younger man. “Forget I’m the bloody King. I’m your cousin. Talk to
me that way. The goddess knows I need someone who’ll be honest
with me.”
“Fine,” Colin said, his eyes narrowing. “I’d tell you, cos, to get
the stick out of your ass. My relationship with my wife isn’t open for
your judgment. I heard that gentry marriages were cold exchanges of
protection and money, for bloodlines and a proper bond. I don’t want
that. I want a real marriage. Maybe it’s because I’m a commoner, but
you can keep your perfect little bondmate. I don’t want to be treated
like a bit of fluff to be taken off a shelf and fucked when my mate
thinks about it. I certainly don’t want to treat my wife like that. Life is hard, no matter your circumstances. You should have a partner, not a
weight around your neck.”
Beck felt his stomach drop. He thought about what he’d said to
Meg. He’d told her she was a responsibility to be borne. She’d asked
to be his partner, and he’d complained about having to feed and clothe
her.
“I don’t think of her that way,” Beck said quietly. He didn’t. He
thought of her all the time, though. Now that he’d had her, he couldn’t
sleep without picturing her close to him. He held a pillow close to his
body at night and pretended it was Meg against his chest. Goddess, he
missed her.
Colin poured another round. “It’s hard in the beginning. Marriage
ain’t easy. You have to find your way. It’s harder for you because
there are three of you involved.”
Bound
207
“Ci doesn’t seem to be having a problem.” Beck took a drink,
shooting the warm liquor into his belly. Cian had been plain in his
correspondence. He was pissed with the way Beck had treated their
wife up to this point.