Page 94 of Guiding Desire

“Next time. Maybe.”

Orrey frowned at the Guardian, whose grin showed no sign of faltering.

“Put me down at least. I should walk. You don’t have to carry me.”

“Usually, I exercise. Didn’t have the time today. Would you please let me carry you the rest of the way so I get at least a small workout in?”

“Senlas, you don’t look like carrying me is costing you any effort at all.”

The grin went from mild to blinding. “Thanks for noticing, kitten.”

“I didn’t, that wasn’t—fine. But this is not funny. I’m not exercise equipment.”

Senlas’s eyes darkened. “There are so many things I’d like to say in response to that, but I don’t want to embarrass you.” He leaned closer. “Just know that I’m up for working out with you whenever you say the words.”

“Of course. We can go for a run if you want or—”

“Kitten.”

Three noisy steps, it took Orrey three noisy steps until he got it, his cheeks heating proportionally to the delay.

“Oh.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Orrey was still embarrassed, but not just. The Guardian’s interest was undoubtedly flattering, unexpected in its intensity, and…sweet?

From his vantage point in Senlas’s arms, Orrey paid more attention to the building, which seemed tall, just going by all the stairs. They folded around a central well, oval and echoey. The place looked gloomy since the wood was dark, but a skylight from above let in light that licked along the swirls and shapes carved into the wooden banister itself and the doorframes Orrey saw on each landing.

“What is this place?” Orrey asked.

“Mostly it’s just old. Vin’s family owns the building. They’re all Conduits, his sisters, their mothers. This part they rent out. Vin moved into the apartment at the top when he was nineteen. I think they may have teased him a little bit too much about being the odd one out as a boy and a Guardian.”

“You’re saying this is a regular apartment building. That people can rent.”

“Well, they prefer Conduits, but yeah. Anyone can apply.”

“But no regulars.”

Senlas looked down at Orrey. “No. We are on the Grounds. Kitten, you’re looking like I said something wrong.”

Orrey sagged against Senlas’s chest. “Not at all. Just…I never came across anything like this when looking for a place to live. Outside. All the places I’ve seen on the Grounds are really beautiful.”

“Okay. But, are you saying you’d rather live here, in this rickety building, than at our place?”

“What? No. I just mean this staircase is beautiful. And the doorframes. I can’t even comprehend how much wood went into building this.”

Senlas hummed. “I see. Not my thing, to be honest. Wooden furniture is too creaky and reminds me too much of being outside the wall. Anyway, feel free to do some shopping in antique stores for it. The only reason you find so much of it here is because the Grounds are so old. Another reason for me to move out, actually.”

Up above, someone cleared their throat, and Coldis’s head of rich brown hair appeared at the banister two flights above them. “Why are you walking so slowly, Senny?”

“Orrey was sleeping, and I didn’t want to wake him.”

“Aww, cute. He’s awake now though, so move your butt.”

His head vanished, and Senlas sighed before he began taking the steps two at a time.

“You really can put me down if—”