“Nothing’s more important than being here with you.” Maddox brought me to rest against his chest. “Everything else can wait.”
The three of us then curled up together on the couch—me in the middle propped against Maddox, while Lake lay on my other side and rested his head in my lap. I opened one of the new books I’d purchased from the market and read as the logs crackled in the fireplace. Lake read too, while Maddox played with my hair.
Soon, my lids got heavy. I shut the book and closed my eyes, sinking one hand into Lake’s silky hair while holding Maddox’sthigh with the other. I was in that place between awake and asleep when Lake stirred.
“You upset him earlier, didn’t you, knight? I felt the ache in his chest as if it were my own.”
“Unfortunately, yes,” Maddox responded softly. Guilt was palpable in his voice. “He saw me with a woman and misunderstood the situation.”
“A woman?” Lake lifted his head from my lap. “That must be the scent I detect on you. Did you and this woman…”
“No. I would never.” Maddox smoothed my bangs aside with a slight tremble in his hand. “Gods, I’d rather cut out my own heart with a dull blade than ever break his.”
“I believe you.” Lake returned his head to my lap and slid his hand around my thigh. “So who is she? A past lover?”
“No. Isabel and I have known each other for several years but are not, nor have we ever been, intimate. She’s assisting the knights with a certain matter. The meeting today was to discuss terms of that arrangement.”
What arrangement? Maddox had explained about the brothel, and I felt better—and less stabby—after knowing Isabel wasn’t sexually interested in him. But the curiosity about their work relationship would probably drive me nuts.
A click at the door caused Lake to sit up.
“Afternoon,” Briar said.
I opened my eyes and pretended like I’d just woken up, even adding a little stretch for effect. Eavesdropper muffin. “Welcome back.”
“It’s good to be home.” Briar hung his coat on the hook before coming over and brushing a kiss to my temple. He then did the same to Maddox, which gave me butterflies. Butterflies that fluttered faster when he petted the top of Lake’s head to greet him as well. “I missed all of you.”
The fact Lake allowed Briar to touch him like that without even flinching spoke wonders. My gentle wolf was slowly but surely coming around.
Yep. Giddiness and butterflies.
“I’ll start dinner.” I wiggled off the couch. Wiggling, because a certain captain still had hold of me.
“Give me a moment to wash up and change, then I’ll be back down to help.” Briar undid the buttons on his cuffs as he walked toward the staircase.
Maddox pecked a quick kiss to my forehead before trailing after him.
“Shouldn’t you be with your knights?” Briar asked.
“Shouldn’t you be in your clinic playing with your little plants and potions?” Maddox retorted, his deep voice filtering into the parlor as they went up the stairs.
Their lighthearted bickering made me smile. Lake led me into the kitchen, a hint of a smile on his lips too. We prepared the casserole in silence, but it wasn’t an awkward one. We moved together so well, chopping vegetables and seasoning the hunks of beef before throwing everything together to cook. Light touches and affectionate glances said everything without us having to utter a word.
“How’s your wrist?” Lake grabbed it and examined my palm. The scrapes made his ears droop. My gentle wolf.
“Good as new. Doesn’t hurt at all.”
“And your knee? Please sit if you need to. I can finish with dinner.”
“It’s better.” I backed him up against the counter and latched onto his waist. “Stop worrying.”
“An impossible request.” Lake lowered his face to my neck and grazed his teeth across my skin before circling his tongue around my pulse point. “I’m attuned to every beating of your heart. Every intake of breath.” He slid a hand between us andlightly rubbed my crotch. “I’m completely devoted to you. Now and always.”
“Lake…” Sparks shot through me, and I shuddered, clinging onto him tighter. This was different for him. He usually only did this behind closed doors. “What brought this on?”
“You.” Another graze of his teeth before he drew back. His purple eyes shone more vibrantly. “In a world of uncertainties, you are my one constant. My home. I know in my heart the knight feels the same. As does Briar. Never doubt us.”
Was he doing this to reassure me because I’d gotten upset earlier?
