Now he’d discovered it was all a ruse, which was doubly humiliating since Tiri hadn’t wanted to take anyone’s money from the start. His objections had always fallen on deaf ears, and he was sure Zane found him incompetent at best. Shame filled him; a matebond was not supposed to be this way. His honor had been stripped from him. Tiri hated to be upset with Zane, but he was shocked by his dishonesty. “I’m very angry,” he managed.
“I know. I didn’t intend to upset you.”
“But you had to know I’d be mad if I found out what you were doing.”
Zane’s dark eyes hit the floor. “Well, I was kind of hoping you wouldn’t figure it out,” he muttered.
“Then you must think I’m really stupid.”
The dragon’s gaze lifted to meet Tiri’s. “I certainly don’t think you’re stupid. I know how smart you are.”
“Apparently not, or I would’ve figured out months ago what you were up to.”
“Come on, Tiri. It’s not that big of a deal.”
“It may not seem like one to you, but it is to me.”
“What can I do to make this up to you?”
“First, I don’t want you to put another cent into my account. The whole cursing fund thing stops now. I’m making money on my own. I only need to spend what I make.”
“I can stop refunding everyone, but I doubt very seriously you’ll convince them to quit paying you. They appreciate you, and no one wants you to sacrifice a damn thing. You were only poor because your chieftain is a fuckhead.”
“You shouldn’t call Chieftain Chesvarin that word.”
“You know he’s evil.”
“I won’t argue that. I worked hard. The Sprite Grove didn’t have much. There was no money to give me, which is why when I met you I was poor.”
“That’s not your fault. I had a different life than you did. I was paid for the work I did, and that’s why I have plenty. Why is it not okay for me to want to spoil my other half?”
“Because I don’t need to be spoiled,” Tiri growled.
“Let’s think about it from the other side for a minute. If I were the one who didn’t have anything, and you had plenty, wouldn’t you want me to have whatever I wished?”
Tiri was instantly annoyed by Zane’s question. Of course he would be happy to provide Zane with the resources he didn’t have, which took all the air out of his erstwhile sails. His mate had proved his point. “I would give you money,” he conceded.
“I love you. I would do anything for you. It’s just money, Tiri. If you don’t spend it, who will? I don’t buy much, which is why I have plenty.”
“You still went behind my back.”
“Which I apologized for. I’ll say it again, though. I’m sorry.”
Not willing to stay angry at Zane, Tiri let out a sigh, then strode over to wrap his arms around him. His other half instantly embraced him and pressed a kiss to his hair. “I don’t like being mad at you.”
“I’m glad, I can’t handle it myself.”
“Promise me you won’t give me any more. Things aren’t the same since I arrived. I do have my own funds now.”
“Okay, but I want you to know if you do want something I’m happy to contribute.”
“I’m content to save my money until I can afford the things I want.”
“For Fate’s sake, you’re stubborn,” Zane murmured with amusement in his voice.
Tiri lifted his head to look into Zane’s eyes. They were filled with a mixture of love and exasperation. “You’re stubborn too.”
“Which just goes to show how well-suited we are,” Zane replied with a grin.
