Page 47 of Hidden By the Convicts
“He doesn’t usually get that angry. I think his time in the hole affected him more than we realized,” Gavin said.
“I know.” Teagen’s voice wasn’t very sturdy.
“But he’s right,” Gavin added. “You risked yourself for some damn machinery.”
“I risked myself for him.”
Gavin sighed. “I know.”
“It doesn’t matter what she did,” Harlis spoke up. “He has no right laying into her like that.”
Harlis’s hands moved up and down her arms, comforting her. She looked good with Harlis, like they were a couple. And they’d been intimate. Clearly, she preferred younger men, and Gavin couldn’t blame her for that.
He was glad she had Harlis and Bowen and hadn’t let her experiences with the guards keep her from knowing that intimacy. Narkos became a lonely place without friendship.
Harlis scrunched his eyes as Gavin approached. Protective, like Bowen. It was nice to see that Harlis cared about someone. There’d been times where Gavin wondered if the man cared about anything.
“You’re good for him, Teagen.”
“Bowen?” she questioned.
Gavin chuckled. “Yeah, him too. Though I meant Harlis. Give Bowen time, if you can. He’s frustrated and worried about you.”
“Or he’s afraid of getting caught harboring me, that they’ll put him in the hole again.”
“They’ll send him to the mines, and he won’t last long over there. But he’s not thinking of himself. Rarely does.”
“I’d like to talk to him. But not here. Outside,” she said.
Confidence. His butterfly was gaining that confidence she needed.
“It could make him madder seeing you leave the house again.”
“I can take a little shouting. But he’s less likely to shout outside in the open. Or so I’m betting.”
“Smart girl,” Gavin said. “Okay, We’ll take you out. Harlis, scout around first, make sure no one else is in the area.”
With a nod, Harlis shot out the door.
“I think he loves you, Teagen.”
“Harlis?”
“Bowen. Not as sure about Harlis. Though he seems quite fond of you. He’s harder to figure out at times. Maybe because it’s been a while since I was twenty-seven. And Narkos brings out the worst in people.”
“And the best,” she said. “You barely talk to me, but when it comes to Bowen, you’re ready and eager to jump to his defense, to help him however you can. I see how you watch over him, and even Harlis, who I know drives you crazy at times with his impatience.”
“He does indeed.” Gavin smiled. “How did you become so wise? You’re Harlis’s age.”
“Age means nothing. Experience is what counts.” She stepped forward and placed a hand on his chest. “No, not even that. Heart. And all of you have heart.”
That simple touch meant so much, except it had to be innocent on her part. She didn’t need him, not when she had two other men sharing her bed.
“As do you, darling,” he said, kissing her forehead, as he might any female friend back home. Except she felt like more than a friend to him. And she was right. He hadn’t talked to her much. For some reason, it seemed safer not to. Like in the back of his mind, he knew she wouldn’t want him the way she wanted Bowen and Harlis. He wasn’t sure he could take that type of rejection. Not again.
Harlis opened the door. “The area’s clear.”
Gavin offered her his arm to escort her. He’d be happy to settle on being friends with her. He enjoyed seeing her smiling face, and he loved the sparkle that had returned to her eyes.
