“Oh, Raphael,” Yves says softly, however as an alternative of pity as I anticipated, it feels extra like an understanding of kinds. “Coping with aristocrats comes with many perils.”

“And you aren’t considered one of them? Shopping for my freedom and commanding the king’s guards as if you’re royalty your self?”

Yves chuckles, however Alessio seems to be way more severe. “Yves instructions anybody he sees match, and you have to be grateful in your freedom.”

“However am I free? Would you open this carriage and permit me to stroll away, or have I simply traded one cell for an additional?”

Alessio scoffs. “You do know the right way to choose the fierce ones, don’t you?”

Yves chuckles. “It’s a reward.” His gaze shifts to me, softening. “Don’t worry, Raphael. You might be no extra a prisoner than I’m. Nonetheless, earlier than you plot your escape from my clutches, you might wish to hear what I’ve to give you.”

“I’m listening.”

“I’ll inform you extra once we arrive at my house.”

Happily, the wait is just not lengthy. The carriage stops in entrance of a stunning flat within the metropolis middle. The door opens and two males exit, trying on curiously. One is tall, with olive pores and skin and thick black hair, his options robust and good-looking. The opposite man is softer in look, with lengthy blond hair and a candy face.

“My household,” Yves says, as he steps out of the carriage, holding out his hand for me as if I’m a girl of excessive standing.

Ignoring the hand, I climb down by myself, adopted by a chuckling Alessio. Yves leads me to the door, and I enter when the opposite two males step to the facet. I cease within the lobby, overwhelmed by the grandeur round me. Whereas it’s not a palace, it definitely is lush. Who’s Yves Orpheus?

“I’m Eros,” the blond one says. “You should be hungry. Thirsty?”

“Sure. Each.”

He smiles. “I’ll be proper again.”

The others information me to the sitting room, however I really feel ashamed in my soiled and tattered clothes. “I don’t wish to sit upon your good furnishings.”

“I insist that you just do,” Yves says, his tone each commanding and sort on the identical time.

Reluctantly, I nod and sit on the sting of the sofa. Yves, Alessio, and the dark-haired man who hasn’t spoken but sit throughout from me.

“That is Leander,” Yves says, gesturing to the quiet man on his left. “We’re household. Chosen, after all, and we want to add you to our house.”

My forehead crinkles, however earlier than I can ask something, Eros seems once more, carrying a platter of breads, meats, and cheeses together with a tall glass of what seems to be wine. That was remarkably quick.

Ignoring any form of decorum, I snatch up a roll and a number of other items of meat and cheese, determined to quell the gnawing starvation in my stomach.

“What if I advised you, Raphael, that beginning right this moment, you may select a life the place you’d by no means be hungry once more? By no means chilly, by no means soiled, and by no means compelled to promote your physique to outlive?”

I scoff, chewing a mouthful of bread. “How?”

“By becoming a member of my household. I might deal with you and all of your wants.”

I nod, lastly understanding his motive. “I might be your lover?”

“I might hope so, sure, however it’s not a requirement.”

“No? Then what do you get out of it if I decline?”

The 4 males alternate glances, and as Yves nods, I might swear they convey with out phrases.

“Whereas I’m positive I might take pleasure in your presence in my mattress,” Yves begins, “I would like one thing way more valuable than simply your physique.”

“I’ve nothing to supply besides my physique.”

“Ah, however you’re flawed about that,” Alessio says.

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