"I know." Arik paused. "I understand."
Liam narrowed his eyes at him despite the wetness gathered there.
"Better."
"And I am hurt too," Arik admitted, so quietly Liam almost wished he had not. "Not because you are angry. You have every right to be. But because I hurt you with my own hands and then stood here and watched you apologize for bleeding on me."
Liam's anger faltered.
Arik looked at him with a devastation that had nothing princely in it. "I am not angry that you used the bond against me. I am angry that I made you feel cornered enough to do it."
"That is not how apologies work. You do not get to apologize for my apology."
"I am very good at being impossible."
"You are very good at making me want to throw something at you."
"There are several breakable objects in the room."
"Do not tempt me."
Arik's gaze softened, painfully. "Never."
The gentleness undid Liam more than the arguing had.
His shoulders sagged.
