Hopefully one day, we wouldn’t have to sneak around anymore. I could openly be with my men, going to festivals, walking through the market, or lazing at the beach without worrying about someone hurting Lake. And maybe Rowan would be there too, stealing snacks I’d brought and splashing water at me as we swam in the sea.
I wanted it more than anything. Having all of them beside me.
“Did you and the thief have a nice time?” Lake asked.
“We did.” That familiar tingle of guilt stabbed at my chest, and I tried to ignore it. Lake was okay with me being with Rowan. “He took me to a cave up in the mountains. I was hoping to find a gem for Briar.”
Lake smiled against my temple. “He’d love that. But what he’ll love most is having you back in his arms. Both of them will.”
Callum took a bite of his porridge. “With luck, the captain will be in such a great mood to have his muffin back that he’ll go easy on us during drills.” He shook his head. “Wait. No, he’ll just push us harder.”
I handed a bowl to Lake before sitting on the bed with mine. “I can’t wait to see his grumpy face again.”
“Me either.” Lake’s wolf ears dropped at the tops. “And I can’t wait for more of Briar’s head pats.”
My heart squeezed. He missed them as much as I did.
After breakfast, I attacked Lake with all the hugs and kisses I could squeeze in before changing into clean clothes and leaving to meet William at the café. It was another long day of baking, but we both loved being in the kitchen, so it didn’t feel much like work. Great conversation helped too.
“Have you invited that girl to dinner yet?” I asked after we’d removed the last loaf of bread from the oven and started cleaning up. “The one who works at the jewelry shop?”
William adjusted his glasses. “I have a confession to make. There is no girl.”
“Oh?” I was wiping off the counter and paused, soapy rag in hand. “Why lie about it?”
“It was only a small lie. A girldoeswork at the jewelry shop.” He cleared his throat and shifted the platter of croissant sandwiches we’d made. “But you see, I’m actually fond of… her brother.”
I broke into a huge smile. “You should invite him to the café’s grand opening. In my experience, the best way to a guy’s heart is through his stomach.”
William seemed relieved. “You must think me silly for hiding it from you. You’ve told me about the men you love. I suppose I just… well, my family, they…” Frown lines marred his brow. “They’re already quite sore about me choosing the life of a pastry chef as opposed to continuing in my father’s footsteps and running the accounting firm. They expect me to marry a nice girl and have children to carry on the family name and bloodline. Falling in love with a man would…”
He shook his head, leaving the thought unfinished.
Since arriving in that world, I’d noticed no one batted an eye at two men or two women being in love. Heterosexuality wasn’t the norm. However, talking to William showed me that although Bremloc and the surrounding lands didn’t discriminate based on sexuality, some families still held on to those expectations.
“What’s his name?” I asked, not wanting to stay in those toxic waters. I wanted him to smile again.
And he did. “Edwin.”
“Does he know you like him?”
“Yes. He’s fond of me as well.” William cleared his throat and motioned to the sandwiches. “May I take some of these with me? I’m having supper with him and his family this evening.”
“Of course. Take the bread pudding too.” An impulsive bake, thanks to Callum. “Go ahead and head out. I can finish cleaning up.”
“No, I couldn’t. You have already done so much for me, and I—”
“William.”
He sighed. “That tone is honestly quite unsettling coming from you. Very well. But only if you insist.”
“I do. Now, shoo. Go on and get.”
He did, but not before patting me on the back and giving me a grateful smile. As he packed food into a basket and left, I said a silent prayer to whatever god or gods existed that everything worked out well for him. No one should be forced to hide or deny themselves love just to please someone else.
A light thud came from upstairs.
I had just rinsed out the wash rag and draped it over the faucet when I heard it and froze. Callum, Ban, and Duke were outside, keeping watch of the perimeter. August and Finnian were off Evan duty and enjoying drinks down the street. No one else should’ve been inside the café.
