“Nothing to worry about, just a splinter,” I reassure her as I peer at my hand, trying to see if I can pull it out.
“Here, let me,” she says and gets up on her knees to move closer.
I hold my hand up for her, and she twists and turns it, trying to find the best angle in the minimal light.
“Ah, there it is. Do you want me to pull it out?”
I chuckle. “If you’re offering.”
With a swift movement, she pulls the splinter out of my hand and tosses it toward the fire.
“All better,” she says. “Oh, wait, you’re bleeding.”
I look down, and sure enough, a bead of blood exits the tiny wound. “It’s nothing.”
She stares at the droplet, her jaw clenching. How odd. Raelyn shakes her head and sits back on her heels.
“I’m sorry, love, I’ll keep in mind that blood makes you squeamish.”
“What? No!” she says, almost sounding alarmed. “Hang on.”
Her hand slips into a slit in the side of her dress, and she pulls out a dagger—my dagger. I hold my breath, trying not to react as she slices a small piece of fabric from her gown and ties it around my hand.
The tiny cut probably doesn’t need the makeshift bandage, but I’m not about to stop her.
“There. Probably not the most sanitary, but better than nothing. Maybe a healer can check it in the morning?”
“I’m sure it will be fine,” I say, watching as she slides the dagger back into her gown, into what I assume is a thigh sheath underneath. Gods, why is the thought of her wearing my blade so damn arousing? How I’d love to drag her skirt up so I could see it with my own eyes.Fuck. I’m in dangerous territory.
A yawn escapes her. “Sorry, I’m tired.”
I pat the blanket gently. “Why don’t you lie down and sleep a little? I’ll keep watch.”
“Are you sure?” she asks. “I hate to leave you awake on your own.”
“No need to worry about me. I don’t mind the quiet.” Though being alone with my thoughts might prove risky for my heart. “Oh, wait.” I jump up and run back to Phantom, who is looking at us with judgmental eyes. I scratch behind his ears and pull a carrot out of the saddlebag, which he chomps gratefully. Grabbing another blanket, I return to the fire. Raelyn has finished her wine and is now lying on her side on the bedroll, her head propped up on her satchel.
I can’t help but take in her lovely form and the way her curves slope and dip in that position. My mind goes to the hidden blade, and I curse the direction my thoughts have gone yet again.
“Um, here’s a blanket for you.”
She yawns once more and offers a sleepy thanks as I drape the blanket over her. I don’t mind looking after her . . . this woman who will become my wife in just a few hours.
I shake my head.On paper only. Don’t forget it.
“Thank you again, Kian,” she whispers, and damn, my heart warms at her words.
Her delicate eyelashes kiss her cheeks and her face relaxes as she almost immediately drifts off to sleep.
Oddly enough, I’m wide awake—perhaps it’s the thought of being married in a few hours. As I stare at my sleeping betrothed, I can’t help but wonder why in Luna’s name I proposed this arrangement. She is captivating and strong . . . and I love her sense of humor, but perhaps I haven’t thought this all the way through. I fell for her once, and I’m dangerously close to letting her in again. Just the thought of dishonoring our marriage vows and finding other women to warm my bed feels wrong, but I need to keep my distance. I swore to myself I wouldn’t let her hurt me again.
Faint streaksof light crack the night sky as dawn makes its arrival. I rise to my feet and stretch, my body sore after sitting on the hard ground for hours. The fire has dulled to embers, and I quickly pack the leftover food and drink into the saddlebags.
Kneeling down next to Raelyn, I nudge her shoulder. “Sorry, love. It’s time to wake up.”
She startles and blinks sleep-filled eyes at me, her body stretching like a cat’s.
“Gods, how long was I out?”
