Page 100 of The Other Side

“He said it was the community that let us in. Sparlow that trusted us.”

“I wonder if we can just drive in next time. Save that hike.”

Osian chuckled. “Guess we’ll see.”

“I have tomorrow off. I want to sleep in. Only wake me for sex. But no more than three times.”

Osian reached over and put his hand on Drum’s neck and stroked gently.

“If you’re quick, you might not need to wake me,” Drum added.

Osian pinched him.

“Ouch. Well now I’m awake.”

“What would you like to do tomorrow?”

“Go for a ride, if we can get to the stables. Lie in the garden if it’s sunny. Oh, and I forgot to say thank you for cutting the lawn and tidying the flower beds. I had noticed but in the midst of everything else, I forget to say. And for cooking. And for cleaning. And for looking after me.” Drum yawned. “And for carrying me up to bed when we get home. Except I need a shower first.” He yawned again.

“A few more miles. Stay awake. Shower tomorrow.”

“Good idea.”

“We do have to talk but not while you’re exhausted.”

“About us?”

“Yes.”

“I do want there to be an us.”

“I do too.”

“I wish I’d missed you.”

Osian sighed. “I know what you mean but I’m glad you didn’t.”

Drum was out the moment his head hit the pillow. Osian lay at his side and watched him sleep. He was tired too but his mind refused to quieten down.

How could he make this work? Was it true he’d simply fade when his time ran out? Was there a clause in the agreement he’d struck with Belem that he’d missed? That faery in Sparlow had seemed fine, albeit spooked by him. Osian wanted to talk to him. If a faery had survived on this side, then maybe there was nothing to worry about. Except, what would Belem do if Osian disobeyed him? Not just to Osian, but to Drum.

Using the gate Drum had been brought back through felt far too risky. He had no idea where in Faeryland they’d end up. Could they even build a life there? Would they be safe, or able to make a living? And what about Osian’s family? Visiting them might put targets on their backs.

Too many questions.

Add in the complication of Jackson Ashford, sitting in a prison cell, awaiting trial. Drum was the key witness; his testimony was the only thing that would put Ashford away for life. Drum wouldn’t—couldn’t—leave until it was done. After everything he’d suffered, he needed to know it had been worth it.

Though it hadn’t, Osian thought, a cold knot tightening in his chest. I almost lost him.

And then there was the darker fear lurking in Osian’s heart: a quiet dread that this was all they got. Just this brief, borrowed time. It didn’t matter that Belem had bound him to search for Drum—he would have searched the worlds for him anyway. He’d never known true happiness until he found him, and now he wanted him forever.

A tiny, desperate part of him wondered if he could appeal directly to the Queen. He recalled Leaf’s sceptical reaction, his doubt that Osian would even get close enough to speak to her. Besides, what if she already knew about Belem’s games? What if she recognised the rot in her consort and simply didn’t care?

No. Drum would never be safe in Faeryland. They had to find a way to make it work on this side.

Osian needed to recall every single word of his bargain with Belem. The exact phrasing might be their only salvation, or their undoing. But at least he’d know.

He curled closer, gently taking hold of Drum’s hand.