* * *
Hector pulls me into his arms, waking me a short while later. Warmth seeps through my clothes as I melt against him. Needing this. Needing him.
“Did you sneak into my bed?” he murmurs against my hair.
“I didn’t sneak.” I slide closer to him. “I merely sought the warmth of your quarters on this cold night.”
“So, my bed has become your haven from the chill?” he asks, a teasing lilt to his voice.
“Yes, and it’ssohot.” Boldly, I slip my legs between his muscular thighs. “Perhaps I should venture here more often if such warmth awaits me.”
He draws back enough to tilt my chin up, his eyes sparking in the dim light of the torch.
“Venture here as you will but know this bed—and its keeper—will always provide you warmth.”
My heart flutters at the tenderness behind his words. “Then, I shall mark this place as a sanctuary, known for its unparalleled warmth andmostgracious chieftain.”
“Sol.” He runs his hand against my back.
“Yes?”
His hand slides higher to cup the back of my neck. “Are you all right after healing so many wounded earlier?”
“I’m well.” I pull back enough to meet his gaze and see the exhaustion stamped into his features. “Are you?”
“Yes.”
Needing to know for myself, I inch back more and slide my hands up and down his bare arms, feeling him, touching him, assuring myself that he hides no injuries.
“You just want to touch me,” he teases.
It’s true. Idowant to touch him, but right now I need to know he’s not hiding any wounds from me.
“Roll over. Let me look at your back.”
His biceps bulge as he folds his arms and shakes his head at me. “I’m well, Sol.”
I place my palms against his chest and study him in the dim light. “You could be hiding an injury from me.”
“I’m not.”
A familiar voice slices through the tent, shattering the moment. “Hector.”
Luc!
He really does have terrible timing.
Luc calls out again. “Hurry, Hector. Mildred knows what relic Jerrod wants, and she wants to talk to you about it.”
Hector stand and pulls on his surcoat.
“I better go.” Torchlight skims him as he gives me a long, tender look, then leaves the tent.
I sink back against the bed and pull Hector’s pillow close, wishing he was still with me.
Luc’s words return.“Mildred knows what relic Jerrod wants.”
Nerves flutter in my chest as I press a clenched fists against my mouth and will Hector to defeat Jerrod and return Everly to us.
