The thought instantly annoyed Vael because it made no sense. None of this made any sense.
Whatever was between him and Vessara was nothing more than a distraction for him. A temporary indulgence. He'd been clear with himself from the beginning.
"Enjoy the time. Satisfy the curiosity. Leave." That was always the plan.
It should still be the plan.
Yet standing there now, hearing another woman had already been chosen for him, something inside him recoiled.
Without thinking, he spoke. "Can I stay a few more days? I need more time to prepare myself to be dedicated to some stranger."
Theon's laughter boomed over the speaker. "There it is."
Vael scrunched up his face. "What?"
"You."
"What about me?"
"You don't need more time."
"I do."
"No, you don't."
"I do."
"You want extra time with your sugar baby."
It was supposed to be funny, but Vael's silence answered for him. The joke died instantly.
An awkward cough from Theon followed.
"Right."
Neither spoke for a moment.
