Then he slams home one last time, locking his arm around my waist so we’re joined tight as he fills me, and for a moment thevery earth beneath us shakes, rumbling with the force of his climax.
As we collapse together back down onto the bed, I know better than ever how much Leon loves me. And not just because of the mooring and the blazing warmth shining across it but because of how, even in our roughest, sharpest moments, he makes me feel safe. He makes me feel like me.
Chapter 15
Leon
“Bit of a change from Ribold’s place, isn’t it?” Alastor says glumly as we dismount. The old Trovian coach house is fraying at the edges. One side of the building sags into its foundations, and the thatch on its roof is a little patchy.
“It’s no palace,” says a voice behind us. “But it’s got a few things Filusia hasn’t.”
“Harm!” Alastor’s face lights up as he turns and practically runs into the rebel leader’s arms. Harman catches him with a laugh.
“Thank the gods,” Stratton murmurs. “I didn’t know how much more complaining about missing his boyfriend I could listen to.”
“One day, Stratton, you’ll fall in love, and we’ll never let you hear the end of it,” Phaia says archly.
“Oh no, I’m set on being the holdout,” Stratton says with a shake of his head. “Especially when the rest of you are dropping like flies.”
He gives me an accusatory look, then glances over at Damia.
“What are you looking at me for?” she snaps.
“No reason,” he smirks.
Ana climbs down from her horse and goes to meet her brother. She’s wearing her glamour now we’re back in Trova, just like me and my soldiers, but by now Harman has no problem recognizing his sister through the magic.
“What are you doing here?” she asks, surprised. “I thought Esther and Deedus?—”
“What’s the matter? Aren’t you happy to see me?” he asks with a smile.
She nudges him in the shoulder before hugging him. “Of course I am. I just wasn’t expecting it.”
“I decided it would be better if I came instead,” he says, approaching the rest of us.
“I think he means he was so desperate to see me, he couldn’t possibly stay away,” Alastor points out. Harman colors but doesn’t deny it.
“Good to see you in one piece,” Harman says to me, shaking my hand.
“Yes,” I agree. “I’m certainly in better shape than the last time you saw me. I have your sister to thank for that. And I also have an apology to make to you.”
Harman raises an eyebrow. “You do?”
“Yes,” I lower my voice. “Now I know for certain that your friends played no part in my parents’ deaths. I’m sorry I didn’t trust you more before.” It’s been weighing on my conscience since my grandfather confessed to his crime. I couldn’t have known the truth of the matter when I first met Harman, but Icould’ve been less zealouswith my accusations when he claimed the Hand were innocent. I could’ve given him the benefit of the doubt.
“Thank you,” Harman says. “Though your suspicions did lead to you sticking Alastor on me, so I suppose I can’t be too upset.” He throws my friend a warm smile before glancing around us. “I take it your brother’s promotion went smoothly?” There’s no one in the yard of the coach house except us, but he’s wise to be cautious.
“Why don’t we talk more inside?” I suggest.
Once we’ve stabled our horses, we enter the coach house. Harman gives a nod to the wispy-haired owner, and we’re shown through to an annex out back housing a common area with armchairs and a few tables as well as four boarding rooms.
“Jethra used to be pretty active in our movement before he retired,” Harman explains as the old owner shuffles away. “His loyalty is with the Hand, so we don’t need to worry. This place is secure enough for us to stop for a couple of days at least.”
“Does that mean you’ve got information for us?” Ana asks.
“Yes, and the sooner we’re all up to date, the better.” Harman sits down at a table in the common room as we settle around him. He glances at the collected group—eleven of us in total—his eyes settling on Corrin.
“We’ve decided he’s a permanent member of the inner fold, have we?” he asks, jerking his head at the crime lord.
