Page 62 of Twist of Fate

Relief moved through Connal. Gomez’s presence complicated matters with the king, but Luke no longer carried the strain of fearing for his friend.

“And you?” Connal asked.

“I’m tired.”

“Then you should rest.”

Luke looked pointedly at the chair beneath him. “So should you.”

“I am resting.”

“You’re sitting upright and glaring at the door.”

“I was not glaring.”

“You were definitely glaring.”

Connal began to rise. The room swayed around him before his legs steadied, and Luke caught his forearm.

“That’s it,” Luke said. “Bed.”

Connal looked down at the hand holding him. “You are giving me orders in my own chamber.”

“I’m adapting to local customs.”

Despite himself, the corner of Connal’s mouth lifted.

Luke kept hold of him as they crossed the room. Connal did not require the assistance, but he found no reason to refuse it. The contact eased something within him that rest and healing magic had not touched.

At the edge of the bed, Luke released him and stepped back.

“Lie down.”

Connal removed his boots and obeyed. Luke glanced toward the chair where his backpack waited.

“You intend to sleep there?” Connal asked.

“I’ve slept in worse places.”

“That does not make it a bed.”

“It makes it adequate.”

“The bed is large enough for us both.”

Luke looked at him.

Connal forced himself not to fill the silence. He wanted Luke beside him with an intensity that tightened every muscle in his body.

“You may stay,” he said. “If you wish.”

Luke’s gaze moved over the wide bed before returning to Connal. “Just sleep?”

Connal heard the awareness beneath the question. The same awareness that had sharpened between them during both kisses.

“For tonight,” Connal said.

Luke released a quiet breath. “Okay.”