Page 52 of Hold my Reins

At least he hoped it wouldn’t. Using the fabric to protect his fingers, he slid the body of the hoodie beneath the chain that looped around the back of Lynck’s neck, then maneuvered thearm over the bridge of his nose. The skin was red and raw where the chain had already burned him.

“I’m sorry this is hurting you.” He swallowed, then stepped in and put his arms around his kelpie’s neck, hoping he wouldn’t be knocked over and trampled.

Lynck rested his head over Rox’s shoulder. His breath was warm on his bare back.

“I wish you really were my kelpie.” Rox rubbed his cheek against the soft hair. “Is it still hurting to resist?”

Lynck made a noise, which Rox took as confirmation.

“The odds of this plan ending badly are pretty high.”

Lynck snorted and stamped his hoof.

“But I don’t regret moving here and meeting you. With you, I’ve learned how to live again. Love. Something I didn’t think possible. I thought I was too damaged and too raw to risk my heart. I didn’t plan on risking it with you.” This was all so much easier to say while not looking at Lynck. “But I couldn’t help it. The more time I spent with you, the more time I wanted to spend with you, even after you told me about the bridle.”

He sniffed and drew in a breath, willing himself not to cry. This wasn’t how it ended. The little knot of fear in his gut twisted and tightened at the lie. If Bothvar killed Thursten, this was indeed how he ended.

Lynck turned his head away.

“What is it?”

Lynck nuzzled at his cheek and stepped back.

Rox grabbed the bridle, burning his fingers before he managed to push some cloth between his skin and the metal. “Bothvar just ordered your return, didn’t he?”

Lynck whinnied.

“No. You’re staying with me.”

Lynck backed up again, dragging Rox with him.

It didn’t matter how much he dug in his heels; he couldn’t stop Lynck. He’d just be dragged along.

“Why are you able to resist killing me but feel the urge to return immediately?” Why was he asking when Lynck couldn’t answer? “Please, stay here. Give Thursten time to help.”

Lynck tossed his head and turned as if to walk backward into the lake, and it took everything Rox had to keep hold of the bridle.

“I love you, and I’m trying to save you so we can finish the song. That’s what you want, right? You want to run along the beach with me? Swim in the lake? That’s what I want, too. But if you pull away and help Bothvar, you’ll not only kill your friend, but you’ll have to kill me.”

Lynck walked back until Rox was ankle-deep in the water.

He had to keep trying. He was damned now, no matter what happened.

“I know it hurts to resist, but you don’t want to kill anyone. I know you.” He reached up and touched Lynck’s nose. “I love you.”

Lynck froze, but his ears flicked forward.

“Yeah, shit timing, but I may not have another chance. I guess I won’t get to hear you say it, but it was in the music, right? Every note said how much you love me.” He’d kind of understood that, but he hadn’t been ready because he didn’t want to lose someone else.

Yet there he was. Standing on the edge of disaster once again.

Lynck bumped his nose against Rox’s, nearly knocking him over. Rox returned the gesture, barely able to breathe around the lump in his throat.

There wouldn’t be any farewell words or last embraces. This was it.

Lynck whickered, and it sounded almost musical…it took Rox several heartbeats to realize it was the song. He joined in, humming along.

He kissed Lynck’s nose. “Are you telling me that you love me?”

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