His mind began to play off those memories.
“How much do you think she used?”
“All of it.”Tana turned and left.
Aodh continued up the stairs, his determination stronger than ever.
~YH~
Kai awakened.She was pulled from her sleep by something.At the moment, her mind was still entangled in sleep’s fog, trying to discern what had drawn her out.She would be good with another few winks of sleep, even though the profound bone-deep exhaustion she’d felt before was no longer upon her.She rested on her side, somewhere in the big bed, her body sunk deep into the bedding.She wasn’t sure all that made it up.But one thing she was sure of was that she had never slept on anything as soft or luxurious as what she was lying upon now.It felt comfortable.It had been years since she’d rested so well.
As she became more alert, guilt was right there waiting for her.Even during her sleep, her thoughts had not drifted far from Morlie.She wanted to know how her sister was doing and if she was getting better.Was that what woke me?
She lay there momentarily, attempting to acclimate herself to her surroundings.Eyes closed, she listened.She heard nothing but her soft breathing.She found the quiet around her unique.The day had started, but she could hear nothing beyond the large, massive window.It was time for her to rise and greet the day.That thought made her think about her sister, who could not do the same—more guilt.
Kai exhaled and told herself she’d done everything she could right now.
It was a struggle as she inhaled slowly, trying to persuade her body to get out of bed.She figured it was due to having slept with a full stomach, something she hadn’t had in weeks, maybe months.That satisfaction had aided her in falling into a heavy, exhausted sleep.
She inhaled again, taking a deeper breath.She started to stretch before getting up, but she paused, barely moving, becoming aware of something.Different?Not the heavy, savory aroma of the food she’d eaten.
She was trying to figure out the scent.She recalled that it was in the bedding and around the room.That scent had calmed her and made her feel safe.However, now it seemed more potent.Traces of the smell caused her mind to drift and put together an image of something, someone.If her body had not been at such extreme levels of exhaustion, the delicious scent may have reduced her to a dreamland where her mind would have conjured up fantasies she refused herself when she was awake.She put a label on the smell: a smoky, sweet cinnamon.So intense.
Her eyes popped open wide.She knew that source.She remained on her side, not moving a muscle.Only using her eyes, she peered beyond the edge of the blanket, first to the smooth stone wall, then to the chair she had been in, where she had eaten that sumptuous meal.Where Aodh had told her his people were some dragon-shifters.
She’d seen more than enough evidence to suggest he was not lying.It was true.Not only from him.But the two females she’d interacted with.
But that chair wasn’t empty.Aodh sat there.
There was no indication of how long he’d been sitting there, staring at her, observing her.Inside, part of her felt nervous and anxious and creeped out about being monitored while she slept.It didn’t sit well to have someone staring, taking in so much about her while she slept when she was vulnerable and unguarded.
She pondered silently.Why wasn’t she completely freaked out about having been observed unaware?And she knew the answer.And that answer was loud, bold, and clear, taking over everything inside her.It was because she desired this man—this dragon-shifter.
She didn’t move.Instead, she allowed Aodh to continue to stare at her as she took in the well-defined beauty of his face.She had never seen anyone such as him.No male in her past had such appeal.His stubborn, squared jawline was evident even hidden under the short, close-cut beard covering the lower half of his face.Then there were his lips.Perfect.Not as thick as hers.But they held a pale, reddish tint that made her think of heat, the flushed color when someone ate something spicy.
Through the material of his pants, she could make out a set of thick, muscular thighs.She moved her gaze high and enjoyed the sight of his hands.Those big, strong, imposing hands lay relaxed and linked in his lap.
How can he be so calm when everything inside me is going haywire?
He no longer wore his vest, and her gaze became captivated by his sculpted chest and corded bulky arms.The breadth of his shoulders fascinated her.They expanded so wide; the man was huge.The chair Kai had previously curled her whole body in, Aodh’s massive form hid.
Kai stared at Aodh and took in every bulging and corded muscle.But it was the markings that covered his body, urging her to lean in and trace them with the tip of her tongue that made her body ache.Every inch of his bare skin held the lines of his tattoo-like design.However, now, there was a ribbon of color weaving through the markings.She traced the flashes of colors as they moved from his hands and up his arms to his shoulders in a celeste blue, then to aqua.As the lines over his chest changed, they first appeared cyan over his chest and finally stopped at azure over the cut muscles of his abdomen.
The shifting of colors was foreign to her but enthralled her.For unknown reasons, the sight of those shades of blue caused her core to feel warm and achy.They made her want to experience his strong arms wrapped around her.
“So, you’re awake?”His voice rumbled low and filled the room, the sound of shifting mountains.
“How long have you been sitting there?Where I’m from, people would say watching someone while they slept is rude.Instead of making your presence known.”
“It’s my suite.I can do whatever I like.”These were the words of the dragon king.
She knew that was true.It was his space.“That doesn’t take away the rudeness of your behavior.If you want it back, then I’ll go.”She started to rise.
“No.”The single word was bold and commanding.
She sat up, the blankets pooling in her lap.She clutched the covers, needing something to do with her hands.Aodh’s presence made her feel anxious again.That was the excuse she was giving herself for why the tingles started in her body again, and her nipples drew tight.
“Did you rest well?”His gaze crossed over her face.
