Throwing himself across his bed, Angus sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. There were times when it was decidedly difficult to remain quiet and neutral. He’d managed it (barely) when he’d texted Bindhi to point out that she’d left Cuan behind. Which had sent Cuan into a depression. In fairness, Bindhi’d been properly horrified by her own thoughtlessness and had commenced private communications with the cat. Still. That had been easy to deal with. Just a gentle suggestion.

Dealing with what felt like endless “I’ll be home soon” messages was not easy. Yes, fine, this was something Bin needed to do for herself. The knowledge didn’t stop him wanting her to come home. Another sigh brought poor little Sanskrit in. Reaching down, Angus lifted the tiny dog up onto the bed with him, chuckling a little as the wee beast snuffled at him before sneezing and curling up on a spare pillow.

“Now how’re you handling her being gone better than me, hrmm?”

He watched Sanskrit’s tail wag slightly before the dog settled in for a nap. It really was crazy to think of how well the dog was taking things. Maybe his earlier time with Bin had gotten him used to his owner doing weird s**t. After all, what was an extended absence compared with watching your owner walking through mirrors? And now Angus frowned a little in thought. Bindhi truly disliked talking about her past. He’d never pushed her for stories, but he knew enough to know that she probably had some level of PTSD. And he knew how deeply she felt her mistakes. Maybe the next time they talked, he should make sure she knew he wouldn’t press or judge, but that he only wanted to make sure she was going to be okay. And remind her that just because her ex had dumped her for the right thing, he wouldn’t abandon her.

Settling deeper into the bed, Angus placed his hands behind his head and considered everything. He and Bindhi had made a point of keeping things open, though, as far as he could tell, neither of them had taken the other up on it. THey’d pretty much stuck together, content in each other’s company. And she hadn’t done anything beyond a make out or two while she’d been gone. She’d made a point of telling him everything, wanting to be completely honest. And hell, it wasn’t as if he hadn’t gone out and made kisses with a few people himself. But it stopped there. He hadn’t wanted to take things further with those strangers. No, he’d wanted to, but he’d stopped himself because he wanted to be able to talk to Bindhi with a clear conscience. He was horny as all hell, but dammit, he was an ethical horndog.

“I hope your owner appreciates the things we do for her sake, pup,” Angus murmured to the now sleeping dog. “Especially since I wouldn’t do this sort of thing for anyone else.”