It was. And he was entirely too close for her peace of mind.

“W-what?” She licked her lips.

“Seating Houston between Tina and Mrs Stewart.”

“No. It wasn’t nice!” Houston stamped up beside Atlas.

Romy held back her grin, with effort. “I believe it was you who told me I couldn’t please everyone.” She shrugged. “I just took your advice.”

Houston was dressed in a bright-coloured shirt with an unusual print. “I specifically told you I didn’t want to be next to dragon bitch.”

Romy squeaked in the effort to restrain her laughter in front of Atlas. She had to say he didn’t seem too upset with the doctor insulting Tina. “You did mention that. It was very helpful.”

“But how did you know to put Mrs Stewart on my other side?” he asked.

Romy peeked between her lashes at the man beside her.

Houston stabbed Atlas in the chest. “You?” He rubbed his finger after.

Atlas grinned. “I just told Rosemary I didn’t want to be next to her,” he said, with a glance at Romy. She lifted a brow.

“Why did you listen to him and not to me?” Houston exploded.

Romy laughed. He really was worked up over this. “Well, you were already in my bad books. And—”

“And Atlas is a prime mating partner,” he finished.

“No, that’s not—” Her face flamed. She avoided looking anywhere near Atlas.

Houston’s eyes glinted in the growing moonlight. “Payback, little skyling. Gotta go. Enjoy.”

“I don’t know what he’s talking about.” Romy turned to Atlas, still not looking straight at him.

Atlas’s brows rose high. “You don’t think I’m a prime mating partner?”

His half-smile was back. She eyed him suspiciously and sniffed. “No. I don’t.”

Atlas laughed. “Feisty.”

She secretly savoured the sound, her heart stopping as Atlas reached a hand around her waist and drew her in to his side. She leant in to him, hesitantly, inhaling his eucalyptus smell.

“I’ve decided I’m not leaving you alone tonight,” he said conversationally.

Romy frowned. “As if that were your choice.”

The kitchen workers were lighting the lanterns now that the last rays of daylight were fading. The lantern above them illuminated Atlas’s grin. His eyes were the gentlest she’d ever seen them.

“Seeing as most of the men in this camp are staring at you, I think it best.”

She tugged on her dress. “No they’re not.” She reached a hand up to her hair.

Atlas stopped the motion with his own hand. “Yes. They are. You look surreal.” His eyes burned into hers. He touched her hair as though afraid to mess it up. “It looks like you’re wearing a halo with the light above you.”