”
“Then what did you have in mind?” Horvan inquired.
Dellan’s stomach growled. “I’ll tell you all over breakfast.” He sniffed the air. “After I’ve had a shower.”
“Uh-uh. I want to know now.” Horvan cocked his head. “Why can’t I read your thoughts?”
That made Dellan laugh. “Because I’m not ready to—wait. You mean you and Rael can read each other’s thoughts all the time?”
A slight flush stained Horvan’s cheeks. “Yes. It’s a little maddening at times. I mean, it’s nice, don’t get me wrong, but think about Christmas. How can I surprise you two?”
“Oh. Well, um… if you have something you don’t want to share, file it away in a lock box in your brain.”
“A… what?”
Rael nodded. “What he said.”
“When I was a kid, I made little boxes in my head,” Dellan explained. “When I was angry or horny or whatever, and those thoughts were overwhelming me, I pushed them into one of my boxes. It allowed me to let them go so I could focus on other things.”
Horvan gaped. “That must have taken years to learn.”
Dellan shrugged. “Not really. Just a determination to get things done. Try it. Make a mental box.”
Horvan frowned. “Easy to say, but how do you do that?”
“Think of it like a safety deposit box. Only you have the key. It can be whatever size you want, but make it strong, able to withstand someone trying to get into it.”
“Like a nosy mate?” Horvan asked with a chuckle.
Rael reached over and whacked him on the arm. “Hey! I heard that.”
Horvan’s eyes twinkled. “Good. Wasn’t sure I said it loud enough. Now hush, I’m learning.”
Dellan ignored the banter. This was important. “Imagine it in your head, and once you have it, call up the memory you want to stuff in there. Once you’ve got it where you want it, lock the box and put it away with the others.”
Horvan closed his eyes for a moment. “Okay, I’ve made my box.”
“Now pull up something you don’t want me to know about, shove it in your box, and lock it away.”
Horvan stilled, and Rael peered at him. “I’m curious to know what you come up with.”
“Like I’m gonna tell you.” Horvan’s brows knitted in an expression of intense concentration. After a moment, he relaxed. “Done. What am I thinking?”
Dellan stared at him for several moments, then smiled. “I can only read the things you want me to know. Like you want us to hurry up because you’re hungry.”
“Seriously?” It’s that simple?
Dellan laughed. Yes, it is.
Horvan narrowed his gaze. “What if I think about it now?”
Dellan focused on Horvan