“If you wanted to stay the night, you didn’t have to jump in harm’s way like that. But.” Alexei knew that he could come across as rude and uncaring, and it was just in his nature to treat this whole situation as if he were an act of business.

But, his heart was pounding—and not just from running so much just after fighting the youma.

Shiloh was taking this better than he’d expected, and he found himself offering him a small smile. “You did. You did a very good job protecting me. You were very brave. I’m not mad at you, I’m just happy that you’re all right. I was worried about you. I did everything I could.”

He unlocked the door to the car and carefully pulled the door open while still balancing Shiloh. He set him in the car seat gently and buckled him in, finishing his thought, “I just wish I could have kept you safe.”

Alexei closed the door to the car and moved around to the other side, fixing his hair and smoothing his jacket as he did so.

Shiloh was alive and they were both in one piece. Anything else could heal, and that was good enough for him.

For tonight.

Next time, they’d do better. He’d do better.

Kapoodles