Oliver’s fork paused. “Not right away? What does that mean?”
“You almost died.” Kiernan’s tone held little inflection. “Your body must heal.”
“I feel fine.”
“You’re not.”His sharp voice caught me by surprise.
Oliver stabbed at his eggs but didn’t speak.
Finally, Kiernan turned to me. “Did she say anything about when you’ll be required to return to London?”
“Only that I’d remain on leave until I spoke with Typhon.”
I hoped he’d respond positively to that news, but when he merely nodded once, I felt deflated.
“So, what are your plans?” Oliver asked.
“I haven’t had a chance?—”
“What do you want to happen?” Kiernan’s eyes bored into mine.
“I don’t know,” I answered honestly.
“I want to not think about it until I’m forced to.” Oliver’s tone was joking, but his eyes weren’t.
“That’s avoidance,” I said.
“That’s survival.” He settled into his chair. “Look, two weeks ago, I was still in hospital, feeling worse than I had at any other time of my life.” He turned to me. “Before that, I spent six months fantasizing about you. And now, I’ve discovered I’m attracted to men, which is news to me. Can we live in the moments we’re given, then figure the rest out later?”
“I’d like that,” I finally said when neither Kiernan nor I spoke for several seconds.
“Good.” Kiernan pushed away from the table and left the room.
“I hate it when he does that,” Oliver said under his breath.
“Maybe he was hoping I’d respond differently.”
He shook his head. “Then he wouldn’t have said ‘good.’”
When he reached for my hand, I took it, wishing I was as optimistic as he was.
“Maybe he’s off to the playroom to find things he can torture us into multiple orgasms with.”
I smiled. Yes, Oliver was a far better positive thinker than I was.
“How’s a walk sound?” I asked after we finished eating.
“Not as good as what I had in mind.” He wriggled his eyebrows.
“We can’t,” I whispered.
Oliver took two steps toward me, leaning in close enough that his warm breath brushed my neck. “But wouldn’t it be worth it?” He reached up and ran his hand over my hardened nipple. “Oh, the things I’d make you do, Phee…”
I squeezed my thighs together and leaned into him, about to submit, when Kiernan’s footsteps sounded behind us.
“I’ve got estate business to see to. You—” He stopped dead still when he came around the corner. “My library.Now.”
“Sir—”
