King Zeller interrupted us, asking, “Exactly how private is her bedroom?”
My eyes were wide as I peered up at him in shocked surprise, unbelieving he had just asked that question so…brazenly.
He met my gaze steadily, even if his cheeks were still slightly flushed on his mocha complexion and his lips incriminatingly kiss swollen from our embrace. He shrugged a shoulder and readjusted Isa, who was gnawing away at her fist, which reminded me she was hungry. “Elder Farrar mentioned it.” His used the burping rag to wipe off her hand, wrist, and chin. “So, I’m curious.”
Antonio was the one to answer him, which was a good thing because I wasn’t positive I could. “I spelled it to only allow those in she verbally names, plus all the normal sound spells.”
King Zeller blinked, green disappearing and reappearing slowly. “That’s unique.”
I snorted. “And you’ve got dimmers on your bedroom lights I would like.”
Another slow blink. “I don’t believe that’s an apt comparison.”
I couldn’t help but stare at him, not really paying too much attention to the conversation at hand as I was still shocked we had kissed like that with no goals in mind but pleasure. Or it was possible the shock was from how absolutely amazing it had been. Because…fuck…it had been extremely enjoyable…and perfect. Air rushed out of me shakily, and I quickly turned my attention to Antonio, somewhat realizing what the me before the mind rape had seen in him. At least sexually. Having kissed him and seen how perfect it was for us together, and how incredibly gorgeous he was…well yeah, I could see the younger, more inexperienced me falling head first over him.
I pointed at the coffee table with one hand while grabbing a baby bottle from under the bar’s shelf, fixing Isa a bottle for bed. “Antonio, I need copies of those first two videos so I can send them to the other King and Queen, but alter that second one.” My hand flittered back and forth between King Zeller and me. “They don’t need to see us dancing and running off together.”
Antonio didn’t move from where he was standing, only a blank expression showing on his features. I blinked slowly, then groaned. Staring down at my task at hand, I muttered a curse, then glanced up at King Zeller. “He obviously can’t do it.” I shook my head. “I don’t have the equipment to make copies of those, nor do I really know how.”
King Zeller stared at Antonio, but he nodded once. “I can take care of it at headquarters when no one’s around.” His head tilted as he bounced Isa, attention still on Antonio. “Elder Farrar, would you mind amusing me for a moment while I test a theory?” When Antonio nodded, King Zeller asked, “Have you ever seen Queen Ruckler and me kissing?”
Antonio’s mouth opened…but no response came except for a gurgle.
My jaw dropped. “Holy shit.”
“Definitely,” King Zeller murmured thoughtfully. “It appears the spell won’t allow him to even speak of us now together.” His eyebrows puckered. “Elder Farrar, what are Queen Ruckler and I doing at this very moment?”
Antonio sighed in relief and stated, “Lil is making a bottle while you’re holding,” he choked and gurgled, then sighed again, stating, “Isa.”
My lips pinched in thought. “That is interesting.”
King Zeller stayed silent while I fixed the bottle, but when I brought it over and watched carefully as he fed her to see that he knew what he was doing, he stated calmly, “That spell,” his head cocked, his eyes roaming over Isa’s sweet face as she sucked at her bottle, “is also a form of protection.” His thumb lightly ran over Isa’s cheek, soothing her in repetitive motions. “Not just for us, but for our daughter.” His jaw worked back and forth, and I knew what he was thinking.
I shook my head. “There may be a way to break it without breaking their silence.”
“Possibly,” he murmured, his eyes going to Antonio. “But I’m still undecided as to whether I want my memories back.” An eyebrow cocked at Antonio’s narrowing eyes, but he glanced at me, his eyes slowly roaming my features. “Even more so than before.”
Instantly, I nodded. “Understood and agreed, but I still want the option to choose.”
Nostrils flared, he also nodded, and he spoke slowly, as if he were telling me some great concession. “And I’ll try to be courteous with you for Isa’s sake, but that’s not entirely me, so if I’m not always polite…well, don’t expect an apology.”
My lips twitched. “I never would have expected one or guessed you to be cunning and heartless.” He began to scowl, and I held up a stopping hand. “And I’ll try not to be a cold-hearted bitch for Isa’s sake,” a pause, and I decided to leave myself wide open, “but that’s not entirely me, so don’t always expect an apology when I am.”
Two black eyebrows rose with a gentle nod. “Never would have expected one or guessed at your true nature.”