Azrael's gaze flicked to her, softer but still burning. "Athena," he said, voice lower. "If he's making you uncomfortable, say it."
Her heartbeat stumbled.
Before she could speak, Eryx angled her chin up with two fingers, making her look at him.
"Tell him no, princess," he murmured. "Go on."
Athena froze. She couldn't speak at all. What the hell was she supposed to say?
She was still in a battle with herself when Theodore spoke. "Good morning… kitsune."
Theodore's voice came gently and warm, but beneath it, she could see he was trying to pull her away from her mess. And she was grateful.
Athena turned just enough to see him.
Theo's hair was damp with sweat, his bare chest glistening from sweat, his blue eyes soft but intense as they locked on hers.
"Kitsune?" Eryx snapped his gaze toward Theo, jealousy flaring. "Since when do you get to call her that?"
Oh no, she shouldn't be grateful yet.
