“How much did you have to pay her?” I ask.
Ravager startles. “Shit, Devil. You’re awake.”
“How much? Healing work this extensive isn’t cheap.”
“It doesn’t matter.” He rises and replaces the fire poker in its holder.
“I’ll pay you back. I’m going to try to get my share of the Javelins’ savings—it’s only fair. If they disagree, I’ll have to persuade them—”
“Devilry.” He’s at my side, closing both his big hands over mine. “I took care of it.”
“But you can’t have much money. I mean, look at this. You live in one tiny room.”
“You’re critiquing my living quarters?”
“Not exactly… I mean, it’s acleanroom, but I don’t want the cost of my healing to be a burden—”
His fingers cover my mouth and he releases an exasperated laugh. “Take the gift, Devil. Consider it your payment for saving my life so heroically. Although having a pretty, naked girl in my bed is reward enough.” He winks.
Impulsively, I bite the hand covering my mouth.
“Ow, shit!” He jerks his hand back.
“Did Witch happen to mention Candle?” I ask.
“Yes.” His eyes soften regretfully.
“Oh god—is she dead?”
“No, but she had another episode while you were gone. Witch had just arrived to check on her, as you requested, so she was able to repair some of the damage. She took Candle to her own home to watch over her until your return. Witch said she doesn’t mind having Candle as a guest for a few weeks, until you figure out what you’re going to do.”
“Did you tell Witch I’m no longer a Javelin?”
“I didn’t have to, love. She drew her own conclusions, especially after I said you didn’t want them to know you were back.”
“Of course.” I press my fingertips to my temples. Even though I feel physically well and rested, my thoughts and emotions are still jumbled. I need something to ground me,something to help me purge the restless, combative emotions in my heart.
Lifting my eyes, I survey Ravager’s broad shoulders and lean, muscled physique.
Just the thing.
“Thank you for calling Witch, and for giving me the message about Candle,” I say softly.
He smiles, the creases I love deepening at the corners of his eyes. “No thanks required. You know that. Didn’t I already prove that I’ll do anything for you?”
“Is that so?” Holding his gaze, I arch a brow and give him a playful smirk. “I might need more convincing.”
His blue eyes burn, and he leaps onto the mattress. “Let’s have a look under here, shall we? I need to make sure you’re fully healed.”
He grabs at the sheet and I squeal, holding it in place up to my chin. Ravager runs his hands over my body through the sheet, groping my breasts, belly, and hips with a reckless hunger that turns me hot and shortens my breath. He lowers his body on top of mine, with only the thin layer of fabric between us, and he tries to kiss me, but I turn my face aside with feigned petulance.
“I want you to fight for it,” I whisper. “Force me.”
Uncertainty flickers in his eyes. “Are you sure, after—”
After what Slaughter would have done to me. After the danger and threats I’ve endured from men my entire life.
“You’re the only one I would play this game with.” I run my finger down his forehead, along his nose, over his lips. “If I want you to stop, I’ll say ‘Annordun.’”
