was when I walked into your father’s house and claimed you. And he’s just as arrogant. His background is shady, true. He was born out of wedlock to a student. Yet that’s not his fault, is it? I had him investigated, and he’s trustworthy. He’s a skilled photographer and a good businessman. He started from nothing but is successful in his field. His father has a good reputation at the school where he teaches. I think Caleb will be happy in his marriage. Unless we make it difficult for him.”
“You approve of Caleb marrying an atheist at the courthouse? An American thirteen years his senior?” Navid’s voice held no judgment just genuine curiosity.
“No. I don’t approve. It sounds like something from a movie and not something I’d ever expect our son to do. But does it matter? Your father wouldn’t have approved of me if he’d known all about me. I had the money, so he didn’t ask twice. Now he knows and hates me.”
“He’ll be furious once he finds out about Caleb.”
“Let His Excellency rage. If he’s aggressive toward you, you’ll tell me. Promise me.”
“I’ll tell you.”
“Good.”
“Zana, can you ever trust my promises again?”
Overwhelmed with tenderness, Zana cupped his husband’s cheek and found his gaze. “I believe you with my whole heart. You would never have deceived me had I given you a choice. Can you trust me not to hurt you again?”
Navid’s eyes locked with Zana’s. His soul was bare. “I love you.” It was there in his gaze—just like Caleb had said—decades of unquestioning devotion. Had Zana taken it for granted? He hoped not. Navid’s love was the purest, rarest, most valuable thing he’d ever owned.
He crushed Navid to his chest, his heart throbbing. “I never deserved you,” he muttered, still angry with himself. The image of Navid cowering on his knees was burned into his memory. “It’s past midnight, you’re cold and tired, and it’s all my fault. Let me take care of you. You need a warm bath and a bed.”
“Let’s stay here only for a minute longer.”
“Just a minute, then.” Sighing, he kissed Navid’s hair and his temple. “How about we’ll go away together. I’ll leave my directors in charge, and we’ll go away, just you and me. I want to have you to myself again for days on end. Europe, Australia, Japan… Wherever you want to go. A month at least. We’ll do it every year.” It was just a spur-of-the-moment idea, but as soon as he’d said it, Zana got beyond excited about the prospect.
“You’re too kind to me.”
“No. I’m not. I’m a brute and a self-centered fool. And I’m too lucky for my own good, but I’ll be a better husband to you, my love. It’s not too late. I want thirty more years with you.”
There was so much Zana could do. Nothing and no one could stop him. He could do whatever he wanted with his life, so why hadn’t he invested all his power into what mattered the most? He’d do better. Much better.
Navid interlaced their fingers, his body getting heavy as he relaxed in Zana’s embrace.
“Do you think Caleb could be with child?” he asked after a while.
Oh. It hadn’t even occurred to Zana. But of course. It had been Caleb’s second heat, and he’d spent it with his new husband. So possibly?
“I don’t know.” Something bloomed in Zana’s chest. A warm, shimmering something—hope and a budding future. “You’re too young to be a grandfather. There’s not a single gray hair on your head,” he teased and kissed the top of Navid’s head.
“I wouldn’t mind.”
Hm. Zana wouldn’t mind either. Not at all.
Navid
He was barely awake, the night still dark outside. His limbs moved of their own volition when he pulled himself closer to the warmth. My sun. Zana wrapped his arms around him, his beard tickling under Navid’s jaw. The familiar scent had him sighing. He’d feared he might lose his husband, and those hours had been the worst nightmare, the greatest pain he’d ever experienced. But now Zana’s hands dove under the cotton T-shirt he slept in, and Navid whimpered with relief. Zana was here, as loving as ever, and he was clutching Navid to him as if he needed him.
The sudden wave of lust brought invigorating energy into Navid’s bloodstream. He tore the T-shirt over his head while Zana dragged the covers away.
“Want you,” Zana murmured. “I want to be inside you.”
Navid didn’t need coaxing or convincing. He ached to be joined with Zana and wipe