Even as I realized that Lisa was calling with some legitimate work issues, appointments I would have to cancel to take the day off, for example, I couldn't help but resent anything that drew my attention away from Miles. Sooner or later I would have to find a balance, but for one day, for one single day, I was going to let myself be selfish.

I hung up as Miles walked back into the room and tackled him as he slid under the sheets, attacking him with kisses and groping hands that turned into tickling hands, Miles's gasps of laughter lifting my heart lighter than I could ever remember feeling in my life.

Finally, I collapsed on the bed next to him and pulled him against my side, his head nestled on my shoulder and under my chin. "I've taken the day off," I informed him. “We need to go shopping, for one. I love you in my clothes, but I'm sure things that actually fit would be more comfortable. And we should probably stock up on real kitchen supplies. Decent coffee, for instance."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa." Miles's head popped up. "What's this about clothes? You're not dragging me to some fancy work shindigs, are you?"

"No. Well, not right away. I'm sure there will be some, and I'd love for you to attend with me, but just regular clothes."

Miles looked down on me in confusion. "What's wrong with the clothes I have?"

"Well, you only have the one outfit, and it's fairly dressy. Don't you want some sweats or basketball shorts? And regular just going out clothes. Jeans and t-shirts."

"I have plenty of clothes," Miles said. "And you're right, I will need them." A goofy grin crossed his face. "Is this your way of asking me to move in?"

I pushed myself up to my elbows so that we were at eye level. "I kind of thought that was part of what 'mating' implied," I grumbled.

He kissed the top of my nose. "I was kidding. Did you want to go pick my stuff up today, or do you want me to go while you're at work tomorrow."

That made me push myself all the way up. "There’s no way you’re facing your parents’ poison. Unless there's anything you're emotionally attached to, we can just buy you a new wardrobe."

Miles rolled his eyes. "Be sensible, Parker. You want to buy me a new computer, too? Headphones, shoes, books, tablet, car, etc.?"

I nodded seriously. Miles wasn't grasping how vehemently I rejected the idea of putting him in a situation where his parents could hurt him again, even if it was only with their words. And after the revelations of the night before, I was terrified they would say something to take him away from me again, even though we were mated now.

Miles's expression passed through incredulousness and landed on consternation. "No. You are not wasting your money on all that when everything I have is perfectly usable and easily accessible."

"Is it?" I growled.

A new expression, worry, crossed his eyes. "It is possible that my dad would call for a cleaning service and toss all my stuff in a fit of anger, but unlikely. In fact, if we go now, we can probably collect it all before he has time for the thought to cross his mind."

I pulled Miles into my arms. "You're sure you won't let me just replace it all?"

"Absolutely not," Miles said. "We aren't starting... restarting our relationship with such a crazy power indifference."

"It's not a power indifference," I protested. "Everything I have is yours."

Miles rested a hand against my cheek. "I'm grateful you see it that way, but this is still new for us. Yes, we have a history, but it's one that makes me want to make extra sure neither of us feels like we are taking advantage of the other, that we respect everything we give each other. In a few years, I'm sure we'll have fully integrated into that whole mindset of 'what's mine is yours and what's yours is mine,' but I don't think we can jump right into it. I would feel like I was in your debt if I let you just buy me all new things."

I could argue with him, I could argue anything, it was a special talent of mine, but I wouldn't. I wanted Miles to feel comfortable with the dynamics between us. Pushing my way wouldn't do that.

"Fine," I grumbled. "But at the first sign your parents are going to start in on you, we're out."

"How about you wait for a sign from me to get us out? I've put up with their shit for a long time. If it's anyone's place to say something, it should be me. I've let them walk over me for so long. Yes, it is your position to protect me when I need it. But it's my responsibility to protect myself as well. And I'm starting today."

Miles was absolutely right. I'd been waiting for him to take that stance toward his parents for years, but seeing it firsthand made me want to build a wall between Miles and his parents. Hell, I'd be the wall if I needed to. But he was right. The healthier approach was for him to own that relationship, to claim his space. I wouldn't begrudge him that.

"So did you want to go with me?"

His words were teasing, but they broke me out of my reverie. "What kind of idiotic question is that? Just let me shower and grab some clothes. I'll get Linda to call us a truck and some movers."

Miles smacked my ass as I rolled out of bed. I cast a look of warning promise over my shoulder as I headed for the bathroom. "Don't start something you aren't intending to finish."

He jumped up after me. "Oh, I'll finish things all right..."