He lets out a ragged breath, straightens his back, and leaves the room.
Disappointment burrows into my skin as I yank my bedcovers close. The interruption cut my pleasure short.
A voice carries through the door, someone speaking to Hector. I recognize Luc’s voice immediately, even though I cannot make out what he’s saying.
Hector steps back into our room, grabs his cloak, and tells me he needs to go with Luc.
I yank my pillow closer and sigh into the darkness. Things might have ended differently if Luc hadn’t interrupted us. Hector may have found his own release. I smile as I think of giving him that kind of pleasure.
I grumble about interruptions until I fall into a fitful sleep.
ChapterThirty-One
Morning light wanes over Karra as we leave the next day to look for the Seer’s sister. Hector travels with his usual group of warriors.
I glance around, but I don’t spot Everly on any of the horses. Keen disappointment hits me. I enjoy having her nearby.
Before we had left, I asked Hector why he still wanted to share a horse with me. He just gave me the kind of stare that set my pulse racing. So, I didn’t argue. Instead, I climbed on Hale and situated myself in front of Hector. I may have even scooted my bottom against him. Just a little, of course. His response had been a low curse and rocking me a few inches forward.
As we pass through the city gates, I remember what Everly said the night before. How we cannot travel through the mountains now. I even woke before Hector and moved the armor I stole from Leah to an empty bedchamber.
“Is it safe to travel to Mharra?” I ask after a while of riding in silence.
“Yes. It’s not far from here.”
As we travel further from the city, the trail gives way to narrow passages and large bodies of water. The sun hides behind thick clouds as we cross our fourth frozen lake. Flurries fall against my cloak as I cling to Hale and try to not worry about the treachery of crossing over a thin layer of ice.
I hunch forward as I think of the night before, and how Hector gave me pleasure. My body longs for more. My skin begs for his touch. My mouth yearns for the taste of his.
Last night after Hector left our room, I wondered how I was going to fight my attraction to him for the weeks or even months that we might be snowed in. When I woke up in the middle of the night, warm in his arms, I decided it would be impossible to fight it. And since he is my husband...
When the paths open in the Spring, I will have decisions to make. Until then, I hope we can both enjoy whatever moments we have. If we can’t have a future, maybe we can at least have a now.
The crisp wind bites against my cheeks as I lift my face, allowing it to freeze my skin. If only it would cool my desires too. If it did, I may no longer think about turning around and ravishing Hector.
I smile at the imagery, turning, grabbing him, and pressing my mouth to his. He’d probably inhale, and when he did, I would deepen the kiss. Then, he would bed me.
Well, not here, of course. That would be awkward, considering we’re not alone, and it’s freezing.
I sigh and drop my hand to my lap.
Hector wraps his arm around my waist and brings me against his body. “Why are you sighing?”
“Because I want you.” There’s no way I can suppress it any longer.
“Want me?”
Boldly, I reach behind me and slip my hand between us, brushing my fingers against him. “I want you to bed me.”
“Here?” The heat of his breath whispers against my cheek as he speaks with his mouth near my ear. “With everyone watching?”
Embarrassment flushes over my face. “Of course not.”
“Too bad.”
I gasp, then frown when he has the audacity to laugh.
“You’re jesting with me.”
