~ DAVID ~
I tore through the hall to our bedroom suite, ignoring the salutes of the guards as I pushed into my room, then through to my private study.
Erik stood in the middle of the floor and turned to face me like I'd startled him. Or like he was afraid of me.
He hadn't looked at me like he was afraid of me… ever.
I stopped in my tracks, drinking in the sight of him, relief pouring through me like water in my veins.
"Erik!" I breathed.
He gave me an uncertain smile. "Surprise…" he said weakly.
I rushed around the couch to where he stood and threw myself at him, hugging him to my chest, tears pinching my eyes, especially when he stopped balking and let his head rest on my shoulder and his arms tightened around me.
We both stood that way for some time, thumping each other's backs, neither of us speaking, swallowing, breathing deeply to push through the emotion.
