Archaic (Reverse Harem 2)

It won’t work.

Not with a woman like Clarissa.

“Go inside,” Clarissa says.

“Not with him,” Sebastian says.

“She said get inside, Seb,” Toshi says.

“Don’t call me that.”

“Basht?”

“Can I kill him?”

“Sebbie.”

I grin at the last one as Sebastian lets out a growl.

I turn to take Toshi in. I can feel his grin spreading across his features. He’s lounging on the railing of the stairs, his leg crossed over the other. Bouncing his foot to a rhythmic beat only he can hear.

“I’m in love with Clarissa, but you don’t see me arguing with her over her choice,” Toshi says. “Because it’s her choice.”

I furrow my brow at him as he slides off the railing. His feet don’t make a sound as they land on the grass outside of the barn.

I watch as he makes his way back inside, and I can feel Clarissa eyeing the back of my head.

I turn around and see the heartache in her eyes as she looks after Toshi.

“You’re right,” I say.

That pulls her from her trance and her eyes lock with mine.

Eyes that will always make my heart pump faster in my chest.

“What do you mean?” Clarissa asks.

“I can’t go to Egypt. It’s too hot. There won’t be enough water to keep me hydrated, and I’ll make everyone miserable.”

“You won’t make me miserable,” she says.

Sebastian rolls his eyes before he breezes past both of us.

“I’ll go make the arrangements,” he says.

“And I’ll be waiting for you when you get back,” I say.

But the sentiment meant to bring Clarissa comfort only floods her face with more pain. But I already know why. Memories of Kyle.

Her slaughtered mate. Who would tell her the same thing whenever we went rushing off into danger. Tears well in her eyes, and I can’t stand it. It’s like a dagger to my heart. I reach out for her, and she lets me pull her in, and I feel her tears staining the fabric of my shirt.

“It’s okay,” I say as I rub her back. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

And still, I can feel Sebastian’s eyes on us.

Chapter 16

~ Toshi