Jaded [The Moonlight Breed 9] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic ManLove) Gabrielle Evans (the read aloud family TXT) 📖

“You’re thinking very loudly,” Spiro teased him. “Don’t stress so much, lirimaer. Tomorrow will go exactly as planned, and then the following night, we’ll run in the forest.

Zuriel bobbed his head because that was what was expected of him, but until this mess was over, he didn’t think he’d be getting much of that sleep he so desperately needed. “What about our luggage?”

“Someone will get it and bring it to the palace. Relax.” Spiro lifted his arm and waved a hand in greeting when they stepped into the small terminal. “There’s my brother, Rissian.”

There was such a striking family resemblance that Zuriel blinked twice. Tall and thin with flowing white-blond hair and delicate features, the man waiting for them near the entrance was almost an exact clone of his mate. He was broader in the shoulders, and his nose was a little narrower, but from a distance, Zuriel doubted anyone would be able to tell them apart.

Being confronted with Spiro’s family suddenly made everything very real, and it was all he could do to put one foot in front of the other on his shaking legs. His mate may not be the king yet, but he was still a prince, and Zuriel had no idea how he was supposed to act.

“Brother,” Rissian called, “it’s been a long time.”

Spiro moved from his side to embrace his brother, leaving Zuriel standing with his friends. Shifting from foot to foot, he ducked his head and fumbled his fingers behind his back, wracking his brain for his next move. He doubted he had to bow to the younger prince, but then again, he didn’t know a damn thing about being the consort of a royal.

His old defense mechanisms kicked in, throwing up walls to protect him against possible embarrassment or rejection. He stood a little straighter, held his head a little higher, and popped his hip out to the side while adopting a cocky grin. The best defense was a good offense, and by the time Spiro beckoned him forward to make the introductions, Zuriel was prepared to be as offensive as necessary.

“Riss, I’d like you to meet my mate, Zuriel. Lirimaer, this is my younger brother, Rissian Araceli. You can call him Rissian, Riss, or asshole. He’ll answer to anything.”

Tracing his top lip with his tongue, Zuriel sashayed a little closer, completely invading the prince’s personal space, and held his hand out. “Well, hello, handsome.”

Rissian appeared taken aback by the bold behavior, and he glanced at Spiro worriedly before taking Zuriel’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Zuriel.”

“Oh, the pleasure is all mine.” He purred the last word, allowing it to roll off his tongue.

“This is not good,” Mihail whispered to someone behind him. “What the hell is he doing?”

“Being a jackass,” Jacobi answered, not bothering to keep his voice down.

Footsteps came closer, and the next thing Zuriel knew, a hand smacked against the back of his head. “What was that for?” he demanded, rubbing at his skull.

“Sorry about that,” Jacobi answered, not looking one bit apologetic as he grinned brightly. “You had a little bit of bullshit stuck in your hair, but I think I got it all.” His eyes narrowed infinitesimally, as though daring Zuriel to argue with him.

What the fuck am I doing? He had a fantastic man who accepted him just the way he was, flawed as he may be. His cheeks heated with shame, and he dropped his eyes to stare down at the floor. Gods, he wouldn’t blame Spiro if the man put him right back on a plane to Wyoming. He could only imagine how much embarrassment he’d just caused his mate, and in front of his family of all people.

“Well, I see that you have your hands full,” Rissian said with a light chuckle as he clapped Spiro on the shoulder. “Are you ready to go home?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” He stroked Zuriel’s arm absently with his knuckles as he spoke. “The rooms are prepared like I asked?”

“We have five guest suites ready, all on the east wing.” Rissian paused and rubbed at the back of his neck. “Are you sure you don’t want a larger suite for you and your mate?”

“No,” Spiro answered at once. “I think Zuriel would prefer to be close to his friends for now.”

His thoughtfulness only served to make Zuriel feel worse about his behavior, and he scuffed his toe across the floor, wishing that a hole would open up in the ugly tile and devour him. That didn’t happen, though, and Rissian led them outside to the vehicles.

Once settled in the backseat, Spiro pulled him close to his side, brushed his hair back from his face, and kissed his lips. “Don’t be afraid.”

“I’m sorry,” Zuriel whispered, but he couldn’t look Spiro in the eyes. His emotions were running too close to the surface, and if he saw even a hint of disappointment, he’d lose the battle with his tears. He probably should have seen this coming. He always fucked things up.

“Look at me.” Cool fingers slid under his chin and encouraged him to raise his head. “Do you remember what I told you back at the cabin?”

Zuriel pressed his lips together and shook his head. There had been a lot of things said, and he had no idea how any of them pertained to this situation.

“You are beautiful.” He traced the curve of Zuriel’s jaw in a featherlight touch. “Not just here, but here.” Spiro’s other hand rested lightly on his chest, right over his racing heart. “I know you don’t see it yet, but I do.”

No, he didn’t see it, wasn’t even sure what Spiro meant, so he went back to his original apology. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you in front of your brother.”

Strangely, Spiro smiled at him. “I don’t care what my brother thinks. I don’t give a damn what anyone thinks, and you shouldn’t, either.” He leaned one shoulder against the door, and eased Zuriel’s head to his