He didn’t resist her, letting her pull him down. She sighed as she curled up in his lap, her head against his shoulder. It was hard to explain, but she felt better with him around. She felt safe, secure. After years of having to rely on herself rather than run the risk of having to return to her family, tail between her legs, it was nice to have someone. Even if it was an illusion.
She was more than familiar with the rush of battle and the closeness it could forge. She’d seen more than a few of her comrades fall for each other in the heat of battle, only for their marriages to fall apart in the cold light of a peacetime day. But for right now, she’d take the comfort, even if it was fleeting.
Silence stretched out between them. Comfortable, but charged. His hand swept up her arm, and her
