Free Ice Man by KyAnn Waters Page B

special to me. I won’t give that up. We’ve shared too much. The memories we’ve made— You’d throw it all away to be with him? After just meeting him?”
    “I can’t explain because it doesn’t make sense to me either.”
    “You’re a fool if you throw away what we have together.”
    Rowan leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. “You know me better than anyone.” He glanced at Theron again, aching because of the hurt shimmering in his eyes.
    Theron took a step closer. “Yes, and that happens to be the problem. You know me too well.” He rested his hands on Rowan’s hips. “I won’t let you go.”
    “You have to.” He swallowed the bile in his throat.
    “You don’t understand. You don’t have a choice.” He softly kissed his lips.
    Rowan turned his face away. “I always have a choice.”
    “Not in this. Releasing you is a risk I’m unwilling to take.”
    Rowan mentally laughed. And did Theron think his risk was any less unimaginable? All he had in the world was in this room. Damn it! Damn him! He had a right to want for more than an addictive connection.
    “You took the risk in sharing your secrets with me. If you now feel that was a mistake, then that’s your problem. I’ve never professed to be anything more than what I am.” He pushed away from the wall. “And if now you think I’m untrustworthy, then fuck you.” He stalked toward the door.
    “Don’t go.”
    The simple request struck a chord. Softly spoken, full of regret. He turned. “How can I stay?”
    Theron crossed the room and took his hand. “What did you promise him?”
    “How do you know I promised him anything?” Theron waited and Rowan smiled. He couldn’t hide from Theron. “I promised not to fuck you. He’s not going to see anyone else either.”
    Theron failed to contain the bubble of laughter. “You’re right. I can’t give you that. Why would anyone want to promise fidelity?” He led Rowan into the main living quarters. “At least with you, that part makes sense. I’m not sure I believe Brett will stay faithful. He’s a member of a sex club for a reason.”
    “I don’t want to hear this shit.”
    “Right now, we’re going to talk. You’re going to listen. Unclench your fists and your ass and have a seat. God, I didn’t realize in the last twenty-four hours you’d had an epiphany.”
    “If you’re going to be an asshole, I’d just as soon leave. I’ve beaten myself up enough for both of us.” He touched his neck. “If you left a bruise I hope it looks like a hickey. That’s going to be easier to explain then strangulation marks.”
    Theron’s expression sobered. “I’m sorry.”
    Rowan shook his head. “I can’t say tonight has been my brightest moment. I knew better than to wake you in my condition. You aren’t yourself until after you feed.”
    He nodded. “Thank you, but I don’t think it excuses my reaction. I don’t want you feeding another vampire, not without me.”
    “I don’t want to. I couldn’t think of a way to make you understand. This isn’t about you and me. It’s just about me.”
    “I believe I’m understanding the emotional place you’ve been. Don’t worry. I’ll heal the bruising.”
    Rowan sat next to Theron and let him pull him into the circumference of his arms. He stiffened then relaxed. This was his best friend and, until yesterday, his lover. He sighed and let the intoxicating warmth surround him. If all worked out with Brett—even if it didn’t—this might be the last time they held each other close.
    “I want you to sit here and listen to me,” Theron began. “I don’t love, not the way humans do.” He was quiet a moment. “Maybe once, but that was so long ago.” His voice took on a dreamy quality. “Not anymore and never again.” He tensed. “Trust is overrated. I’d rather know when I’m being fucked over.”
    “I’m not fucking you over.”
    “Shhh,” he whispered near his ear. “You’re listening now.”
    Rowan