Page 17 of A Winter Awakening

And the sound went straight to Orteo’s cock. He watched Gael’s slender throat as it worked, swallowing the food.

“Would you like me to visit you regularly?” Orteo asked, voice husky. He cleared his throat. “I can make sure you are all right. And I could show you how to keep a fire going or anything else you need.”

Gael swallowed. “That would be wonderful. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everything you’re doing for me. And I can pay you for it.”

“No!” Orteo blurted.

Gael stopped chewing.

“I don’t want your money,” Orteo said gently. He pulled over a wooden chair and sat by Gael. “I just want to take care of you.”

“Why?” Gael asked after a pause.

“I just…like to look after you and make sure you are all right.”

A blush spread across Gael’s cheeks. The blanket slipped from his lean shoulder.

Orteo hand’s itched to stroke the exposed skin, but instead he lifted the blanket and tucked it around Gael’s shoulders. His finger accidentally brushed Gael’s throat. Gael inhaled sharply.

Orteo paused. Gael admired Orteo. But was that all it was? Orteo couldn’t tell. Orteo didn’t want to pressure him. Especially when he relied so heavily on Orteo at the moment. Perhaps he should wait for Gael to make the first move. Or at least until he was completely certain of Gael’s feelings. He dropped his hand.

A knock sounded.

“Enter,” Gael called out.

The cabin door opened, and Ori and Wareth appeared. “Morning,” Ori said.

Orteo’s arousal and good mood melted away.

“Good morning!” Gael said cheerfully.

“Morning,” Orteo mumbled. He rose and took a step back.

“How did it go last night?” Ori asked.

“I had so many problems,” Gael said. “I’m such a nincompoop. I ruined the fire Wareth started, and I burnt the food that was left for me. I turned the fire into a smoky mess, so I had to open the door. Then I fell asleep and didn’t close the door, so all the cold came in. It was terrible. I don’t know how to do anything!” Then his gaze slid to Orteo. “But Orteo came. He helped me. He lit the fire and bought me food.”

Ori’s gaze flitted to Orteo before returning to Gael. He smiled. “Well, I’m glad you’re all right. And don’t feel too bad. You should have seen what happened the first time I tried to mop!” He laughed.

A laugh that sounded so much like Letira’s. Orteo’s jaw clenched as the image of her smiling and laughing filled his mind.

“I need to get going,” Orteo said. He needed to leave. He needed to get away from the memories and guilt.

“So soon?” Gael asked.

“Yes. I have a few things to do. But I’ll be back this afternoon,” Orteo said. After all, he’d told Gael he’d care for him. And he would do it. He wouldn’t let Gael down. Not like he had his sister.

“Goodbye,” he said and turned and left.

As he shut the door, he heard Gael call out goodbye.

He closed his eyes, hand still resting on the handle. Perhaps he could care for Gael and look after him. But that wouldn’t undo how he’d let down his sister and his nephews. He could never make up for that.

ChapterEleven

Gael tapped his hand on the armrest of the chair. He stared at his swollen ankle, which had been propped up on a cushion. A book lay open on his lap.

When is Orteo coming?