“Are you sure you don’t need help?” Turner eyed the heavy suitcases Julian was hefting. The things must have weighed a ton since they were filled with books. Expecting this to be his last move before the one to the village, Julian had emptied his bookcases, but instead of using boxes, he was using duffel bags and suitcases he’d collected from their neighbors.

“I got it. Only one more round and I’m done. Robert is going to help me move my desk.”

Julian muscled the suitcases out the door. “Can you close it for me?”

“Sure.”

“Thanks. I’ll be back in a few minutes, so don’t start anything yet.” He winked.

Turner was still adjusting to the immortals’ casual attitude toward sex. The guy was talking about his mother as if she was a roommate.

“I apologize on Julian’s behalf,” Bridget said.

“It’s fine.”

“For a moment, you looked scandalized.”

She was getting better at reading his subtle facial cues. “I like Julian, and I don’t want him to think he has to leave on my account.”

“He does not. I told you, Amanda asked him to do it as a favor to her, and he was more than happy to say yes. I think he is relieved. A guy his age doesn’t want to live with his mother. He prefers to share an apartment with another dude. After all, he’s lived with other guys for the past seven years. Moving in with me probably seemed like a step backwards to him.”

“I’m surprised that he doesn’t mind an ex-Doomer as a roommate.”

Bridget smiled. “The young find it easier to accept Robert. Dalhu as well. They didn’t witness the atrocities the Doomers committed. Knowing about it is not the same as living through it.”

“Did you?”

“It’s not going to work, Victor. I’m not going to tell you how old I am, so stop fishing.”

“I’m not fishing.” He was.

It was annoying that she kept her age a secret from him. As if it would’ve bothered him to find out she’d lived a few centuries. It would’ve only made her even more fascinating. He could’ve asked her about events she might have witnessed, events he had a feeling were not reported correctly in the history books.

But if she kept refusing, maybe he could find someone else who was old enough to shed light on some of those events.

“Who is the oldest immortal living here in the keep?”

She arched a brow. “If you’re asking whether I’m that person, the answer is that I’m not.”

He pulled her into his arms. “Given how touchy you are about the subject, I’m starting to suspect that you’re ancient.”

She pushed on his chest, but he held on. “I just want to know who could tell me things about historical events I’m curious to find the truth about. That’s all. You can keep your secrets.”

She relaxed and let him hold her. “Kian is the oldest. But you’ll have to ask him how old.”

“Is he also shy about his age?”

“No. But it’s his choice whether he wants to tell you or not.”

“I’ll ask him on the trip. Five hours in the air should give us plenty of time to chat about non-business related stuff.”

“It’s six hours to the big island. But good luck with that. Knowing Kian, he is going to take work with him. The guy never rests.”

“In that case, you and I can use the time to make out in the bathroom.”

Bridget laughed. “Not going to happen, buddy. You’ll have to wait for a commercial flight to join the mile-high club.”

“I’ll have to charter a private plane just for that.”

“You’re serious? You would do that?”

“Why not? I want to experience as many things as possible with you.” What he hadn’t added was the before I die.

But he didn’t need to. As Bridget’s smile wilted, she leaned her head against his chest. “I didn’t want to come on this trip, but I’m glad you convinced me to go. There is so much I want to do with you.”

He rubbed small circles on her lower back. “It must be difficult for you. You’re used to thinking in terms of boundless time, but for me it is finite.”

She nodded. “I was so busy with the presentation that I didn’t take the time to pause and ponder on life with you. Regardless of what happens, and when it happens, we need to make the most of each day. Do you have a bucket list? Because I want to check off all the items on it.”

Turner chuckled. “I don’t, but I’ll make one.” Wanting to lighten the mood that had suddenly become heavy, he added, “Just so you know, though, it’s all going to be about where and how we have sex.”

With a mock stern expression, she waggled a finger at him. “I don’t share, so no crazy ideas about threesomes.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it. I don’t share either. Any other limitations?”

“No.”

He arched a brow. “Are you sure?”

For a moment, she looked uncomfortable. “I know that there is some crazy shit out there. I’m not naive. But you don’t strike me as a sexual deviant.”

He lifted her up and kissed her hard. “I’m not. I have nothing weird in mind, and I’m not all that imaginative either. Besides, we will never do anything you’re not comfortable with. In fact, I’m pretty sure you’ll have some ideas that are going to shock me and not the other way around.”

The little smirk on her lush lips confirmed his suspicions. “I promise not to shock you.”

“On the contrary, please do.”