Page 82 of Brighter Than Gold

“Nearly three,” he said, sitting next to me on the bed. “The staff figured you would rather have breakfast though.”

I nodded as I slipped another piece of the pastry into my mouth.

“We need to talk about what happened,” he said quietly. “When you’re ready, of course.”

I felt my face blanch. “Have you spoken with Callan?” I hazarded. How much did Kaspian already know?

“Briefly, yes, but the doctor deemed it necessary to reset two of his ribs. He had something for the pain after that, so I didn’t get much out of him.”

“He—what?”

“Four broken in total, two needed attention. He was in far worse shape than you.”

“Gods, I didn’t know it was that bad.”

“He’s tough,” Kas said smiling.

I shook my head and focused back on my coffee.

“He said it may be helpful if you both de-brief together. Do you think that would be all right?”

“Umm, yes. I think so.” I tried not to sound too eager. I’d been back for less than a day and I ached to see Callan again. This was going to be so much harder than I’d anticipated.

“I’ll arrange that then.” Kas stroked my knee over the cover.

I exhaled and placed my coffee to the side before I leaned over and kissed him.

His hands immediately flew to my face and cradled me, kissing me back with all the fervent worry he’d been carrying while I was gone.

It felt strange, yet familiar. I felt him on my lips but nowhere else. Not in my chest, or my loins or my heart.

“Fuck, Reyah,” he said breaking the kiss and catching his breath. “I was so worried.” He kissed me gently several times before letting me go.

I knew what he wanted, what he needed, so I took his hand and pulled it to my belly. He smiled appreciatively and pressed his hand against me.

“Still nothing much to feel,” I whispered apologetically.

“Oh, there is enough, Reyah.”

Our heads turned to the door when there was a frantic knock. Without waiting for permission, Nyx flew into the room and onto the bed, taking me into his arms.

“Oh my Gods, Reyah, I prayed every day that you would be all right!”

Kas chuckled lightly. “Gently, please.”

“You’re right, I’m so sorry.” Nyx pulled away just enough to kiss each cheek twice. “You’re back!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his excited energy. “I’m here, Nyx. And so are you, you made it back with Briar and Silva.”

“I did. But tell me what happened? How did you get away?”

“She’ll tell us when she’s ready,” Kas interrupted.

“You’re right, I apologise.” He hugged me again fiercely.

There was a quiet moment when I just looked at the two men, appreciating their adoration, and my safety. My relief felt overwhelming now, like I hadn’t realized how much danger I was in under Lazio’s watch.

“Nyx, I’d like to speak with my husband please,” I said sweetly.

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