“I’m sorry,” he said. Arden stood just tall enough to reach Kade’s chin, making him the perfect height for Kade to press his cheek on top of his head.
It was like magic, how quickly Arden grew calmer after he felt Kade’s heat enclose him. His tenseness disappeared, along with all the residual terror that had been making him freeze up.
It was almost like his body had already been conditioned to feel safe and protected the moment it received Kade’s touch.
Just this once, Arden allowed himself to not only savor it but also to take more. He raised a hand to touch Kade’s forearm.
“I know you’re probably fine,” he said, his voice quiet but stable. “I know it’s probably for nothing that I’m making you do this. I’m the one who’s sorry, Kade. There’s nothing for you to apologize for.”
After s
