Why was there no food? Water? The hollowness of her stomach reminded her how long it had been since they'd eaten. Her thirst seemed to suddenly build until her mouth seemed dry as sand.
The smile Ari gave when he neared nearly stole the breath from her lungs, chasing her growing annoyance. At moments like this, her worries were forgotten and his handsome visage toyed with her senses. The recollection of his kiss, his touch, set off more of those delicious tingles that danced along her skin. She shook her head, trying to grab hold of the alarm from moments ago. It had vanished.
Odin, give me the strength and wisdom to know what to do.Standing, she straightened her kirtle and lifted her chin, forcing a bland expression. Cowering before him, or revealing the frightening worries assailing her moments ago must remain hidden. She'd not give him any additional power over her. If he knew of her concerns, he would surely exploit them, leaving her more helpless and dependent on him than before. The taunting idea of just how he might manipulate her set her core to tightening, heat and wetness threatening to rob her of her calm demeanor. She clenched her fingers, willing Ari to hold her gaze. He did.
His approach seemed to take hours, until finally he stood right before her. "I've found a place where we can settle for the next few days."
"Where? Are you sure it's safe?"
He gave a half-scowl, his brow furrowed in annoyance. "You question me?"
She shrugged, hoping her uneasiness didn't show. "I just want to make sure we won't be fighting off any other outlaws."
She near bit her cheek to keep from admitting she feared he posed a greater danger to her than anyone or anything else.
He heaved deep breath and gave a shake of his head. "If it will make you feel better, I assure you the location is secluded."
"Explain to me how." She lifted her shoulders, the sight of his rolling eyes rousing a small delight. His exasperation amused her, even as she knew she played a dangerous game that could easily turn back upon her.
"If you must know, there's a mountain at the edge of the forest and a stream runs beside it as far as I can see. There's a formation of rocks leading to a small cave."
"Have you inspected the cave to ensure there are no animals that could harm us?"
His muffled groan nearly drew a laugh. The sobriety in his dark gaze when he took a step closer stifled the urge.
"Thora, you will trust me!"
"As you must trust me."
His head tilted, and he bore an expression similar to the one Kati gave when he didn't understand her command. If only Ari shared the same eagerness to obey her as the male wolf did.
"When you don't share information, I think you have a motive that could pose a danger to me."
The corner of his mouth quirked and he gave the faintest of nods. "Very well. You have made your point."
"So?"
"So...?" Confusion twisted the handsome planes of his face.
"Tell me of this cave."
The lines of puzzlement faded and he smiled, giving a small chuckle. "It's situated higher than the stream, in such a way that we can see any who approach us, though they will not know we are there until they round another cluster of rocks and trees that block the path to the cave. And that is only if I allow us to be seen. The cave will conceal us for as long as necessary."
"Very well. Thank you."
She hoped she didn't reveal the relief that left her knees trembling at his knowledge and understanding of how to use his surroundings to his benefit and safety. Her worries for her protection from outlaws lessened, though she must still remain guarded. Against Ari.
A moment later, the question of why it was so important to him to know how to stay hidden spiked into her thoughts. Forgetting he held secrets, possibly treacherous ones, of his own could be disastrous.
More than ever, she must never forget to follow her plan to be agreeable. She had to convince Ari she followed his command willingly, even as she searched for a way to unearth his secrets, learn everything about him that he seemed to want to keep secret. He gave her a curious look, but she ignored it.
"The fish are plentiful as are the other forest creatures. Come, help me secure thepulkaand soon we can settle for the night."
A hint of innuendo laced his words. Thora did her best to disregard it, though her fingers suddenly seemed unwilling to obey when she set about assisting him. When the sled had once again been fastened to the saddle, she turned to face her companion. As always, he watched her intently. And as always, her heart raced and her palms grew damp. She pressed them against her dress and turned to the stallion, waiting for Ari to help her up. He did so silently and once more mounted behind her. Senses assaulted by the recollection of the earlier ride, she forced herself to look straight ahead. She must keep her wits in order to ensure her own well-being. Ignoring the warmth of his nearness, however, made achieving that goal much more difficult.
***
Ari sensed a new uneasiness in Thora that hadn't emerged before now. What had happened in the short time he had wandered away? The need to know grew swiftly, and he nearly blurted the question.
