Page 116 of Wanted: Rogues and Bards

“From what I’ve seen, you have every reason to. But I did wonder if you realized it.”

He had, but hadn’t. The trust had been so instinctive, Lirion had never made a conscious decision.

Well, this was quite the morning. He was being handed one realization after another.

Wanting her perspective, he turned so his hip pressed against the rail, all to see her face better. “Aria, do they look more like a family to you?”

She blinked and then said, “Ah. Yes, that’s it! I kept searching for the word.”

“I’ve thought this before, multiple times. I’ve worked with groups, but they were mercenary bands in attitude. At heart, it was every man for himself. They worked together only to achieve an end. But that’s not how this group acts at all.”

“No, they’re very much brothers. I’ve seen them borrow socks and breeches from each other, for fuck’s sake.”

“Oh, they do that constantly. They argue over whose turn it is to cook or do the dishes. They rib each other and tease, but the second danger comes near, they fall into a defensive stance around each other. Their feelings for each other are very familial. You should have seen Fen’s reaction the first time Puppy used the seduction techniques I taught him.”

Aria burst out laughing. “Oh gods!”

“It was just a few things to help him barter in the market. Still, Fenric acted like I’d corrupted his youngest brother and bemoaned the loss of innocence for the rest of the night.”

“I can somehow picture that perfectly.” Aria’s expression softened, and she put a hand on his arm, leaning in. “Brother mine, I’m not casting stones here. I simply have to ask, what is it do you want?”

“I…” Lirion faltered, not sure how to answer her question.

Her voice gentled even more, and her expression hinted that she knew something of the turmoil raging through him. “Darling, my choices are not yours. I choose the stability a brothel can offer me. You’re too free in spirit to choose such a life. I’m not trying to guilt you into going with me.”

“I didn’t think you were.”

“Good. I’m glad you didn’t get that impression. All I’m asking is, do you want to stay with this group? If you do, you must be aware Fenric will hope for more from you.”

Would he?

Lirion’s heart skipped at the mere thought of it. To be Fen’s and his alone. It was a fantasy. The sweetest one he could imagine. And he wanted it. All that said, it begged the question: “Is it even my choice? Of whether I stay with them.”

Aria simply looked at him before she huffed out a breath.

“Um, Aria, why are you looking at me like I’m a dumbass?”

“Because you are.”

“Surely you don’t think they’ll just welcome me with open arms? I’ve only known them for a few weeks.”

Her eyes rolled so hard the move was damn near audible.

Cutting himself off, Lirion muttered, “My question is entirely reasonable.”

“Lir. Brother. My favorite dumbass. Might I point out it wasn’t just Fenric who put it all on the line to help you? Every single one of them did, even when you changed the plan mid-heist. Not only did you trust them, but they also trusted you.”

Well, shit, put like that…

Lirion blew out a breath and stared at the water some more. Quite peaceful water. Unlike the emotions and thoughts whirling about in his head.

Part of him desperately wanted Aria to be right. He would love to fold himself into this group and never leave them. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? To be a brother-in-arms with these men who genuinely cared for each other. To have that security, that comradeship that Lirion had never experienced in his life prior to meeting them all. Honestly, having them as friends and brothers was a fantasy in and of itself. Lirion had traveled the length and breadth of Moorwood for years and never found a group like theirs. That’s how rare a breed they were.

Aria was right, though; he couldn’t consider joining without thinking of Fenric.

He liked Fenric, he wanted to stay with the man, and he was reasonably sure Fenric might feel the same. He could feel a shadow of Fenric’s feelings for him each time they were together.

But if he was wrong…