“No,” Apollo said firmly.
Derrik studied him.
Then he stated conversationally, “Gods, man, if I didn’t think I’d murder you on sight, I would have gone over solely to warn you that your activities might break the bed or send you through the floor.” His tone degenerated when he added, “Or, perhaps, commend you on your bloody stamina.”
Apollo said nothing.
Derrik’s eyes narrowed. “How many times did you have her?”
Apollo remained silent.
“I counted twelve of hers, just nine of yours. If I were to tell the men, you’d be legend.”
Apollo kept his silence and Derrik lost his patience.
And his gallantry.
“By the sounds you made when she could not be heard, I can assume she has much talent with her mouth.”
Apollo ceased remaining silent.
“Careful, brother,” he warned.
He leaned in toward Apollo and his voice went snide. “By the sounds she made when you could not be heard, it’s a definite you share the same talent. Tell me, brother, does she taste as sweet as she promises?”
Apollo’s entire body grew tight for the second time that day. But this time, he didn’t keep as close a grasp on the threads that held his temper.
Derrik was a man, Valentine a woman. If Derrik did something that deserved it, Apollo would not hesitate to give it.
“Careful,” he growled.
“She isn’t Ilsa,” Derrik bit out.
Apollo blinked.
Understanding hit him; he crossed his arms on his chest and said quietly, “Gods, brother, I know that.”
At that, Derrik blinked.
“You—” he began.
“Lost my wife years ago,” Apollo interrupted him to say. “And came to terms with that only four months ago. The woman in my bed is Madeleine.”
“Madeleine?”
“The name she’s chosen for this world. A name chosen from what you and the men gave her,” Apollo explained and when Derrik didn’t reply, he shared, “She’s rather fond of it.”
Derrik looked to the wall behind Apollo, the hardness moving out of his face. Then he looked back.
“I’m in love with her,” he admitted, his voice gruff, his admission dredged from somewhere deep.
“I’m sorry,” Apollo replied and said no more for there was no more to say.
His friend may love Madeleine and Apollo may love his friend.
But he could not have her.
Derrik’s face grew hard again and he demanded, “Convince me you care for her.”