Page 71 of A Siren Song for Christmas
Jack led him into the sweltering library. Trent immediately started to sweat.
“Sorry, she needs it to be hot in here. That’s what Avery says.” Jack smiled at the big red dragon.
Avery lay curled up before the fire, surrounded by his hoard of books. An egg lay on a blanket by his side. Carrie, Jack’s iguana familiar, sat on a cushion on a shelf above the fireplace. Avery lifted his head as Trent entered.
“Hi, Carrie. Hi, Avery,” Trent said. “We’ve missed you at the bakery. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been a bit lethargic.”
“He says hi too.” Jack and Avery could speak telepathically, which was part of being mated to a dragon. “And he misses you as well. Now come say hi to your niece.”
Trent came in close, gazing down at the egg. “Hello.” Trent smiled. But honestly he wasn’t sure how to speak to a dragon egg.
Trent asked them questions about how Avery and their egg were doing. Jack answered, pride and love shining in his voice. He seemed to have forgotten all about Malachi, which Trent was glad for.
“I should probably head off,” Trent said after they’d been talking for a while.
They said their goodbyes, Trent promised he’d visit again soon, and he left. He walked the streets, feet moving slower than usual as he made his way to Malachi’s. He didn’t know if he should go. But Malachi would be expecting him. And he hated the idea of Malachi worrying if he didn’t turn up.
He thought of Avery, Jack, and their egg. Trent had always wanted a family one day. He’d always liked the idea of adoption, of bringing in someone like Cas who didn’t have any family. Trent was still young, of course. Only nineteen. He had plenty of time.
But even if he gave Malachi all the time in the world, he wouldn’t want a family with Trent.
Finally he reached the Aquatic Horticultural Emporium. He took a deep breath as he gazed up at the painted lettering. From here, it looked like only one of the lanterns had been left on inside the store. Malachi was waiting up for him as usual.
He knocked. The door opened. And there was Malachi, smiling. And despite all the pain, Trent smiled back, the hurt inside him lessening.
If only he could love me.
“I thought you might not be coming. It’s a bit later than usual.” Malachi took Trent’s coat from him and hung it up.
“I had to drop off some food at Jack and Avery’s. I got caught up talking to them.” Trent frowned. “I’m sorry if I’m too late.Maybe I should have stayed at home. Perhaps I’ve kept you up. And I just realised I didn’t bring anything from the bakery and?—”
“I am glad you came. And don’t worry. I bought some food for our supper.” Then Malachi leaned forward and kissed Trent. It was just a pressing of lips against lips. But for Trent the kiss felt like joy and happiness.
I don’t want to lose this! I can’t lose this!
And as the kiss deepened, all Trent could think of was that maybe, maybe Malachi’s feelings would change one day. Maybe if Trent was patient and gave Malachi enough time, he could come to love Trent like Trent wanted.
“It isn’t wise to go on like this. You deserve someone who loves you.”
Ordelia’s words swam through his head. But as he and Malachi kissed, Trent knew he was right where he wanted to be.
So he clung to Malachi’s shoulders like a man drowning and kissed him, with all his wishes, his desires, and the deepest hopes of his heart.
He knew this was a terrible idea. He knew he’d probably end up with a broken and bleeding heart.
But I want him. I love him. I don’t want anyone else.
Chapter
Thirty-Six
As Malachi kissed Trent, he couldn’t help but feel that something was off.
He couldn’t put his finger on what exactly. But there had been something in Trent’s smile, in his eyes, and in this kiss that didn’t feel quite right.
He’s probably just tired. Probably just exhausted from the day.
Trent surged forward, arms tight around Malachi. His tongue slipped into Malachi’s mouth. The niggling thoughts disappeared as Malachi lost himself in the kiss and feel of Trent’s lithe body against him.