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The courier nods eagerly, tucking the scroll away. "Thank you, sir. I'll tell Lord Kaz'Turoth of your recommendation."
"One more thing," I add as he turns to leave. "Tell Domno this makes us even for Shozuh."
The courier looks confused but nods. "I'll relay the message."
I watch him hurry down the path until he disappears into the forest before closing the door and securing the locks—another old habit.
"Who was that?"
Trinity stands in the hallway, her hair now loose around her shoulders, wearing one of my old shirts that hangs to her knees. The sight of her in my clothes still sparks something primal in my chest.
"Job offer," I say, crossing to her in three strides.
Her expression shifts, something wary entering her eyes. "Oh? Where to this time?"
I slide my hands around her waist, pulling her against me. "Nowhere. I turned it down."
"You... what?" She tilts her head back to study my face. "Was it not enough money?"
"It was fifteen novas," I murmur, bending to brush my lips along the column of her throat. She smells like sweetberries and our daughters, a combination that makes my chest ache.
She stiffens in my arms. "Fifteen novas? And you said no?"
I lift my head to meet her gaze. "I'm exactly where I want to be," I say simply. "Here. With you. With our daughters."
Trinity's eyes search mine, like she's looking for the lie, the hidden agenda. Old habits die hard for her, too.
"I sent them to Domno," I add, running my thumb along her lower lip. "He owes me a favor anyway."
A slow smile spreads across her face, transforming her in that way that still makes my breath catch. "You're staying."
"I'm staying," I confirm, capturing her mouth with mine. She melts against me, her arms twining around my neck, fingers threading into my hair. When we break apart, she's breathless, her cheeks flushed.
"The twins are asleep," she whispers against my lips. "For now."
I growl low in my throat, lifting her easily. Her legs wrap around my waist as I carry her toward our bedroom. "Then we should make the most of it."
And I do. I plan to make the most of every moment with my little family, the one I never expected to have.
The one I will never let go of now.