Kade hated it.
Killi was always there, willing to move heaven and earth for him.
It stung to think that Killi thought Kade wouldn’t do the same.
Hell, Kade had gotten on his knees before the king for just thechanceto stay, and truthfully, he would have been willing to do a lot more. He would’ve doneanything.
His face was surely a twisted, jealous mess, because when Killi looked up and caught Kade’s eye, his smile melted and he was distracted enough to allow Loran to flip them. The lieutenant crowed in delight from where he straddled Killi’s hips while he curled a hand around Killi’s throat.
Huffing, Killi slapped the side of Loran’s thigh. It was a casual thing, lighthearted and familiar. Loran rolled off, and then Killi was up and jogging over to where Kade and Dantel waited, the lieutenant following more slowly.
“What are you doing here?” Killian asked. “Is everything alright?”
Bits of sand clung to Killi’s bare torso, and his long black hair was ruffled and loose. Hisenilwere on full display and no oneseemed to blink an eye at them, so used to the claim burned into Killi’s skin.
Killi’s chest was rising and falling quickly, his muscles jumped with activity. Kade followed a bead of sweat with his eyes as it dripped down from Killi’s collarbone, over the planes of his expansive chest and down through the valleys of his muscles to his tapered waist. He looked good. Real good.
Catching himself, Kade ripped his eyes away, and said, “What?”
Killi furrowed his brow and shared a concerned look with Dantel. “What’s wrong? Has something happened?”
Kade perked up. Yes. Something had happened. That’s why he was here. Not to watch Killi rub himself all overLoran. He put his hands on his hips and raised his chin. “You’re looking at the newest healer’s apprentice. Congratulate me.”
The expression of surprise that flashed across Killi’s face, his eyebrows raising and his mouth parting into a softoh, was the most disingenuous thing Kade had ever seen.
Kade’s eyes narrowed. “You knew.”
“They told me this morning.”
“Of course they did.” Kade punched Killi in the arm. “You didn’t think to share the good news?”
“It wasn’t my place. You deserved to hear it from Hokda first.”
“I nearly pissed myself when he showed up at your door.” Kade shivered remembering. “It was awful. One of the worst experiences of my life.”
Dantel whooped, “Yeah! Go baby Torau! Congratulations!”
“I’m sure Hokda is thrilled,” said Loran, smirking. Then, “Baby Torau?”
A shrug. “What? It makes sense. What else are we supposed to call him?”
“His name?”
“Nah, that’s boring.”
Loran raised his eyebrows. “Well. Either way. Congratulations,babyTorau.”
Kade grumbled. It was fine when Dantel said it, but Kade prickled when the lieutenant did.
Killi all but tackled him, wrapping his arms tightly around Kade. “Congratulations. I knew you could do it.” Killi pulled away, too soon in Kade’s opinion, but kept an arm firmly around Kade’s shoulders. “Hokda was fuming. Worked himself into such a state I thought his head would explode. It was amazing.”
Loran poked Killi in the stomach, right where Hokda had done his damage during Kade’s examination. “It was worth the pain?”
How did Loran know about that?
Scowling, Kade realized Killi must have told him.
Laughing, Killi said easily, “Of course.” Then, he lowered his voice and spoke in Kade’s ear. “We’re celebrating tonight, so don’t make any other plans.”
