Page 127 of Serpent & Saviors

“I think he sufficiently answered. I’m next,” Pasha announced as Isabella leaned over to read his question. He flicked it away quickly, causing her to punch him in the shoulder. “What is your favorite weird habit of Victoria’s that you adore?”

Kinsley clapped happily. “I loved this one. It was my favorite.”

“No pressure, but I think I’ll keep this one light, if you don’t mind. Victoria is a horrible liar. She had the nerve to tell me on our first dinner date she didn’t like meat. Now anytime I take her out, she still insists she doesn’t but ends up eating half my steak.”

“It’s habit, plus yours always tastes better. Remember, I ordered one once, and it was not the same. Never again, the safest bet is to just eat yours.”

“Is that what I am to you, then? A safe bet?”

“Never, you’re my only bet. But now that you’ve mentioned steak, I’m feeling famished. Whose question is next? And just for the record, Pasha, it’s true. I’m a horrible liar and I secretly love steak as long as it’s on his plate.”

Somewhere along the way, I let my guard down, accepted that this was my family, and that I had nothing to worry about. Andrew loved me, my season sisters loved me, and even this strange set of friends seemed to care deeply for me. Even if it was out of love for Andrew, they were giving me a real shot, and I was going to embrace it.

“That’d be me,” Alek said, looking thoughtful. “Hmm, I wonder why on earth you chose me to read this one, Counselor. Just know if it were up to me, I’d be asking something entirely different, but here we go. My friend, what is one insecurity of Victoria’s that you love?”

I gulped, feeling exposed in the blink of an eye. My heart hammered inside my chest, and my eyes met the girl’s. Kinsley had her head cocked to the side, and Isabella leaned forward.

“This question has always been my favorite and fascinated me. To look at an individual you love and pick one insecurity knowing at the end of the day they don’t like it, but you adore it. Again, it fascinates me.”

Andrew may have been speaking to Alek, but the heat of his gaze bore into me. I lowered my head, almost afraid to hear his answer. What if it was something he loved today but hated tomorrow?

I couldn’t even fathom what it might be, especially given my own issues with my many flaws. There were so many, and the catalog of them rolled around in my head as if it were a checklist. I reached out once again and rubbed the velvet of the chair in my hands, relishing the feel of the material. It had a calming effect.

“Alek, I chose this one for you because my answer speaks to a deep desire you have. And I have a feeling we’ll be kindred spirits in this, especially given your sheer desire to get that lovely little pixie on your lap pregnant as many times as safely possible.”

“Oh God, not this aga—” Kinsley exclaimed.

“You hush now. Andrew is speaking,” Alek chided, pulling her back against him. He nuzzled her neck sweetly, and she rolled her eyes at Isabella, who shook her head.

“Of course, none of you know this and even though I’ve begged her to wear the bikini, she was adamant and has refused. But my little angel has the most amazing little stretch marks across her lower tummy. I’m obsessed with them. They’re like little intricate mazes—”

“They’re hideous,” I exclaimed once more as embarrassment coated my cheeks.

Of all the things to choose from. My hands immediately went around my lower stomach. He stalked toward me, and I put my hands up as the look on his face was feral.

“I own every part of you, angel, and if I say they’re amazing, then they are. When are you going to learn?”

I tried to stay seated as he pulled me out of the chair. Leaning down, he hooked his fingers into my hair and tugged back until I felt like my neck was going to snap. My possessive, dominate Andy was determined to prove a point.

He pressed his mouth against mine and kissed me with a passion that had me breathless. I melted into him, no sign of embarrassment keeping me from instinctually responding.

A soft moan escaped as his tongue slid over mine. He pulled back, pools of desire swimming in his eyes. My eyes flicked over to the crowd, and Kinsley sighed contently and leaned her head against Alek’s chest. He whispered something in her ear, and she nodded.

“Alek and I agree, it’s a beautiful thing to be obsessed with. You’ve passed this one with flying colors, Counselor,” Kinsley said.

With his eyes still glued to mine, Andrew said, “Ivan’s question is up next. I gave it to him because he’s my best mate and I’m publicly asking him to hold me accountable.”

My heart swelled as his eyes danced with love, and I wanted to beg Isabella to capture the moment for me so that if he ever stopped looking at me this way, I would have a physical memento to hold onto. I gulped as Ivan’s gravely voice rang out.

“How do you intend to show Victoria a ‘good life’?”

Andrew’s mouth turned up into a half smile, and a deep chuckle reverberated through the room.

“Well, for starters, my grand plan begins with a touch of magic. I’m whisking her and our son away to a place where dreams come true, where she can wish upon a star to a place she’s never been. A seven-day Disneyworld adventure.”

A squeal came from Kinsley, and she practically vibrated with enthusiasm. And in true fashion, her words tumbled out like a waterfall, and I soaked up every one of them, loving seeing this side of her.

“No way! Seven full days at Disneyworld. I’m jealous. You’re going to love it, Tori,” Kinsley exclaimed. Her eyes were wide with delight. Her hands fluttered with animated gestures, and Alek had to hold her down. “I lived in Florida for a while, with Owen. Let me tell you, it’s a whole world of wonder and so much joy. You have so many days. Spend the first one focusing on the rides so you know which ones you want to repeat daily. There are so many of them. Oh, do you like rollercoasters, I bet Declan will love them, and promise you’ll take him on the Slinky Dog Dash. And the parad—”