That Mystic being Matteo, the son of the ruler of the Mystics. I haven’t interacted with him much, but Finnegan seems to like him just fine as a Bride. Or at least the sounds coming from their room the other night seem to indicate he does. I wonder what Iris thinks about that. She’s always been something of a closed book. She and Shiloh are close enough, but if she’s bothered by her boyfriend fucking his Bride, she hasn’t shown any indication of it. She’s been sleeping in Finnegan’s room, after all.

“Good. Since we’re on the same page for the time being, we might as well prove to the public that I’m a docile little Bride.”

I snort. “No one would ever use the word docile to describe you.”

“You’re right.” She snaps her fingers. “Guess we’ll have to convince them you gave me such a good dicking down that I’ve temporarily lost my mind.”

Heat flashes through my body, and I have to concentrate not to respond physically at the memories that surge forth. “No one is going to believe that, either.”

“Give me a little credit.” She grins. “They’ll believe it enough to get our respective leaders off our backs. That’s all that matters—negating the current threat.”

Shiloh gets a strange look on her face but nods. “That’s the wisest course of action.”

“It is.” Monroe gives a little wiggle, and I lose my battle to keep my attention on her eyes. She’s not even flaunting her nakedness right now; she’s just that comfortable in her own skin. She laughs. “Also, we’re going to have some fun.”

“Fun.” I raise my brows. “I don’t know how much more fun I can take from you two.”

“Lies.” She turns and starts for the bathroom. “I’m sure you’ll rise to the occasion should we find the opportunity.” She disappears through the door and, a few moments later, the shower starts.

I look at Shiloh. “Are you okay?”

“Of course. I’m always okay.” She shoves the coffee mug onto the nightstand and stands.

I don’t mean to react. My body just does it on its own, my hand snapping out and closing around her wrist as she goes to move past me. “Shiloh.” I tow her closer slowly, keeping my grip light enough that she could break free easily. Since I’m sitting on the bed, our positions put her breasts right at eye level, but I hold her gaze intentionally. “Talk to me. Is this about what happened last night?”