Maddox glanced over at us before focusing back on the document. His expression hadn’t changed, apart from the very slight crease of his brow.
“Get over here, Captain,” I said. “That expenses sheet or whatever it is can wait until tomorrow.”
“Is that so?” He smirked.
I nodded, hair flopping on my forehead. “I demand cuddles.”
“You are in no position to make demands of me.” However, Maddox stood from his chair and joined us on the rug anyway.
“Here.” I broke the slice into three parts and handed one to them both. “As a thank-you for an amazing day… and night.”
“Sharing your treat?” Maddox accepted the bread.
“Well, you two sharedme. It’s only fitting.” I nibbled at the fig bread, bouncing a little in place. It was so fucking delicious.
How long would this last? They had agreed to one night. Would they still want me in the morning? Maybe fucking me once was enough to get me out of their system.
I slowed in my chewing.
“Evan?” Briar touched my chin, gently tipping it up to meet his gaze. “Are you feeling all right? Though it’s rare, sometimes people can feel nauseated after taking the tonic for the first time.”
“I’m okay,” I said, not really sure if it was true. I mean, I didn’t feel sick, so I wasn’t experiencing any side effects of the medicine. But my chest hurt all of a sudden. “Just tired.”
“The hour is quite late,” Briar said. “Once the rain lets up, we’ll walk you home.”
The wind howled outside before a gust of heavy rain crashed against the window. Flashes of lightning came before the distant roll of thunder.
“Doesn’t sound like it will be letting up anytime soon,” Maddox pointed out. “The two of you can sleep here.”
“Me as well?” Briar asked. “I don’t mind walking back in the rain. I managed fine when retrieving the tonics.”
“If you wish to venture back out in the storm, physician, be my guest, but Evan is staying here where it’s warm and dry.” He paused before adding, in a softer tone, “And yes, the offer does extend to you as well. You can do as you choose.”
Briar watched him for a moment, the orange glow of the fire reflecting in his lenses. “I’d like to stay. Thane was still in the clinic, so my absence for one night should be fine.”
“Then it’s settled. We’ll share my bed.” Maddox bit off a piece of the bread, and his eyes widened a bit as he chewed. “This is really good.”
“I’m pleased you think so.” Briar tore off the corner of his. “It was my father’s recipe. Though I can’t ever seem to make it as good as he did.”
“Did you lose him?” Maddox asked, gaze on the burning logs.
“Yes. Him and my mother both.”
My heart went out to Briar. It was clear how much he’d loved his parents. Their death was what sparked his desire to become a healer.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Maddox said. “My father died in the war with Haran.”
Haran. I vaguely remembered Duke talking about the conflict between that kingdom and Bremloc. Haran sent mercenaries and spies in an attempt to overthrow the king. It seemed all worlds, even fantasy ones, couldn’t live in peace. War was inevitable as long as there were those hungry for power and willing to do anything to seize it.
“I hate war,” I said, burrowing more into the blanket. I’d already finished my bread—sadly.
“As do I.” Maddox offered me the rest of his piece, and when I hesitated, he leaned in closer and placed it at my lips. I fought a smile and let him feed me. The hardness in his eyes softened as I chewed. “Yet, war is necessary in order to protect everything we hold dear. Which is why I dedicate my life to the cause.”
“I admire both of you,” I said after swallowing the bite. “One risks his life on the battlefield, keeping everyone safe, and the other spends his time researching ways to save lives. You both set aside your own needs in the process.”
Maddox had said he didn’t date anyone because relationships were a distraction. And Briar, based on my own observations, often overworked himself, forgetting to properly rest and eat. All the fig bread he’d made over the past few days had been for me and Thane. He’d barely eaten a slice of it, too busy researching and tending to everyone else’s needs.
As the flames started to dim, Maddox added another log and stoked the fire, causing them to flare back up. The wave of heat was nice. I closed my eyes as my skin warmed, from the top of my head and down to my toes.
