Hope filled his tone. He wanted me to change my mind. Hell, a part of me wanted to as well. But I really did want to build a life in Bremloc. Having my own place was an essential part of that.
“Ignore me,” I said. “Being on my own is just kinda scary. Which is dumb because before coming here, I lived alone. I’ll be fine.”
Maddox stared at me for a moment. “You’re coming home with us, even if I have to throw you over my shoulder and carry you. I forbid you to stay here alone.”
“No, it’s okay. I’m just whining. Iwantto live here.” My gaze trailed to the window and the forest of trees beyond it. The cottage was peaceful and would make for a great home. “I’m excited to start this next adventure in my life.”
“As am I.” Maddox nuzzled me. “But the only life I crave is the one where you’re by my side. Now and always.”
I smiled and returned his nuzzle. “We can figure out details later. The café opens in a week, so until then, I can stay with you while we continue getting this place ready.”
“How fortunate you came to that conclusion on your own,” Maddox said, his deep rumbling voice pleasant to my ears. Like a growly purr. “I had no intention of letting you stay here tonight anyway.”
“Bossy knight.”
“That’s captain.” Maddox playfully nipped at my nose.
“About the living situation, I’ll speak to Thane,” Briar said. “His skills have greatly advanced over the past two months. He can perform many tasks without my supervision now. I’m sure he can handle things at the clinic for a night here and there, so I can stay with you, at least for a few nights a week.”
“Callum can watch over the unit in my absence as well,” Maddox said. “I can stay the night with you and leave for the barracks at first light.”
My heart lifted into my throat.
“You won’t be alone, love.” Briar rested his face against my nape. “We’ll find a way to make this work. Don’t worry.”
I turned my head to meet him for a kiss before doing the same to Maddox. The cottage was big enough for all of us to live together, but I understood they had their own obligations. Maybe it could happen someday though. Building a home together.
A light rapping came at the door. “Captain Maddox?”
Callum.
“Yes? What is it?” Maddox responded in a deep voice that shot straight to my groin.
“We’ve finished moving the furniture, sir,” Callum said through the closed door. He may be a cinnamon roll with a dimpled grin and dough-eyes, but he was no fool. He’d no doubt heard the noise we’d made and wouldn’t come in without permission, knowing he’d probably see something that would scar him for the rest of his days. “Is there anything else you’d like for us to do?”
Maddox looked at me for an answer.
Funny how that sent excited tingles through my veins. He was the captain of the Second Order, yet he was looking to me for orders. Fuck, it was hot.
“Um.” I shifted to a sitting position on the bed. “I just have one more request. If that’s okay.”
“Of course.” Callum’s tone was more casual than when he’d spoken to Maddox. “Anything for you.”
Maddox huffed under his breath, while Briar chuckled.
“I want you and the other knights to stay for dinner. As thanks for all you’ve done today.”
“We’d be honored.”
Callum’s steps then retreated down the hall, quicker now than before.
Moments later, a voice boomed from downstairs. “We get to eat the Thorn Prince’s cooking?” Duke asked. They must’ve been standing at the foot of the stairs for us to hear them so clearly. “Better than a handful of silver.”
Maddox wrapped an arm around me and dragged me down on the bed. “Whatever you cook, I get the first bite.”
“Not if I get to it first.” Briar snuggled into my other side. He had taken off his glasses earlier, so he was able to burrow his face into my hair without knocking them askew.
“You can’t eat if you’re dead,” Maddox told him.
