“I learned from the best. But like I told you, you forgot who you came back to. I know who I am, Tobias, and it’s time you remember who you are—a man who built a worthy army but fought too many battles alone. We have you. Have had you,” I say softly. “It’s time you trust me, trust us.”
My words strike where intended as realization sets in. “You’re a protector, my King. It’s who you are, who you were born to be, and I can’t seem to stay mad at you for it. But I am a protector too, my love, and it’s time you see that.”
He buries his face in my neck, tension leaving his shoulders as his chest begins to pump, and I realize it’s laughter.
“You aren’t angry?” I ask.
He lifts his head, a beaming smile on his face. “I’m fucking furious.”
“Ezekiel?” Antoine rasps from where he sits on the other side of the living room, his tone filled with desperation.
Tobias doesn’t even spare him a glance as he brushes lazy thumbs along my cheeks before another smile overtakes him. “That was one fucking hellacious speed session of couple’s therapy you just put me through.”
“And totally necessary,” I murmur, “no regrets.”
Amber eyes bore into mine, and I can see the sincerity in his love-soaked expression. “I will never, ever keep you in the dark about anything, ever again.”
I snort and roll my eyes. “I’ve heard that before.”
He winces. “I just…wanted—”
“I know why you did it. And you’re still wrong in doing so. It’s going to take a lot to train you on the boyfriend front.”
“Never again, never again,” he assures me.
“Uh huh,” I purse my lips, “until the next time.”
His lips quirk up. “What am I going to have to do to convince you?”
“A lot. It’s a good thing I have the patience you so clearly lack.” Adrenaline rushes through my veins as I stroke the curves of his biceps, and oddly…I’m turned on in a way I can’t describe. He reads my expression, lips lifting further as he continues to stroke my jaw with fiery promise in his eyes.
“We’ll get to that as soon as fucking possible.”
Just as he speaks, our names are called from the front door.
Oil-stained yellow boots and faded denim appear in our peripheral before Sean squats down next to us. “Are you two fucking serious right now?”
“Very,” Tobias quips before we both shift our attention to Sean, whose complexion is blistering red as he scratches his golden mane with the hand holding his Glock. “Someone mind telling me what the fuck is going on here with the Secret Service?”
“Tyler didn’t update you?” I ask, eyes bulging.
“No, and I damn near had a fucking heart attack when they stopped me before they identified themselves. I thought I wouldn’t be able to get here in time. Since when are we in bed with the government?”
“Since about ten minutes ago,” Tyler chimes in as he strolls into the room, appearing out of thin air.
“How long have you been here?” Tobias grunts, standing and pulling me to his side from the floor.
“Long before the fireflies, and just in time to see you take your medicine.” He winks at me, and I can’t help my victorious smile. Tyler ushers the four of us into my bedroom and closes the door before turning to Sean. “Sorry, bro, but this was my part to play. And since this has been my mission for fucking years, I thought it should be me who gets to pop the champagne.”
Sean looks ready to pummel him. “Maybe a little heads-up not to shoot at the Secret fucking Service next time?”