Page 25 of A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas

They walked on.

“What should I call you?” Percival asked.

Then it hit Leo. Because of course Percival had forgotten Leo, since he’d forgotten everything! That explained why Percival didn’t dislike him, would be willing to trust Leo, and was still gripping his wrist.

No doubt when he got his memories back, he’d remember his hatred of Leo. Then they’d go back to how it had been. But for now, he’d try to be nice to the terrified reborn baby bird.

“My name is Leo.” He wasn’t sure what else there was to say. He didn’t think it would be helpful in their current situation for him to tell Percival that they pretty much hated each other.

He wondered how long it took for phoenixes to get their memories back after being reborn.

They did get their memories back, didn’t they? His gaze flicked to the phoenix. Surely they must! But then again, he barely knew anything about phoenixes.

What the fuck am I going to do if he doesn’t remember anything?

Leo closed his eyes and took a breath. His brain had turned to sludge with exhaustion. He couldn’t work this out tonight.

They walked through the lanes and alleys. No other person could be seen this late at night. Leo yawned. His eyes drooped as he imagined snuggling down into his bed.

Percival turned and stared at him. “Are we lovers, Leo?”

Chapter

Eleven

“Are we lovers, Leo?” Percival asked the handsome man beside him.

It would explain a lot.

Like why Leo had been the one to find him. Why Percival just knew in his bones that he could trust Leo. And why Percival wanted to keep his hand firmly wrapped around Leo’s wrist.

Percival’s nerves calmed with the simple contact. He wanted to keep touching Leo too. He wanted the man to embrace and hold him. Perhaps on some level, Percival could remember who they’d been to each other in his previous life. So even though he couldn’t remember Leo now, he could still remember his feelings for the man.

Having Leo as his lover was a nice thought. Leo was very attractive with his thick brown hair, luscious lashes, plump lips, and heart-shaped face. Percival would enjoy curling up next to him, wrapping his arms around that body in bed, kissing him, and making love.

Then he could fall asleep in Leo’s arms. And despite the loss of his memories and the panic swirling violently in his chest, hejust knew he’d be able to sleep and take comfort lying with Leo. He somehow knew Leo would look after him and keep him safe.

But then Leo spluttered. “What? No!” He let out a shocked laugh.

Percival flinched at the hardness in Leo’s tone. He broke eye contact, lowering his chin.

Was them being lovers so outrageous to Leo? Why?

He released Leo’s wrist. Immediately he felt the loss and the comfort the touch brought.

The raven clicked.

“I mean…,” Leo said, voice gentler now. He paused. He rubbed his face. “You see, we don’t actually know each other that well.”

“Oh.” Then why did he feel so drawn to Leo? Why did he feel he could put his faith in the man? Why did he yearn to touch him? “Are we at least friends?”

Leo didn’t answer immediately. “Not really.” But then he rushed on, “Like I said, we don’t really know each other.”

Percival wrapped his arms around his stomach. He stared ahead into the dark shadows of the alley. Fat snowflakes fell. A rat ran along a window ledge.

I’m alone. I’m utterly alone.

Percival didn’t know who he was. Where he was. He didn’t know if he had any family or friends. Or where they were. He had no one except this man beside him, and despite him feeling close to him, it turned out they barely knew each other.