Kimu nodded. “Nearly as good as Ru.”
Cyn chuckled.
“What's so funny?” Kimu asked.
“It's just strange to hear people bragging about being criminals.”
I shot a look at him.
Cyn shrugged. “Do you deny it? Stealing is against the law. My law.”
“Then you can make an exception for me.” I grinned.
The King snorted.
“Hey, I'll go spread the word that we're having a meeting tonight,” Kimu offered. “Sable Fist?”
“Yeah. Thanks, Kimu,” I said.
“No problem. You want me to let them know who we have in our midst?”
“Yes. Tell them to keep watch for strangers. I'm sure they already know that his life is in danger, but remind them.”
“No problem. After last night, they're going to be eager to defend him.” He hurried off.
“Why are they eager to defend me?” Cyn asked. “Just because I brought them food?”
“That helped, but no. You kissed me and then saved my life.”
“After you saved mine.”
“Yes, that too. They know you're important to me.”
“My being King isn't enough?” Cyn smirked.
“No,” I said with all seriousness. “Not here. But now that you've shown one of us loyalty, you've earned the whole clan's respect.”
“I'm important to you?” he whispered, his eyes bright in the shadows of his hood.
“Yes,” I whispered back.
“Then I'm a lucky man.”
I stared at him a second, relishing the warm and fuzzies, then said, “You're damn right, you are. Without me, you'd be dead.”
“Twice over,” Cyn said in the same serious and sweet tone. “Ru.” He took my hand. “I'm glad we met.”
“You're glad you were poisoned?” I teased. “Glad someone is trying to kill you? Because we wouldn't have met otherwise.”
“I'd like to think we would have been drawn together eventually, but yes.” He pulled me in close and bent his head to mine. “You're worth more than those five days of torment and an arrow in the back.”
I brushed my lips over his. “You're such a romantic.”
“More romantic than your other boyfriends?” His eyes twinkled.
I groaned, pulled away, and headed down the sidewalk. “All right, Kimu wasn't joking.”
“No? I'm shocked.” Cyn easily matched my stride. “Hey.” He nudged my shoulder.
