Page 73 of The Lost Art of Finding Where You Belong

Brannal looked bemused. “That sounds so sensible.”

“Hey!” Perian protested purely for form’s sake before adding truthfully, “I really did want to get better, tobebetter when you got back. I don’t mean to get hurt.”

Brannal leaned down to kiss him softly. “This was absolutely not your fault, but thank you for taking care of yourself. I would certainly have been sad if we couldn’t have had all this sex.”

Perian beamed at him. “I know, right? Oh, and you’re probably going to get knowing looks from everyone who’s talked to me in the last week. Sorry about that.”

But Brannal was grinning. “That doesn’t sound like something to be sorry about at all.”

Perian grinned back. “And now you know what I’m doing all day. After the ride, I usually come back here to get cleaned up, and I’ve been taking a little nap or reading—I think my body is still recovering. If at any point during the day, you suddenly find yourself free, you can track me down. For anything.”

He winked, as if Brannal couldn’t have figured out what Perian meant.

Brannal groaned and gave him another kiss. “That is an extraordinarily tempting offer, but I think it highly unlikely I’ll be able to get away today.”

Perian nodded, gave him a quick kiss back, and then clarified, “I was just teasing. I mean, obviously, I’m up for it if you unexpectedly find yourself at loose ends, but I really do expect you to be busy all day. I’m so grateful you gave us this time last night and this morning. I won’t be at all surprised if I don’t see you until bedtime, all right?”

Brannal nodded, stole one more kiss, and then pulled himself away with flattering reluctance.

“I’m going. I truly don’t want the Queen to have to send someone to find me. Until tonight, Perian.”

Perian nodded, watching him go. He picked up his cup and took another sip of the cooling tea. That had been such a whirlwind. He wassoglad Brannal had sneaked back. On top of all the glorious sex they’d had, he was very glad he’d had the chance to explain how he’d been injured before anyone else had. And also mentioned the Bennan thing, too, just in case. There’d always be rumors, which Perian didn’t mind, but he wouldn’t have wanted Brannal to spend all day wondering about the truth.

This way, they could hopefully both concentrate on what they were doing and have another very enjoyable reunion tonight.

Perian poured himself one more cup of tea, feeling like it somehow extended that feeling of Brannal being back with him, as though the fact he’d poured Perian’s first mug of tea this morning meant all the tea from the pot was from him. It was soothing even ifit was silly, and Perian wrapped his hands around the cup and let the heat radiate into his palms, feeling remarkably content.

Chapter Fourteen

Eventually, he finished with the tea and headed down to the training yard. It wasn’t like there was a time he had to be there given he was only watching, but he didn’t want to betoolate.

Bennan and Chamis didn’t appear to be present, and Perian scanned the field twice and kept coming up empty. He really, really hoped nothing was wrong.

Onadal had noticed his late arrival, though, because once he’d finished speaking to the group of Warriors surrounding him, he headed over to Perian. His lip curled up when he got close enough to actually see him properly.

“I take it rumors were not exaggerated and Summus has returned to us?”

Perian couldn’t help but grin. “He rode extra late last night to get back.”

“And judging from that grin, you had a very happy reunion?” Onadal asked, but it wasn’t really a question.

“Very happy,” Perian confirmed with delight. “You probably don’t want details, but it was so good.”

The other man rolled hiseyes. “I definitely don’t want details.”

“Delana and Cormal are still coming back today,” Perian thought to clarify when he remembered he was not the only one eager for a reunion.

Onadal just nodded like this wasn’t something he was particularly waiting to hear, but Perian wasn’t fooled.

“Oh,” Perian continued, “and I pinned Brannal down and told him all about what happened, so I’m pretty sure he’s not going to kill you.”

Onadal’s lips twitched. “Pinned him down, eh?”

Perian smiled and nodded. “Used every trick I know.”

Onadal snorted. “I’ll just bet you did. Thanks for that. I’ll make sure to connect with him when he’s available.”

“Next week,” Perian suggested smoothly.

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