Page 182

“Oh...” he whispered.

Inside lay a small carved figure made from pale wood. Static, carved in thin jagged lines that curled across the surface like captured electricity.

Running his thumb slowly across the carving, Ryneth studied the shape. “There’s a note.”

Daven watched as Ryneth unfolded the thin piece of paper. The handwriting was uneven, the letters pressed deep into the page.

The air feels different without you. But it still hums like you.

Ryneth let out a quiet sob. For a moment, he simply stood there with the carving in a trembling hand.

Daven closed his hand around Ryneth’s. “They miss you.”

Ryneth nodded. Turning the little carving once more between his fingers, he set it gently on the counter. For so long, wanting anything had felt dangerous. Wanting Daven had felt impossible. Wanting Helion had felt worse, like betrayal dressed in gold. But standing here now, with the city at his back and the people he loved still reaching for him across the distance, it no longer felt like choosing one life over another.

“They’ll grow up hearing stories about this place. And one day, I’d like Tavi to see it with his own eyes.”

Daven watched him. “We’ll make that happen.”

Ryneth glanced at him. “Really?”

“Baby, anything you want, we’ll make it happen. You still don’t get it, do you? You’re the static in my storm.” He cupped Ryneth’s face, thumb brushing the wetness at the corner of Ryneth’s eye. “You’re the only thing in this universe that could ever bring me to my knees.”

Ryneth stared at him, silver eyes bright with tears. His lips parted, but no words came. Then he smiled, and for a second Daven thought he’d never seen anything more beautiful. He looked so open it hit Daven right in the chest.

One tear slid down his cheek, and Daven brushed it away with his thumb.

Ryneth smiled at him through the shine in his eyes. Then he nodded once. “Yeah,” he said softly. “We eat.”

Daven leaned in and kissed him once, then guided him to the table. He picked up a piece of meat with his fingers and held it to Ryneth’s mouth. Ryneth leaned forward, lips brushing Daven’s skin as he took it.

Daven watched his throat move when he swallowed. “Good?”

“Hmm.” Ryneth reached across the table and caught the first button of Daven’s shirt between his fingers. He eased it open without looking away. “But I’m not as hungry for the food as I am for the part after.”

Daven watched those deft fingers and exhaled slowly, enjoying the slow spread of arousal through his body. “Such dangerous words. Such impatience.”

Ryneth’s mouth curved playfully. “I know.”

Setting the plates aside, Daven stood and pulled Ryneth up with him. He leaned in, his tongue tracing a path from the hollow of Ryneth’s throat to his collarbone. “Then we’ll eat later. A shame for such good food.” His hands were already sliding down to Ryneth’s waist, unfastening his belt with practiced ease. “I want to taste every spark in your body before we face the city.”

Walking him backward through the penthouse, away from the table, he led his bonded toward the glass where the city spread beneath them in silver and gold.

Ryneth made a soft sound when Daven kissed him, already leaning in, already warm and open for him. He pinned him there with one hand at his hip and kissed him again, slower this time, taking his mouth like he had all the time in the world.

Ryneth got to Daven’s shirt first, pushing it off his shoulders while Daven shoved Ryneth’s trousers down. Then Daven caught the hem of Ryneth’s top and dragged it over his head in one pull.

By the time the last of the clothes hit the floor, they were both naked.

Daven walked him back against the glass panel, spread his thighs, and stepped in close.

“Is this the reward you were looking for, baby?” He grabbed the bottle of oil he’d already set out and poured a generous amount into his palm.

“Yes.”

“I thought so. You were looking so hungry at the Academy, so lost. And when you volunteered to help me in the kitchen, I knew you needed an extra treat.”

Daven reached between Ryneth’s legs with slick fingers and traced the line of his rim. Ryneth shivered and tipped his head against the cool glass, mouth falling agape.