Aubriella turned away from him and stared once again out the window. She could remain silent as long as she wanted. He knew the truth. At some point in their acquaintance, they’d end up nakedtogether.
Aubriella had beenin the carriage with him for two days now. He hadn’t lied when he said they wouldn’t stop much. She’d had to beg him to stop at the last town so she could stretch her legs. Killian hadn’t kissed her again either. She wasn’t sure if she was disappointed orrelieved.
“How long until we get there,” she whined and hated herself for the tone in her voice. She really disliked traveling by carriage. Why had she ever thought this would be romantic? “I’m tired of sitting. I needtowalk.”
“You walked this morning,” he saidabsentmindedly.
“That was eight hours ago,” she exclaimed. “Won’t you need to change the horsesagainsoon?”
The jerk grew up traveling by carriage and probably didn’t think anything of this inhuman travel method. She was seriously starting to miss her nice car back home. They’d have arrived in Manchester the same day if they had it. Stupid horses and carriage—the seats were damn near as hard as a rock at this point. No matter what position she sat in she couldn’t find any comfort. She’d kill for a nice soft bed and a solid eight hours ofsleep.
“There is a town coming up soon,” he said. “Surely you can wait another hour before we stopagain.”
“Hour!” He had to bejoking.
“That’s not long,” he said dryly. “You act as if you’ve never traveled by carriagebefore.”
Aubriella almost snorted. If only he knew… What would he do if she spat out the truth. Probably detour to the nearest insane asylum and admit her. He didn’t seem open to the possibility of anything out of the ordinary. If she told him about her gifts, he’d think her evencrazier.
She hadn’t attempted to read him in a while. Unless he was feeling the emotion strongly, she didn’t notice it. One of the first things she’d learned was how to shield the emotions of others. Otherwise, she would have truly lost her mind a long time ago. Aubriella closed her eyes and took a deepbreath.
She expected to be hit with boredom. He was far from being in the fits ofennuithough. No, this man was struggling with desire—for her. Well, wasn’t that interesting… If he wanted her, why hadn’t he tried to kiss her again? Were his remarks about sex in a carriage what held him back? It couldn’t be that bad? Oh, hell, she was feeding off his emotions. She clenched her hands at her side. His building lust washed over her in waves and almost brought her to the edge of herownneed.
Damn it.She shouldn’t have started this little inquiry. It was going to come back to haunt her. A moan escaped from inside of her before she couldrepressit.
“What are you doing over there?” he askedwarily.
“I’m trying to find my center,” she said. “You know peace, love, andtranquility.”
His bark of laughter filled the carriage. “I’m not sure those are at yourcore,lass.”
She opened her eyes and met his gaze. His lips were tilted upward into a knowing smile. “Well, they better be. I have to find something to help me survive the rest of thisjourney.”
“Relax,” he told her. “The town will be upon us before yourealizeit.”
“You could distract me,” sheoffered.
“Withwhat?”
He hadn’t answered her questions about his father to her liking, but that didn’t matter yet. When the time arrived, she’d get him to tell her about all of it willingly. He was already too suspicious of her. “Tell me astory.”
“That’s not exactly my strong suit,” he said. “I lack the appropriateimagination.”
“I think you’re selling yourself short,” she retorted. “With the proper incentive, I believe you could be quitecreative.”
He might not be able to weave a tale of adventure and enchantment, but she’d be willing to bet his hands and mouth would be magical in the bedroom—or out of it if the need be. She had to find something else to think about other than him licking every inchofher.
“Aye,” he said. “If the moment is right, I suppose Icouldbe.”
Can he read her mind? No, he couldn’t. At least she hoped not. “What would the right moment be?” she couldn’t stop herself fromasking.
“Not this one,” he replied with a hint of disappointment in his tone. His expression said more than that though. His jaw was set into a firm line and left little to argue. He wasn’t about to budge on the decision he’dalreadymade.
“You’re not fun,” she said andpouted.
The carriage rolled to a stop. She’d been so engrossed in her conversation with Killian she hadn’t realized the time flew by. That, or he’d lied about how close they were tothetown.
“You’re in luck,” he said. “It appears your wish has been granted and we’ll be able to take a break here. Don’t wander far. I don’t mind leaving you behind once it’s time to leave. Changing the horses doesn’ttakelong.”
She stuck her tongue out. “I’ll be back in a quarter hour. Don’t leave without me, or you willregretit.”
“I live in fear of your retribution,” he deadpanned. “Lord save me from yourwrath.”
Amusement flooded her so strongly it almost knocked her to the ground. It was a nice feeling, and it looked good on Killian. He’d been so broody since she met him. She’d done this for him. This moment was worth every ounce of pain she’d enduredthusfar.
“Now you’re making fun of me,” she accused him, holding backagrin.
“Guilty,” he said then laughed. “Run whileyoucan.”
She had plans to make, a driver to steer in the wrong direction, and a bladder to relieve. Fifteen minutes wouldn’t be nearly enough time, but she’d make it work. The driver had to listen to her and her shortcut. Killian had to be as far away from Manchester as possible. Aubriella rather liked the overbearing oaf and refused to let him willingly head into danger. He was lucky to have her and one day he’d appreciate that. She smiled to herself and wenttowork.
