Clyde couldn't breathe.
For a moment, he couldn't speak, couldn't think, couldn't even gather the shattered pieces of his heart after hearing the question.
Then he saw Ryley's eyes.
That same wounded, frightened look he had seen years ago.
And the fear he had tried so desperately to bury came crawling back into his chest, twisting deeper with every second.
As if seeing the answer in Clyde's silence had only made it hurt more, Ryley's lips trembled.
"Your true heir…" His voice cracked, tears slipping freely down his cheeks. "Will you have it with someone else?"
Clyde's jaw tightened.
"No."
The answer came immediately.
He pulled Ryley into his arms again, holding him so tightly that the blond's trembling body was pressed against his chest.
"That's impossible."
His voice strained around the words as he squeezed his eyes shut, fighting against the ache tearing through him.
"I'm bound to you, Ryley."
His hand slid protectively around the back of Ryley's head.
