Chapter 10

Immediately, Efren pulled Marcelo into his arms. Those strong arms in which he’d felt so safe last night when they’d wrapped around him, and earlier today when they’d lifted Marcelo on and off his horse.

Marcelo melted into the embrace, once again feeling safe. At home. Even on a pad of blankets on the ground, he felt at home. Or at ease, which was how one should feel when at home.

Marcelo slid his hand over Efren’s body, and heat radiated through the fabric of their nightshirts. Marcelo wrapped one arm around Efren’s waist, and with his other hand, clasped the muscled biceps pillowing his head.

They lay together for long minutes, simply breathing as each teasingly trailed his fingers over the other’s body. Efren’s breath puffed lightly against Marcelo’s face.

Perhaps Efren wouldn’t make a move. Was he waiting for Marcelo to do so, or did he wish simply to sleep? A full day on horseback would be tiring for even the strongest of riders.