Page 26 of Between Two Barbarians

“Mm… Yes,” he murmured, eyes shut and arms lifted over his head so he could tangle his fingers loosely in my hair. “I could get used to being treated like this.”

Were he to choose me, I would treat him like this every day. But I was beginning to think that would never happen without Brenek’s involvement. Jamal had shown no favoritism between the two of us. He asked for our attention equally. He didn’t seem interested in choosing.

I wasn’t sure yet how I felt about that. I knew of other clan brothers in pairings of more than two. It wasn’t unheard of amongst our people. I even knew of one pairing that had five in total. But their love was different. They all shared love between them, nothing like how things worked with Jamal, Brenek, and I. I had no interest in fucking my clan brother. The male in my arms was the only reason I was around him so often. Should he choose to move on, it would not be an experience I’d repeat.

Only someone as special and enthralling as Jamal would make me set aside our lifelong rivalry to share. Jamal had been clear that he had no interest in choosing thus far. I wasn’t willing to give up what time I had with him by insisting. Not when I hadn’t even figured out if he wished to stay yet.

“Maybe you can reward me like this every time you two keep me up all night with sex,” Jamal suggested, oblivious to my inner thoughts, a mischievous grin on his face.

“Of course, tavi. You should always be pampered like this, especially after nights like last night.”

My easy acceptance seemed to surprise him, and his eyes popped open, his chin tipping back as he tried to look up at me without removing himself from my arms. “Wait. Really?”

My brows furrowed as I studied his stunned expression. “Of course. Why do you sound so surprised?”

A frown pulled at those gorgeous lips, and when he sat up so he could look at me properly, he looked confused. “I was joking. I’m not a prince or someone of high status who gets pampered like that. I’m a steward’s son. My life has been and will be spent in service of others, not the other way around.”

I tried not to make a face. The image didn’t suit him. While he might have been born to a man who served others, I didn’t think Jamal belonged in such a role. He was not born to stand in the background. With those enrapturing green eyes that danced with mischief and that fiery spirit, it was obvious to me that when the gods created him, they created someone meant to be seen.

“Should you choose to stay–”

“Oye! Torgrind!”

I was cut off before I could broach the subject I’d been hoping to speak about. I glanced over in the direction of who was hailing me, trying my best not to scowl at Rukon for the interruption. He hadn’t known he was interloping on an important conversation. Most of the clan still assumed Brenek and I were merely enjoying our time with the visitor of the clan. None knew that both Brenek and I wished to make a claim.

“Rukon. What is it?”

“There will be special training offered by a few members of the Northern Clan. The clan leader has called all warriors to join and learn from our allies.”

“When?”

While it was unusual to share training amongst the clans, it didn't entirely surprise me. Ever since our move to Al Nuzem, the clans who made the journey all seemed more interested in collaborating rather than maintaining separation like we had before. It was why several members of our clan had gone to stay with other clans to teach them how to use the talvok messengers properly, and why we all returned to the same spot for a rest instead of finding our own throughout the year. Many changes were made after we were accepted into the kingdom of Al Nuzem, and I found myself enjoying the more cooperative interactions between our clan and the others. It meant one less potential enemy to guard against.

“After the midday meal.” He raised a hand to block his eyes from the sun, looking up. “Which should be soon, I think. I’m starving.”

“What else is new?” I grumbled. Rukon was always hungry.

Jamal looked between us with a confused frown on his face. He didn’t understand what we were saying. Rukon didn’t automatically speak the common tongue when around those not of our clan yet, and Jamal knew nothing of our tongue. For his benefit, I explained in Erabi, “There will be training for the warriors of the clan after mealtime. Brenek and I will need to attend.”

The way his lip stuck out in a pout made me want to grin, but I didn't want him to think I was uncaring that he would be left alone. I just found him adorable and those pouts made me want to smother him with kisses until he smiled again.

“Don’t worry, tavi. I’m sure it won’t be long.”

I gave my attention to Rukon long enough to acknowledge his words before waving him off and giving my attention back to Jamal. If I was to be forced to leave him, and Brenek could not be there to entertain him, I wanted to make sure he had plenty to do that would keep him out of trouble.

“What do you wish to do while we are busy?”

He lifted a shoulder, looking put out by the idea of being left alone. It only solidified the fact that for now, our relationship was not possible without Brenek. Jamal needed more attention than I could give him alone to keep him out of trouble. Only with the two of us distracting him was it possible.

“Do you need more rest?” I prompted again, remembering how tired he’d been when he woke.

His gaze turned suspicious as he narrowed his eyes on me. “More rest? You want me to sleep more?”

Chuckling, I planted a kiss on his nose, reassuring him, “Not because of any reason I’m sure you’re thinking. I only ask because we kept you up late, and you complained when we woke this morning. If you’re still tired, it is fine to get more rest.”

“I complained because I was comfortable and you two moved away!” he argued, waving his hands around. “You both got up too early!”

Used to sleeping through the afternoon during our travels, Jamal was not prepared for either Brenek or I to get up as the sun rose this morning. If we didn’t, we would’ve missed the morning meal, but Jamal had been displeased, and when adding in his soreness, he’d been in a foul mood upon waking. It took until now to get him to feel better.