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“It’s adorable how embarrassed you get,” Dash said, grinning at him. “What you tell your friends is up to you. He’s probably just looking out for you. He’s your friend, and the way he feels about your brother probably makes him feel as if he needs to watch over you.”
“He has been more protective since they met.” Christopher shrugged. “I should probably get back to him. Turn in early so we can get going at first light.”
“I’ll be ready whenever you are.” Dash rose and took Christopher’s hand. He pulled Christopher to his feet and then kissed his palm. “That applies to everything. We don’t have to advertise it, but you’re my mate. I’m in this for the long haul.”
“We’d never be able to hide it from Renn, but I would prefer not to tell everyone we meet. That’s nothing against you, though. Just trying to keep things … simpler.”
“I understand.”
“We’ll talk tomorrow,” Christopher said, drawing his hand back and blushing as he realized Dash had been holding it all that time.
“We certainly will,” Dash said. “Good night.”
“Good night,” Christopher said, hurrying to the door and slipping out into the hallway.
He crossed to his room and knocked gently before opening it a crack. He met Simon’s gaze right away and pushed the door open. He took a deep breath as he closed and bolted the door. When he turned around, he said, “I’m sorry. I’m nosy because I love both of you. I wish you could be together. Be happy. But you’re grown men. It’s your business.”
“Thanks,” Simon said. “I don’t mean to push you away, but you’re right. It’s our business, and it isn’t settled yet.”
If you say so.Christopher kept that thought to himself. “I’m going to turn in. Catch up on my sleep.”
“Good idea.” Simon moved to his bed and threw the blankets back. “Everything all right with Dash?”
“We talked. We’re on the same page now.”
“Good. Shifters get territorial. Best not to encourage him until you’re sure you want him.”
“I know,” Christopher said. There was a lot he could say about that, and a lot he could ask Simon based on that comment, but he chose not to. They both undressed, and Simon checked the door again before extinguishing the lamps. Christopher felt calmer as they crawled into their beds, yet he couldn’t make his eyes shut. Simon was snoring within ten minutes, but Christopher lay there staring up at the ceiling, wondering if Dash was still awake across the hall.
* * *
Dash gave Balor a little nudge so he could pull up beside the cart Simon drove. Christopher had fallen back as soon as they set out. He seemed to be lost in thought, so Dash decided to leave him to it.
“Thank you for allowing me to tag along,” Dash said. He lowered his voice to add, “And thank you for being such a good friend to my mate. Protecting him and looking out for him.”
“I’d do anything for him. He’s a good man and a good friend.”
Simon seemed far more relaxed today, so Dash took a chance and said, “And you’re in love with his brother.”
Simon turned to face him. “So he’s told you all about me.”
“He’s told me enough.”
“Renn and I are mates, but we’re both very private people. I’d rather not talk about it openly around him or Christopher. Or at all really.”
“Meaning I should stop prying.”
Simon glanced back at Christopher. “Renn is coming here to stay. If he wishes to claim me, he can say so. If what’s in his heart matches what his instincts tell him, he’ll declare himself.”
Dash decided to push just a bit more. “Christopher says he calls youmate. Speaking as a shifter, that sounds like a declaration to me.”
Simon didn’t reply. Dash would’ve let it drop, but he’d never seen a man look so sad and angry at the same time.
Dash cleared his throat before saying, “Matehood is no guarantee of happiness. Things can go wrong.” He hesitated before he asked, “Has something gone wrong? Something you don’t want to tell Christopher?”
The look Dash received told him he was at least close in his guess. In a barely audible whisper, Simon said, “When Christopher kisses you, do you return the embrace passionately for maybe three seconds and then go still and pull away as if he’s scalded you?”
Dash could only stare, noting the conflicted emotions in Simon’s eyes. “No. I pull him closer and kiss him back.”
