Page 54

Ryneth’s mouth curved. “Then take it.”

Daven’s hand slid lower. “You think this distracts me?”

Ryneth’s breath hitched as his legs pressed together.

“Use your words.”

Ryneth swallowed, his fingers twisting in Daven’s coat. “You’ll punish me.”

“Yes.”

“And you’ll reward me.”

Daven leaned closer. “That depends on what you give me.”

Ryneth lowered his lashes, his voice dropping. “There was an auction. On the spacecraft, after the hijacking.”

“Continue.” Daven held his gaze.

“I—I...”

“Say it properly.”

Ryneth’s mouth trembled. “I was put up.”

Daven’s grip tightened. “And?”

“I was sold.”

“Sold.” Daven needed to taste the word on his tongue, needed to understand what it meant.

“Yeah.” Ryneth looked down, then slowly placed a hand over Daven’s, weaving his long fingers through his. “I got a message today.”

“Show me.”

Daven didn’t wait. He tightened his grip and turned Ryneth’s hand to access his multi-slate.

You look good in Helion colors.

Did they dress you up for me?

I’ll come when it’s time.

Daven read the message. Twice.

“Wait. Who the fuck is this?” he snarled.

He read it slower the third time, and something in him snapped.

“You look good in Helion colors,” he repeated, disgust curling under every word. “Did they dress you up for me?”

Next to him, Ryneth went still.

Daven’s hand shot out. He caught his jaw, rings pressing cold into his skin, and the air in the room shifted with him, a hard rush of pressure that made the loose strands of Ryneth’s hair lift and curl against his cheeks. “Who the fuck thinks he gets to talk about you like that?”

“Daven—”

“No.” His thumb pressed harder under Ryneth’s chin, holding him there. “No one is coming to collect you, aethera.” His gaze dropped to Ryneth’s mouth, then rose again, darker. “No one is taking you from me.”