and a fire roared inside, freshly stoked and fed.
Vasili sat on the floor by the fireplace, his messy hair scruffy about his face. Firelight caught in his eye, making it sparkle like a jewel. He poked absently at the base of the flames, sending sparks rising.
“We can’t stay,” he said.
It had been so long since Niko had heard him speak, he’d almost forgotten how luscious he could sound. His velveteen purr was deeper than before and scratchy in places, but all Vasili Caville.
“I know.” Niko sat beside him as he’d done every night for what felt like forever now.
So this was it then.
There was a visible change in Vasili. He sat upright, his speech, his glance. It was all stronger and full of confidence. Did that mean their stay in the wilderness was over?
The sword he’d stolen rested by the door, like it had in his cottage. Much of the cabin reminded him of home, but having company was new. He’d liked it—not being alone. Being with Vasili. He’d liked it a lot.
“It’s tempting.” Vasili tossed the stick into the fire.
He didn’t need to reply. Only a fool would miss how Niko had fallen into this life like it had always been waiting for him. And Vasili had fallen into it too. The thought of leaving it made him ache. The world outside had never held much appeal. The only thing that truly mattered in Niko’s life was the man beside him now.
Gods, he didn’t want this to end. Vasili must have seen it on his face because his own expression turned thoughtful. “This life wasn’t meant for people like us.”
But it could be. He was surprised to taste anger on his tongue after the past few weeks of living in peace with himself. Why couldn’t they make this their life?
Vasili shifted onto his knees and held Niko’s gaze. Maybe he wanted Niko to tell him to stay, to argue for this life, but what use was it? He knew Vasili was right. They could not stay.
Niko sighed. “This is the only time in my whole life I’ve felt as though I’m doing something right.”
“Building a hut in a forest on the edge of nowhere?”
“No.” He laughed softly at the absurdity of that but quickly fell serious again under Vasili’s gaze. “Building a life… with you.”
Vasili’s brow pinched into a frown. He leaned forward, braced himself on an arm, and caught Niko’s clenched jaw, holding him firm. Vasili’s fingertips were light, but the intent was not. He drew Niko close. His mouth skimmed Niko’s, and the promise of more simmered between them. If Niko did this, if he surrendered to him, here and now, he’d never get his heart back. He might have already given it away, out here in the wilds.
“Don’t,” Niko whispered. “My heart can’t take another break.”
Vasili’s mouth smothered Niko’s, tearing down the bars around his heart, and Niko surrendered to everything Vasili freely gave. He tasted that same bitter sweetness on Vasili’s lips as he had in a farmhouse field so long ago, but this time there was no hate fueling their passion. This kiss was true, it was real, and by the three, it hurt, because they couldn’t ever have the life they both so desperately needed.
Not tomorrow, not anymore, now Vasili was well again, but maybe they could tonight? Just tonight?
The kiss ended softly. Niko already mourned its loss.
“Did you come for me or the flame?” Vasili asked.
At the blazing palace, months ago, he’d raced into the fire to stop the flame from being freed. If Vasili hadn’t been cursed with the flame, Niko might not have saved him from the flames. But now?
Niko touched Vasili’s cheek and ran his fingers down his stubbly whiskers. “For you.”
Vasili pushed lightly on Niko’s chest, urging him to lay back. Vasili straddled Niko’s hips and braced over him, until they were eye-to-eye. Delight had the prince smiling. He seemed freer in that moment, poised above Niko, playfully pinning him down. He wouldn’t have said Vasili Caville had a playful bone in his body, but this was the secret Vasili, the Vasili only Niko knew.
Niko reached up and tucked Vasili’s short hair behind his ear, then trailed his fingertips down the man’s jaw, making Vasili’s lashes flutter and his soft lips part. He leaned into Niko’s touch, seeking more, then captured Niko’s hand and pinned it to the floor above Niko’s head.
He grabbed Niko’s other hand and pinned that one too, so that Niko was trapped, both arms