"I've found you."
Arik's voice came from above him, somehow deeper and different than before.
Liam turned so sharply that he hit Arik's chin with the top of his head.
Arik hissed, the sound was sharp, offended, and beautifully alive.
Liam froze with one hand still gripping the balcony rail and the other pressed against Arik's sleeve. "Did I hurt you?"
Arik's jaw shifted once. His expression remained terrifyingly composed, but his eyes narrowed in the way of a man reassessing whether rescue could include immediate retaliation.
"Yes."
Liam stared at him.
Then, because relief had destroyed the last useful part of his judgment, he laughed.
It came out breathless and shaky.
