I feel a quiver of anxiety thathemight be the one who’s disappointed, but the iPad suddenly chirps with an incoming call, and I look at him in surprise. “You’ve been video-chatting with Corbus?”
A hint of color stains his high cheekbones. “He just likes to check in.”
Hmm. That’s something I’d like to explore more, but an up-scale hotel room is materializing on the screen, and I quickly scramble back into his jersey. When my head pops through the top, Corbus is sitting on a silk chaise that could be straight off aBridgerton set, an elegant vase behind him, and a rose-patterned tea cup at his elbow. He’s still in his suit, even though it’s the middle of the night in Belgium, although he’s removed his tie and unbuttoned the collar of his shirt. I’m a little distracted by the golden column of his neck, and it doesn’t help when Dash skips his fingers down my spine in a teasing caress. “Great timing, Alpha. We were just making plans for Kate’s next heat.”
Nextheat, not last, and for a moment I can dream that’s not just a slip of the tongue.
“Any updates you want to share?”
If I hadn’t had that chat with Corbus before he left, I might take his cool tone as disinterest. But there’s no mistaking the curiosity glittering in his eyes as they skip over our faces. “Lachlan has been doing atonof research,” Dash replies, then taps the iPad. “Sending the presentation your way now. Let us know if you and Bram want to add anything before we go on our spending spree.”
I bite my lip, my unhappy bank balance flashing a lot of zeros in front of my eyes. Bram said he was updating my employment contract, but at this stage, I’m still surviving on my wage from Sweet Eternity. “Spending spree?”
“Well, we can do better than Dr. Pepper and the top ten tracks to fuck to,” he says waspishly, his disdain for my ex leaking from every pore. He turns back to the screen, a glimmer of challenge in his eyes. “Corbus, have you decided which bedroom you want us to use, or is it omega’s choice?”
I stare wide-eyed as Corbus taps his fingers on the perfect pleat of his cashmere trousers. “Wherever you’re comfortable, of course. Just make sure you purchase a suitable nest. I believe Daniel Rose has a new catalog out, if you want me to make a call.”
A House of Omega nest?I’m pretty sure they retail for upwards of five figures, and that’s just for the base. Furnishing them is a whole other delicious expense.
Corbus has an iPad of his own on his knee and starts tapping the screen. “In fact, I’ll ask Daniel to set up a tour of their new bedding line. It’s not officially launched yet, but I’m sure they will appreciate your feedback.”
I almost choke, because test-driving a pre-launch brand is better than winning the lottery for a designer, but I can’t resist asking, “Could we do that when you get back? It would be nice to do that as a group.”
I can’t quite use the wordpack, but Corbus’ gaze sharpens as he looks up at me. I wonder if I’m overstepping, since this will be Dash’s nest, long after my heat is over. But instead of objecting, Dash leans down to nuzzle my earlobe. “Hmm, clever omega. That’s one way to get their asses back home ahead of schedule.”
I click my tongue at him – since it wasn’t my intention, even if it gets my vote of approval – but he’s flashing a smile at the screen. “I think it’s a great idea to do it as a pack, although we’d love to get some previews of the catalog.”
Corbus gives an approving nod and after a few more taps, sets his iPad aside. “I’ve set it up.”
“And how are things there?” I ask, since I’m insanely curious about his trip. There are faint smudges under his crystal blue eyes, and I have a sinking feeling that they might relate to his mother’s summons. “Are all of your meetings going well?”
“Very well,” he replies, and while there’s some warmth in his voice, his mask is still firmly in place. “I’m touching base with our main suppliers, so we won’t have to return for a while.” I’m tempted to ask if things went well with his mom, but he sits forward suddenly, a keen light in his eyes. “Pan back to the table again, Dash. What are you eating? Is thatmoules frites?”
Dash swipes a finger through his leftover sauce and pops it in his mouth. “Mmm. Lachlan just cooked us this delectable dinner and now we’re about to start on dessert.”
Dash isn’t subtle as he casts me a heavy-lidded glance, but Corbus is staring at Lachlan, who suddenly looks a little flushed for a different reason. “You cooked my national dish?”
“Uh, maybe.” Lachlan shuffles his feet, his arms tightening around my waist. “I mean, I’m just experimenting, and it’s kind of likesautè di cozzewith amarinièresauce. Plus, French fries.” He reaches over to snag one from his plate, dragging it through the creamy sauce and popping it in my mouth. “If we can claim them, then I guess you guys can, too.”
I bite back a giggle, my heart warming to think he’s been practicing his Belgian recipes. Adorable doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Corbus clearly agrees, because he gives a throaty hum, replacing his tea cup with a crystal glass of brandy. “And now it’s time for dessert, yes? What do you have planned? Perhaps you can send me off to bed with some sweet dreams.”
I blink at the hint of heat in his voice, but Dash is already moving our dinner plates aside, a smug look on his face. “Well, it’s a bit like one of those sip and paint classes. Only, Kate is the canvas, we’re using chocolate, and we’re getting drunk on her body instead of wine.”
Corbus cocks a perfectly formed brow. “I’m intrigued.”
“Good.” Dash claps his hands like he’s in head chef mode. “First, we need the sauce.”
“Let me warm it back up,” Lachlan says in a voice that’s all gravel, and my thighs clench as he sets me on my feet. I snatch a quick kiss as he heads back to the stovetop, and then Dash snags the back of my jersey and pulls me into his lap. Cuddles are always on the menu with these guys, but Dash runs his mouth down my throat, teasing my sensitive skin. When I arch my neckin invitation, he shoots a heavy-lidded look at the camera. “Did you know Kate’s scent gland tastes like candy, Corbus? She’s still a little shy about it, but it’s damn near addicting for a sweet tooth like mine.”
I want to object that it’s not shyness as much as disbelief, but Corbus makes a soft humming sound that’s completely distracting. “We know a thing or two about sweet things in Belgium.”
I shiver as Dash nips my gland, then turns my face to treat me to a deep, drugging kiss. Corbus doesn’t make a sound, but there’s no way I can forget we have an audience, especially when Dash props me up on the edge of the table. He rises above me in a sinuous motion, raw hunger in his gaze as Lachlan returns with the chocolate sauce. “Ready to show our alpha what a good canvas you are, sweetheart?”
A helpless moan leaves my lips, but Corbus’ soft voice draws my gaze back to the screen. “Wait a moment, please.” He pans his camera around to show a sleeping Bram, naked to the chest in the crisp white sheets of an enormous hotel bed. “Do you think you can eat quietly, or should I mute my end?”
“Oh, my.” I’m not sure if that’s Dash or me giving a throaty exhale, but the air shifts in the room, the tension suddenly as decadent as the chocolate in Lachlan’s hands.
