Page 285 of Eight of Swords, Part One

‘Do you still love me?’

Lachlan kneels before him. ‘I definitely still love you.’

‘How much?’

‘Dangerous amounts.’

‘Yeah? How dangerous? Maybe you should show me.’

Lachlan wants to kiss him, lean into the moment.

He wants it so much, and yet…

‘I’m going to need to move your bed away from the window and re-arrange the furniture so you’re not in any line of sight.’

‘Lachlan.’

‘I’m sorry, but it’s too exposed. A rookie in a raft offshore could tag you.’

‘What a sentence. Look, I know you’re good at your job, but it’s beautiful here.’ Jules caresses Lachlan’s cheek, his fingertips lingering as they brush over his lips. ‘I’ve never seen the sea before. Even just touching it was the most amazing feeling. I know it’ll be a hard few days, but we get to be here together. It’d be a shame to waste it.’

‘More of a shame to get shot.’

‘Y’know, you could try living in the moment with me.’

‘I’m absolutely in favour of you living, hence why—’

‘You should fuck me,’ Jules offers, sly and smug. ‘I’ll be quiet.’

Lachlan shoots him a deadpan look. ‘Oh, really?’

‘OK, you could keep me quiet.’

‘No.’

‘Did you just reject me?’

‘Oh and by the way,’ he adds, neatly dodging Jules’ question, ‘I don’t care what anyone says, no swimming in the ocean at night.’

‘There aren’t any sharks.’

‘Believe it or not, sharks are the least of my concerns.’

‘Still a concern, though?’

‘Obviously.’

‘You’re a dork.’

‘Yes.’ Lachlan kisses both of Jules’ hands, his precious knuckles that are slowly learning how to punch. ‘Huge dork, but please trust me. I just want to keep you safe, and this…’ he says looking around, ‘is not safe.’

‘I trust you,’ Jules sighs and then groans. ‘Fine, move whatever you like.’

Lachlan snorts.

‘I was going to anyway.’ He casts around, mentally planning. ‘Do not go out onto that balcony and don’t cross the room unless the curtains are drawn and the doors are closed, which they must be at all times.’

‘You’re lucky I like bossy, Bodyguard.’