“How old is Lord Onyx?” I recalled the man I’d seen in the dark wood. Long black hair, red eyes, and dressed in an ornate outfit that reminded me of a traditional Chinese robe. He hadn’t looked a day over thirty.
“I don’t know,” Callum answered with a shrug. “Old.”
I snorted. “Glad you could clear that up for me, Cal.”
He flashed a dimpled grin.
The glow of lanterns lit our way, as did the light streaming out from shop windows. Shops that were closing for the evening by the look of it. The tavern was booming, though. People went in and out, the roar of laughter, voices, and music increasing and fading with the opening and closing of the door.
“Fancy a drink?” Duke asked, following my gaze.
“Nah, I shouldn’t. Knowing me, I’d drink too much and then wind up on a table dancing in my underwear.”
Callum nodded. “We should get you a pint of ale, then. I’d like to have a good story to share with the captain when we return.”
“Not a chance.” I shivered. The setting sun zapped the warmth from the evening air, and the wind chilled me to the bone. Being that close to the harbor didn’t help.
“Here.” Callum put his arm around my waist and tugged me closer. “I’ll keep you warm.”
Duke eyed him over my head. “Careful. I know a certain captain who’d remove your hand for placing it where it doesn’t belong.”
Callum grinned. “What the captain doesn’t know won’t hurt him. Besides, he ordered me to protect Evan and ensure he was happy and comfortable during our travels. I’m simply following those orders by keeping him warm.”
“Suit yourself. It’s your pretty head on the chopping block.”
“Pretty? Careful, Duke, or I may think you’re sweet on me.”
“You wish.” Duke snorted “I never said I liked the pretty ones.”
“Ah, yes.” Callum’s smile widened. “You like them muscled and brooding like a certain blond we know.”
“Blond?” I asked, thoroughly intrigued. “I see, I see. You have the hots for Hudson, don’t you?”
I was teasing, of course. I suspected who he actually liked but didn’t want to risk ruining the mood by mentioning it. Baden hadn’t given any indication that he liked men. Briar had joked about unrequited love earlier, but Duke probably knew all too well what it truly felt like. Painful and lonely.
“Hudson?” Duke barked out a laugh. “Even if that fool learned how to properly wield a weapon without falling on his ass, I still wouldn’t give him a toss in the hay. He’s much too young for me. My tastes lie elsewhere.”
“Elsewhere?” Callum’s knowing smile made it clear he knew exactly where that was.
“Aye. Elsewhere.” Duke reached over and shoved his shoulder. “Get your nose out of my business and worry about yourself. The captain’ll whack off your head with his sword for being so familiar with his precious muffin.”
I looped my arm through Duke’s. “Now you’re both keeping me warm. No heads will roll. I won’t let them.”
“There’s our small but mighty thorn prince,” Duke said. “Brave enough to face down an angry Captain Maddox.”
“Eh, he only looks mean. Beneath that scowl, he’s a big softie who loves sweets and snuggles.”
Duke snickered. “So if he charges at me in anger, I should throw a muffin at him?”
“Better make it two muffins,” Callum said. “And a chocolate cupcake for extra defense.”
Their banter alleviated some of my homesickness. “Thanks again for coming with me on this trip. I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have you guys.”
“I wouldn’t wish to be anywhere else,” Callum said in a softer tone. “What good is all my training if I can’t protect those I love?”
“You love me?”
He averted his gaze to the nearby tavern.
