Page 87 of The Lost Art of Finding Where You Belong

“Am I?” Perian asked with mock innocence.

“So done,” Brannal said, the words low and rumbling.

Perian had no objections to being done, especially not when Brannal just scooped him from his chair and carried him directly to bed.

And then, since they were both in simple clothes, it was quite easy to get very naked and come together. He loved it. Nothing he’d experienced before had prepared him for this sustained level of connection, learning what someone liked best, trying out new things together, and going back to things they enjoyed the most.

This was kissing and cuddling and fucking one another with so much intensity and feeling Perian couldn’t imagine ever giving it up.

Chapter Sixteen

The next day, as soon as Perian caught sight of Chamis in the training yard, he rushed over and flung himself at him.

“Thank you so much, Chamis,” he gushed. “It’s the most amazing gift ever. Truly, it’s just so beautiful, and I can’t imagine how you made it, but you really have such talented hands. His little face! It looks so much like him, and he standsjust like that, and you got all the elements, and it’s just… truly, I will treasure it forever, thank you so, so much.”

A big hand rather tentatively patted him on the back.

“You’re welcome.”

Perian finally made himself let the man go.

“Sorry,” he said sheepishly. “I know that’s probably not your thing. I got a bit excited. Truly, I love it.”

Chamis was blushing, and he looked a little bashful, but he was smiling. “I’m glad.”

Bennan had come over and was beaming like he was the proudest partner ever, and Perian gave him a little wave and then left poor Chamis alone, because of course everyone was staring and probably thought Perian was now involved with him, too. He rolled his eyes. He didn’t care, but Chamis wasn’t likely to need or want that sort of attention. Atleast it was clear he and Bennan still got along, so hopefully no one thought Perian was trying to steal the big man.

Training went a little easier without Brannal glaring at everyone, although it made Perian realize he had definitely lost some of the ability he’d gained.

Onadal patted him on the shoulder. “It will come back. Being frustrated with yourself isn’t going to help.”

Perian huffed a laugh. “Does anyone saying that actually ever make anyone feel better and less frustrated?”

Shrugging, Onadal said, “Possibly not, but I’ve done my part. The rest is up to you.”

Perian pouted, which of course moved Onadal not at all, and that made Perian laugh a little.

He tried to focus on what he was doing, which worked until Brannal showed up. Perian thought at first it was just to swing by and glare at everyone, but then he realized he was actually singling Chamis out, and from the look of that blush, thanking him for the carving.

Oh, that was so sweet.

Brannal didn’t spend too long with him, and Perian noticed that Bennan had come over to support Chamis again. And Brannaltotallydid hisSummusglare as he left, like he wanted to remind everyone he could appear at any moment and no one had better harm a hair on Perian’s head.

He was so cute when he was protective.

Perian was glad to get back into his old habits, to exercise more. Renny was keeping him constantly updated on her riding. When he asked, Kee said he could go to the stables when Renny was down there, but it didn’t do any good.

“He just feels awkward, standing there outside a stall when his horse doesn’t know he’s there. He prefers to stick near me.”

And there wasn’t anything Perian could say to that.

After dinner one night, when Brannal had to work late doing Summus things, Molun demanded, “What’s all this we’ve been hearing about an amazing statue? Why haven’t we seen it? Please tell me there really is an amazing statue and I’m not going to be utterly disappointed by the rumor mill.”

Perian grinned at him. “For once, the rumor mill is completely correct! Wow, we should probably throw a party in celebration!”

They laughed.

Perian continued, “No, but seriously, it is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen, and when you see it, you’re going to be completely blown away.”

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