Page 49 of Unfettered

Hopefully, Carter can reassure Lio, and my love can chill out. It’s endearing, and a little amusing, how nervous Lio got about the flirting in front of my dad. I love that he cares so much about my parents’ approval, but he doesn’t have to worry.

Neither of them may have seen me in the polycule I find myself in, but I do believe they’ve only ever wanted me to be happy… It’s why I agreed to therapy with Cristian and Marshall. As hard as it’s going to be, and as much as it makes my chest hurt and my stomach twist, I know it’s something we need to do.

It’s also why I’m not worried about Lio and Carter having a moment to talk. If anyone can get through to my love and offer him reassurance, it’s my dad.

I push all those thoughts away when I knock lightly on Ignacio’s bedroom door, before pushing it open. Seeing him stretched out on his bed, shirtless with a book in his hand and a cat in his lap? Fucking hell, my dick throbs just looking at him. All his tattoos, and the muscles he’s working so hard to gain back, are on full display, and I want to run my tongue all over every inch of them.

When Ignacio looks up and smiles at me though? Fuck…that does it for me. As fucking hot as his body is, nothing beats the pure joy and sexiness of seeing someone be so openly happy to see me. I know my other lovers love me, that they cherish me, but watching the burning desire in this man’s gaze to just…be near me? There’s something special about it. I can’t get enough, even as my cheeks heat and probably turn as pink as my skirt. Having one man’s entire devotion, the sweet, unending, unconditional love he gives me? It buoys me and gives me a whole new perspective of myself, even the parts of me I still find lacking.

“Hey, how’d the meeting go?”

I shrug as I make my way over to him. “It went okay. Ten…brought up some concerns that we’re kicking ourselves for not seeing them sooner.”

Biting my lip, I climb onto the bed and pet Daisy when she abandons Ignacio for me. The older kitten adopted my love when he went to pick up Jinx and Echo, and it’s so adorable watching Ignacio cater to her every need like the devoted slave he is.

“Need to talk about it?” He sets his book aside and adjusts himself on the bed.

I shake my head. “Nah. We’ll have a family meeting once we work out all the details, but just know, there will be some changes coming in regards to how Allesandro and Crisitan are being treated.”

He winces. “I know your father apologized, but I⁠—”

“No,” I cut him off. “It’s not about that, or not only about that. Tennant brought up that there’s been some…discourse, and well, from the sounds of it, straight up bullying from the guards and house staff. Like I said, we’ll have a meeting to hash out the details and make some announcements, but that ends now. I…” Tears burn my eyes and I have to look away. “Fuck! I can’t believe I let this happen.”

“Hey.” Ignacio removes the cat from my lap and drags me across the bed to him.

I squeal and giggle at his show of strength. Happiness over how the move seems so effortless now, versus where he was a few months ago, courses through me as I climb onto his lap.

“You’re a fantastic leader, Roman. You and the Council are doing amazing things. I don’t want you putting yourself down because of something that’s not all your fault, okay?

“Allesandro and Cristian could have spoken up. We, as members of this family, could have done more to make sure they were okay. It’s not all on your shoulders, okay? Only on those who overstepped and thought it was a good idea to tear down those already struggling.”

My lip wobbles. “How do you always know what to say?”

He smiles as he reaches up and collects a tear rolling down my cheek. “Because I know you, Little One. You’re not malicious. I don’t believe there’s any scenario in which you’d be okay with what is happening. You’ll make it better. I know you will.”

Throwing my arms around his neck, I surge forward and kiss him. I’m careful not to give him too much of my weight—he may be healed, but he’s still in physical therapy, and until Jayden gives him the all clear, I’m going to make sure I don’t accidentally hurt him. I never want Ignacio to suffer ever again.

“I love you,” I gasp when the kiss breaks.

“I love you, too. And I love this outfit.” He drags his hands down my sides to my waist, teasing the sliver of skin that's exposed from my shirt riding up.

“Yeah? I wasn't sure if it was too much…but I wanted to make a good impression on Connor this morning, and Lio liked it…”

“I love it, Little One. Though, you could wear a flour sack and still be the most beautiful person I've ever seen. It’s not all about your looks either. You shine with a light from within, Roman. It amplifies everything about you.”

I blush again, his words hitting all the soft, squishy parts of me that I didn't know existed.

Ignacio kisses me again, making me groan, and I tighten my hold on him, rocking my hips as my cock hardens.

One of his hands slides down to my ass, and he bunches the material there, raising up the too-short hem.

“What a lovely sight,” a voice purrs from behind us.

With a gasp, I pull away from Ignacio and look over my shoulder to see Jayden shutting the door to the room behind him.

“Don't stop on my account,” the physical therapist says lightly. “I've just come to check on the Princess. I didn't expect to be greeted with such a view.”

His tone is mild, and he keeps his attention on Ignacio, rather than focusing completely on me, which I'm thankful for. Still, I fix my clothes and slide off my love, embarrassment coursing through me.