“Yes, I am,” he replied with a low chuckle, though his eyes held a wary vulnerability.
She cupped his face in both hands, running her thumbs along his cheekbones.“You never have to hide it from me either, Fael.I see it—and I only see you.I want it.I wantyou.”
They kissed softly, a confirmation of everything they felt but hadn’t yetsaid.
When they pulled apart, Fael reached over and grabbed a towel from the dresser.Ren’wyn cleaned up, and he rolled her onto her side, tucking her into his chest beneath the blanket.
His hand moved in slow, soothing strokes along her side.As they drifted in and out of a shared, blissful haze, she enjoyed how perfect it felt to be in his arms, their magic still dancing in the air betweenthem.
The savory smell of food cooking drifted under the doorway.Ren’wyn hummed appreciatively, her stomach growling loudly enough for them both tohear.
His lips found the back of her neck, the imprint of his smile pressed into herskin.
“I think perhaps we should find some supper,” he muttered.
“Probably,” she agreed, though she wasn’t in a hurry to leave their cocoon.
He rolled her over and propped himself up on an elbow to gaze into her eyes.For a moment, she forgot her empty stomach entirely as that expanse of golden skin invited her to touch and taste.
“Let’s get dressed and find something to eat,” he said, kissing her nose.Then he added, his eyes darkening with promise, “and after that… I’m having you for dessert.”
23
Supper was delicious.Fael explained that the rich stew was made from wild deer native to the region.Her toes curled in her shoes every time their eyes met across the table.The way he licked his spoon clean was enough to make her squirm and clench her thighs.
The serving girls wouldn’t meet their eyes, though they peeked curiously from behind the bar.Each time they refilled the couple’s glasses, they scampered back, giggling and blushing.Ren’wyn’s cheeks burned as she realized they hadn’t been as quiet earlier as she’d thought.But Fael’s longing gaze banished any hint of regret.
They shared a bottle of sparkling white wine, growing pleasantly tipsy as they exchanged slow, lingering glances full of new promises and secrets.
When the younger serving girl approached with a tentative smile and asked if they wanted dessert, Ren’wyn blushed as Fael replied smoothly, “No, thank you.I think we’re allset.”
His hand, resting low on her back as they climbed the stairs, felt as hot as a brand.
As soon as he shut and locked the door, Fael dropped to his knees and lifted her skirt.His strong hands gripped her thighs as he pressed her against the wall.In one fluid motion, he pulled her underwear down and draped her right leg over his shoulder.
He had her gasping and crying out his name in less than a minute as his tongue weaved a pattern against her that she couldn’t resist.When he finally released her, the wall was covered in streaks of frost, and dark mist pooled at theirfeet.
“You too,” she begged, breathless, her body trembling.
Rising, he lifted her in one smooth motion.His skin burned hot beneath her fingers, his strength making her dizzy.He didn’t bother removing her dress—he bent her over the dresser, his hands firm and possessive as he flipped her dress up to expose her hips.She let him lay her flush with the wood and clenched tight around him as he pushed into her body, loving every powerful thrust of hiships.
As he climaxed, Fael braced one hand on the dresser to steady himself, his breath ragged, his skin covered in those tiny, orange flickers of magic.Then, in a gentle contrast to their intense love-making, he scooped her up and carried her to thebed.
He laid them down and pressed his head against her chest.“I want more,” he murmured against her collarbone.“But I can’t—notyet.”
Ren’wyn ran her fingers through his hair, smoothing the dark waves, and let her hands drift down the muscled expanse of his back before removing his shirt.She held him close until his head rested against her breast, his arm draped protectively over her stomach.The scars on his skin shone light and shiny against his tan complexion, and she traced each one, mapping his body beneath her hands.
“There’s time for more,” she whispered as he relaxed under her touch.“I promise you—there’s more of me togive.”
They let go for just long enough to undress.Fael’s eyes remained fixed on her, his gaze approving and hungry as her dress slipped away, baring her curves tohim.
“I might have lied to you,” Fael admitted as he settled besideher.
Surprise and fear caught her off guard.“What?”
“I pretended I didn’t remember waking in Sicen,” he confessed, his voice tinged with amusement.“But I do.I woke in a haze and saw every inch of your delicious legs, your backside, and most of your breasts bare and just within reach.”His smile was devilish.“I thought maybe I’d died of fever and gone beyond the Void to paradise.And...I might’ve said some rather foolish things.”
Finding herself laughing and unashamed, Ren’wyn asked, “And now?Does this live up to your hopes?”
