Page 126 of Heimlock

It’s not enough, though.

With a growl of satisfaction, I promise, “I’m going to make this mine later.”

Kyrielle’s smile is so pure and innocent. “It’s already yours.”

51

After we towel off, Trinte dresses me in one of his T-shirts that reaches my knees. Slipping on a pair of boxer briefs and locking his bedroom door, he follows me to the bed. When we’re settled, with me tucked into his body, I breathe in his scent.

Letting out a happy sigh when he tugs me closer, I curl into a ball. His tail curls around me, leaving me feeling safe.

Kissing the top of my head, he murmurs, “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For coming. You’ll never understand how much it means to me.”

While it’s true, I’ll never fully grasp his perspective, I’ve always been driven to be the person younger me would’ve needed. That version of myself would’ve been desperate for someone to show up. “I knew you needed me.”

Trinte hugs me harder. “Thank you for not turning away from my mess.”

Instead of responding, I kiss his chest and burrow deeper into his body. The room is quiet except for our breaths and heartbeats. It’s a moment of peace after a raging storm. There’s no way it can hold, especially since the Cairanin is guaranteed. I want to know more about it, but this moment is about connecting.

“I’m sorry in advance if I have a nightmare,” he says quietly.

He’s needs reassurance, something I’ll never deny him . “We’ll work through it together if it happens.”

Trinte’s quiet for a moment. “You were so distant this past week. I hated it.”

I’m glad he can’t see my grimace. “I’m sorry, I just needed space to think things through. I had coffee with Talia, and she forced me to think about things. I wanted to take time and be sure that I wasn't going to hurt you.”

Before all Hells broke loose, I'd intended to call him tomorrow. A week apart was more than enough.

“She’s been texting me." He gives me an uneasy look. “But I wasn’t sure if it’s appropriate to tell her things.”

“Talia is a good mom. She won’t judge you, although you might hate her opinion.”

He chuckles. “It’ll take me a while to get used to having any form of mothering.”

“So we’re just agreeing that Orliana will say yes to Fynn?” I joke.

Trinte huffs out a laugh. “He would only be so lucky.” He’s quiet, stroking a hand down my back. It feels divine. “I need to talk to him. We can’t leave things as they are.”

Just thinking about Fynn hurting Trinte like that spikes anger. “He hurt you — make him apologize first.”

Trinte’s chuckle rumbles against my face. “It’s a little more complicated than that, Firefly. I truly believe he did it to protect Orliana.” His hand comes to the back of my head, as if holding something precious. “I would do the exact same if faced with something similar.”

He means if someone was trying to hurt me. “I would too.”

“I have no doubt,” he said, voice full of amusement. He yawns. “I’m exhausted. Can we talk more about it all tomorrow?”

Closing my eyes, I match his yawn. “Of course. Goodnight, manservant.”

“Goodnight, Firefly.”

***

We’re in the middle of eating breakfast when there’s a knock at the door. Trinte scents the air with a scowl. It was such a lovely, relaxing morning and my pancakes are only half-eaten. But by the look on his face, I can tell they might be cold by the time I return to them.