Felix’s cock twitched at the thought of it. “Is that a promise?”
“You know it is, brat.” Leo stood and Felix followed him up, casting about for a clean rag and wiping his hand before tucking his spent cock back into his trousers. “I did mean it about riding today, though. I need to clear my head.”
Felix nodded and walked out into the yard, snagging some apples on the way. He stood at the railing by the meadow and clicked his tongue, and before long Shadow and Blackbird trotted over, nostrils flaring as they sensed the presence of treats. Felix gave them their apples and led them in and saddled both horses, and before long they were off. They rode at a steady pace across the vast green plain, a soft breeze making ripples in the long grass.
The horses slowed to a walk and Felix tilted his head back, a smile on his face as he basked in the sun’s rays and the presence of Leo next to him. Felix knew there could neverreallybe anything between them, but still. Leo had sought him out at the first opportunity, and he couldn’t help the burst of affection that ran through him. He was very fond of Leo, even if he could be a bit of a tit.
They rode in comfortable silence until they reached what Felix had started to think of astheirgrove, and Felix was overcome by a desire to hide away from the world and have Leo to himself, just for a little bit. He nodded towards the shelter of the trees. “Shall we rest?”
Leo’s face lit up in a smile. “That sounds perfect.”
He slid from his saddle with sinuous grace, and Felix let his eyes linger on the elegant curve of Leo’s arse and the flex of his thigh muscles. He might not be able to have more, but he hadthis, so he might as well make the most of it. He dismounted his own horse and after looping both sets of reins over a tree branch, he stepped into Leo’s space. He draped his body along
Leo’s spine and slid his hands around his waist.
Leo hummed and turned in Felix’s arms, stealing a kiss before drawing Felix down into the long grass. They lay there in the dappled sunlight trading lazy kisses, and in that moment, Felix found himself perfectly satisfied.
If all he could have was stolen moments like this, he’d take it.
He let out a contented sigh, and Leo echoed it. “It’s so good to be out from under all those people watching my every move,” Leo said. “Did you know I had to mind my manners for anentireweek in case Prince Stephan took umbrage at something?”
“Imagine having to avoid offending some royal pain in the arse,” Felix said drily. “I can’t think what that must be like.”
Leo snorted. “I’m aware of the irony of complaining about royal protocol, trust me.”
“Just as long as you’re aware.” Felix grinned, pulling himself into a sitting position. “Did youreallymanage to behave for the week, or did Mattias spend the whole time following you around smoothing ruffled feathers?”
“Excuse you, my behavior wasexemplary,” Leo shot back. “Prince Stephan didn’t even object when I told him that I had no intention of marrying his sister. That’s how diplomatic I was.”
“Thatisimpressive, especially for you,” Felix said and tried to ignore the relief flooding his veins. It wasn’t like he had any claim on Leo’s affections. Still, he couldn’t help asking, “So you’re definitely not getting married?”
Leo sat up and faced him. “Of course not. I’m perfectly happy as I am.” He paused, putting one hand on Felix’s thigh and squeezing lightly, fixing Felix with a steady gaze. “With you.”
Felix’s heart flip-flopped in his chest. It wasunfairof Leo to say things like that when they both knew this could never be more than it was. But at the same time, Felix knew he’d hold this memory close, however this thing between them ended.
Whenit ended.
Felix swallowed the unexpected lump in his throat. He placed his hand on Leo’s, removing it from his leg and standing. “I’m glad you’re happy with our arrangement, sire,” he said. “We should head back.”
Leo’s brow creased and he tensed. “What’s wrong? What did I say?”
Felix swallowed again, unable to explain the bittersweet sting of knowing Leo’s affection could only be temporary. “It’s nothing. I’m tired, that’s all. Besides,someonehas invited me into his bed tonight and I doubt I’ll be sleeping, so I was hoping to take a nap.” He plastered on a smile and hoped it looked more genuine than it felt.
It must have passed muster because the tension left Leo’s shoulders and he grinned up at him and stood. “It’s true. I intend to spank your arse until it’s blushing harder than a virgin on her wedding night, and then pleasure you so thoroughly that you forget your own name.”
Felix’s smile became more genuine at that. Leo was a gifted lover, and having his full attention was like nothing Felix had ever experienced. Based on past experience, it was possible that not only would he forget his own name, he’d lose the ability to form words at all. “Well, in that case, I should definitely make sure I’m well rested.”
He retrieved the horses and they mounted, taking a moment more to breathe in the sweet smell of the fresh grass before they set out. It was as they were leaving the thicket of trees that Felix paused, the hairs on the back of his neck standing up for no discernible reason. He tensed at the distant snap of a twig and held up a hand. “Did you hear that?”
“Hear what?” Leo asked, distracted with trying to rein in an unsettled Blackbird.
It was then that Felix heard another sound, and out of the corner of his eye he caught the glint of sunlight on steel. It took the barest of seconds for him to recognise that it was an arrow—and it was moving toward them at speed. His heart thundered in his chest as the realisation of what was happening hit him.
Someone was attacking Leo.
The arrow flew past, close enough that Felix felt the breeze of it against his cheek, and his first thought was that whoever was shooting should be sacked for such poor aim given that he wasn’t even the target. His second thought was that arrows came in quivers, and he needed to get Leo to safetynow.
Felix didn’t stop to think further, his instincts and training racing to the fore as protecting Leo became his first—hisonly—concern. He leaned across and gave Blackbird’s flank an almighty whack, startling the horse into a gallop as he screamed,“Ride!”
