34. Amelie
AMELIE
ASHER
A n SUV waited in front of the castle on the last day of the retreat— not at the bottom of the gate.
Lev had saved Sloth for the final sin. Without the stress of the competition, they’d spent the last week making art and relaxing.
They took turns cooking for each other on long autumn evenings, and drank until they laughed more than talked, then watched old movies in the study.
Even Chuck was less of an ass than usual.
When the weather was miserable, Lev took them to some of his favorite rooms—the library, and a conservatory with a heated pool where they swam while rain sluiced down the glass ceiling.
Asher and Theo talked for hours while exploring the haberdashery of Lichenmoor’s attic like it was a museum, finding Sherlock tobacco pipes, old wedding dresses, abandoned vintage tools, and handwritten music.
For someone who’d sworn off artist friends, Asher was surprised at how much he’d enjoyed everyone’s company, and how much he’d miss Theo.
Asher and Julian made amends the morning after the calamitous dinner , as Lev had called it.
Julian had explained what he’d been through, and Asher had opened up about Ben. Instead of feeling anxious, and vulnerable, talking about it had lessened some of the weight he’d carried alone.
Lev still harbored a grudge when it came to Julian, but at least he’d warmed up to Theo.
“Alright there, Blakely?” Lev asked, standing beside Asher on the top step, hands clasped behind his back, exterior calm and collected, his face a perfect mask of gracious host bidding farewell.
He wore the mask well, but Asher knew better. After breakfast, Lev had confessed he was afraid Asher would leave with them. Then he’d pulled Asher into an alcove and kissed him until his legs were weak, “So it’s harder for you to run away.”
“Your driver told me you didn’t allow cars beyond the front gate,” Asher said. “I could have walked off a cliff in that fog, you know.”
“Nonsense,” Lev scoffed. “I would never have let that happen. You should be more aware of your surroundings, though. I followed you the entire time and you had no idea.”
“No. I definitely had an idea. I just didn’t think you were actually following me because most hosts don’t stalk their guests around dangerous precipices.”
“Maybe because I’m not your host, and you’re not my guest.”
Asher rolled his eyes.
“If you’ll excuse me…” Lev trotted down the steps to referee an argument between Chuck and the driver about loading his bags on top of the others.
With a screech of the old metal door, the last of Lichenmoor’s guests emerged—Melody empty-handed, and Daria toting a black bag and an oversized pink glitter suitcase .
Melody stopped at Asher’s side, blue eyes glistening, and hugged him. “I’m going to miss you dreadfully.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Whatever the truth is, you deserve the mentorship.”
Then, before Asher could thank her, she flitted on light feet down the steps, short skirt swishing around her thighs. Daria shook his hand with a much stronger grip than his own.
Julian hugged Asher next, saying into his shoulder, “If things become too much and you need help getting out, call me.”
“I’m not going to die, Julian.”
Julian released him. “But you will call?”
Asher rolled his eyes. “Yeah. You have my number too. Call anytime. If I survive, I’ll invite you all back for the summer.”
“That’s not funny,” Julian said.
Theo cleared his throat with a soft ahem .
“Sorry,” Julian said, and stepped aside. “Remember, I’m just a phone call away.”
“Thanks.”
Julian headed to the van, and Theo stepped closer. “We must keep in touch, my friend. Write to me, and I’ll do the same. In the very rare chance you need help, ask me how my cat is doing. On the phone or in a letter. Whatever. But I don’t expect you to ask. Lev clearly loves you.”
“Thank you.” Asher smiled. “Thanks for helping me with Lev too.”
Theo followed Asher’s gaze to Lev still bickering with Chuck.
“Aren’t you going to ask what my cat’s name is?”
“What’s your cat’s name?” Asher said.
“Amelie. Can I tell you something?” He looked over his shoulder and hid his mouth behind his hand. “I don’t actually have a cat.”
Asher laughed loudly, not expecting that at all. Lev turned his head toward the laugh and smiled, then tossed Chuck’s bag into the back of the SUV with the least care possible.
“You know what this means, though, Theo?”
“Hm?”
“You have to get a cat and name her that.”
Theo laughed. “Maybe I will.”
“Stay safe, okay, Theo?”
“I’d tell you to stay safe too, but Lev would never let anything happen to you.” He grazed Asher’s cheeks with a kiss. “ Au revoir !”
“Bye.” Asher followed him to the car, sad to see him go.
Lev thanked Theo and shook his hand, but closed the SUV door a little too quickly after him.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go with them?” Lev asked, returning to Asher’s side.
Asher took Lev’s hand. “I’m not leaving.”
“Then why so glum? You’re not still upset about the night we met, are you?” Lev curled his arm around Asher. “Ew. You smell like Theo.”
“Oh, stop.” Asher knocked his elbow against Lev’s side.
“It didn’t pass my notice that he didn’t bid the others a French farewell.”
“He’s not saying goodbye to them yet.”
Lev tutted.
They both waved as the SUV pulled away, swallowed by fog the same way it had on Asher’s first day.
Lev’s fingers dipped inside Asher’s pants and trailed gently down his crack. “How are you feeling?”
Asher moaned, eyes falling shut, heat pooling in his gut, as his cock started to fill.
“Sore, but so good,” Asher murmured, as Lev explored the outside of his rim. “Lev…”
“What do you need, baby? Do you need me to kiss it better for you?”
Asher bit his bottom lip, and nodded.
“Come along, then, and let me take care of you.”
Lev smacked Asher’s ass with a light hand and hurried up the steps.
Asher yipped. “What was that for?”
“Letting Theo kiss you.”
Asher followed. “I’m going to get you back for that.”
Lev looked back with a roguish grin. “I sincerely hope that you do.”