The Clever Fox: Part Three (The Pleasure Hound Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

tie you up to the bed.”
    “I’d like that.”
    A voice cleared behind them. The Male Voice looked away as his hand came away from his mouth. Sister Mychelle continued to gaze at them in a way Adom knew all too well. She was cataloguing their lines and shapes to later use as inspiration in her art work.  
    Adom smiled his gratitude at the woman before turning back to his betrothed. “Now, we just need to convince Emet.”

Chapter Six

    The door to the storefront was unlocked. Emet was certain he’d locked it this morning after he left. That meant only one thing; Adom was home. He dashed down the stairs and into the studio. It was the second time today he had to pause at a threshold. But this time, the scene before him was a welcome sight.
    Adom and Alyss stood with their heads close together in conversation. Alyss was the first to see him. Emet lost his breath at the sight of her. The wound on her cheek had faded, but the markations on her arms were still dark enough for him to see. Her golden eyes looked at him with uncertainty. Emet wanted to drop to his knees and apologize, beg for her forgiveness for turning her away when she’d needed him most.
    “We’re getting married.” Alyss lifted that defiant chin of hers. “We hope that you will join us. Otherwise it would be very awkward, and likely taxing, for Adom to be married to two separate individuals.”
    The two figures before him both stood side by side, their feet planted in firm stances, hands entwined. A united front. He couldn’t remember why he’d insisted these two strong people needed his protection, but he would still offer it.
    Emet opened his arms wide. “Come here.”
    Alyss bristled at the command, but her feet carried her to him.
    Emet swept her off her feet into a bear hug. “Can you ever forgive me?”
    “I never blamed you for anything.” Her voice was muffled against his chest, but he heard her clearly.
    “I swear to you, to both of you,” Emet looked over the top of Alyss’ head at Adom. “I will champion your every dream. And I will never again be the one to push your true desires down into the dark.”
    Still inside the cocoon of his embrace, Alyss looked to Adom. She sighed theatrically. “He just ruined everything. We had a whole debate prepared, complete with charts and graphics.”
    Emet planted a kiss between Alyss’ brow. “I would’ve conceded your every point, my lady.”
    “What,” she grinned. “No compromise?”
    “No need. There’s nothing in dispute between us.”
    “As for my part,” Adom stood before the two of them. “I was simply going to tie you up until you agreed.”
    Emet released Alyss and offered Adom his wrists. “If that’s what you think is best.”
    Adom reached for Emet’s wrists. Emet caught sight of the angry red marks peaking from beneath his bondmate’s shirt cuffs. He grabbed Adom’s wrists. “What’s this?”
    “Oh, that. I just spent a few hours in jail today.”
    Emet didn’t find the joke funny. When he looked into Adom’s eyes, he saw the truth behind his words. Emet nearly lost his stomach.
    “Its all over now.” Adom looped the rope around Emet’s wrists. “Alyss came to my rescue. We can talk about it later. Where have you been all day?”
    “I was with Lady Angyla.” The rope against Emet’s wrists fell slack. “She won’t come after us, any of us. We’ve come to an…understanding. We can talk about that later too. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you today. You know I would’ve come for you. I’ll always come for you.”
    Adom’s hands stilled. The knot lost all tension. Then it unraveled completely. Emet grabbed hold of Adom’s wrists, thumbing the bruises there.
    “This is my worst nightmare come true. You were almost taken from me. Just like all those years ago. You were almost taken from me then before you knew I loved you. And today, you were almost taken before I had the chance to tell you I was sorry.”
    “You loved me?