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Rhydian bursts out laughing so hard he has to grab the bedpost to stay upright.

Zarek closes his eyes. He looks like a man reviewing every choice that brought him to this exact moment and regretting most of them.

Kaelen just stares at me. His mouth is slightly open. I don't think anyone has ever said the word pussy in front of him before. He looks like he isn't sure whether he should be shocked or impressed.

"We are," Zarek says carefully, opening his eyes, "close friends."

I give him my kindest, most understanding smile. "Of course you are."

"That's all."

"Absolutely." I mime locking my lips and tossing the key over my shoulder. "Your secret's safe with me."

"There's no secret."

"Of course there isn't," I say soothingly.

"Gods help me," Zarek mutters.

Rhydian finally gets control of himself, though his eyes are still watering. "Listen. Listen to me." He presses a hand to his chest. "We have absolutely nothing against men who love other men. Truly. Some of the best people I know. But that's not us."

"Mmhmm."

"It isn't," Zarek says. "We've known each other since we were boys. They're my family. My brothers in every way that counts." He says it firmly. "That's all."

"That's lovely," I tell him. "It really is."

Then Kaelen speaks.

He hasn't said more than a handful of words since I woke up. But now he takes one step toward the bed, fixes those burning amber eyes on mine, and says, with the deadly seriousness of a man swearing an oath before the gods.

"I have never been with a man. Ever."

Blinking, I look back at him.

He keeps staring at me. Like it's extremely important that I understand this. Like his whole life depends on it.

"Okay," I say slowly.

"Never," he repeats.

"I believe you."

His jaw flexes. He doesn't look like he thinks I believe him.

"Really," I say. "It's fine. All of it. You don't need to keep explaining."

And I mean it. Mostly. But I can feel my lips twitching, and I can't make them stop. And judging by their faces, they can see it too.

Rhydian opens his mouth. I can practically see the next speech forming.

Zarek gives him a look. One look. It's sharp enough to slice bread.

Rhydian closes his mouth.

"Clothes," Zarek says, in a voice that dares anyone to argue. "We were talking about clothes."

I take pity on them. Mostly because I want pants.