Good point.
Draylon rained kisses over Yarif’s neck and shoulders, all the while working them in a sure rhythm. So good. So right.
The world boiled down to this man, this moment. Nothing existed outside of their bed. Draylon’s moans made the sweetest music. Yarif let go, thrusting into Draylon’s hand.
“That’s it,” Draylon rasped, “feel good with me. Cum with me.”
Pressure built deep within. Breaking his training, Yarif didn’t concentrate solely on his partner. The image of Draylon displaced the memory of the priests with their cold, calculating movements. That was acting. This was real.
Draylon’s muscles flexed and relaxed beneath Yarif’s hands as they both thrust faster, more forcefully.
“I’m going to…” Ecstasy slammed into Yarif, rolling him over and over in its sweet depths. His grip on Draylon kept him anchored.
A moment later, Draylon cried out, warmth flooding over Yarif’s belly. Draylon pulled Yarif to his chest.
They breathed hard, clinging to each other, hearts thundering.
The last time they’d been together, Yarif had left and…
“Shh,” Draylon murmured against Yarif’s temple. “I’ve got you now. I’m never going to let you go.”
Safe and warm, Yarif slipped into oblivion, still held in Draylon’s arms.
Where he stayed for two days.
Chapter Twenty-nine
Draylonwasn’ttherewhenYarif woke up, though warmth still clung to the covers on the far side of the bed. A renewed fire burned in the hearth.
Oh, right. Draylon needed to meet with Rufe, who’d spent the previous day exploring the surroundings. Though they all wanted to trust Niam, they had to be careful.
A knock sounded on the door.
Yarif pulled the cover up to his chin. “Come in.”
Aunt Nera marched through the door carrying a small basket, which she placed on the table. “I’ve brought you breakfast.” She scowled. “You’ve been missing meals.”
Heat raced over Yarif’s face.
Nera laughed. “Plus, I need to check your back.”
While Yarif appreciated Aunt Nera’s healing skills, he’d gotten tired of being an invalid. “As you wish.” He sat up, allowing Nera to smear some herbal concoction over his skin.
“Much better.” She gently probed a spot with her fingers. “How’s that?”
“It doesn’t hurt as much as it did.”
“There’s a numbing agent in the salve. A few more days ought to do it. Now, you get dressed.” Nera left the room, returning later with tea and another basket.
Yarif wore one of the knitted tunics provided for him, embroidered with green leaves and red berries. The trousers were loose, but he’d lost weight since leaving Renvalle. If he kept eating good fare, the situation would soon no longer be an issue.
“Come. Eat.” Aunt Nera poured them each a cup of tea, settling down in a chair to arrange the contents of the basket on the table.
One plate sat across from her, filled with sweet bread and some kind of soft cheese Yarif had never had in Renvalle. He chatted while they ate. “I’ve enjoyed talking to you and Niam. I feel that I missed so much not knowing the two of you. I wish I could meet his sons.” How many times over the years had Yarif longed for the family he knew existed but could only imagine? Now that he’d reconnected… well… he’d find it hard to leave.
“Myself, as well. I hope Draylon and Niam are laying the groundwork for future visits.”
“I’d like that.”
