Ryan dismissed the crowd, urging them to feast and break their fast at Pride House. Trip and Marc hung back, watching their people disperse as they headed away from the clearing. Ryan tucked El’s hand through his arm, and as a duo, they approached Marc and Trip.
Ryan let her go the instant they stood before them, and Trip placed his hands on El’s waist. Holding her against him, he hugged her tightly. “Well done, darling.”
She nuzzled her forehead against his cheek, and the tender gesture filled him with such warmth that once again these confusing feelings of love flooded him. He breathed in her flowery scent, loving it and loving her at that moment. Claudia’s words were a distant memory, but though they still were packed with the power to hurt, they didn’t hurt him nor did they damage in
