Solid

The question hung between the two as they stared at each other in silence.

Celeste knew from the start that it was wrong, in theory, for her to sleep with Avond.

It was bad for her to sleep with anyone.

But considering the circumstances, she didn't think it was a problem at all.

Why did it matter whether she was sleeping with someone else when the marriage was just on paper?

None of it was real.

"Celeste," Tiel said, offering her his phone to take. "I asked you a question."

"And I heard you," Celeste said in sign language, irritated by his lack of patience.

It was supposed to be a simple yes or no. But she was afraid Tiel would demand her loyalty—something she could never give him.

Not now, not after she knew what it was like to be in Avond's arms.

"I don't have any relationship with Avond, at least not the way you think. I'm learning to be a shark. That's why we seem close," Celeste replied with the bot.