After gently stroking the babies' heads, Madha moved closer to Gara.
Without thinking, his hand brushed over Gara's hair.
A giant exclamation mark went off in Gara's head. What the hell? He pets my kids and then pets me? Does he think I'm a baby too?! Gara fumed inwardly, though his ears betrayed him, turning red.
Madha, oblivious, said calmly, "I have the day off."
"Vice-captain Emir probably gave you the night off hoping you'd join the dinner. Go, have fun with the others." Gara nudged Madha's muscular arm lightly.
"I can't enjoy myself unless I'm with you," Madha replied, face composed as always, while Gara's heart skipped a beat all over again.
Gara swallowed his embarrassment. "Just go ahead first. When Mom gets back, I'll come over. Bring Fian too."
After Gara insisted, Madha finally stood. But before leaving, he bent down and brushed a quick kiss against Gara's soft lips.
When the man walked away, Gara could only scream inside his heart.
...
