He shrugged, that hint of a smile once again tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I enjoy watching you,ástin minn. You are very pretty."
The compliment shouldn't spark that fluttery feeling in her belly. Giving in to his pretty words, the flattery, that somehow made her feel as giddy as a child receiving Jul gifts, seemed a betrayal to her sense of self. Yet, heat scorched her cheeks and it wasn't caused by the fire.
"Thank you." Thankfully her voice held steadier than her trembling fingers. She picked up a stick and poked at the flames then turned the hares. She met his gaze once more.
"What is it?"
"I need a spoon. Can you fetch my pack?'
His eyes widened and she clenched her jaw to keep from chuckling at his bemusement. Clearly, he'd expected her to say something else.
"You're becoming quite demanding."
He rose, giving her a pointed stare before heading toward their packs. When he returned and handed the pouch to her, he didn't release it right away.
"I will have demands of my own after dinner."
She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry as a summer wind. When he let go of her pouch, she focused on withdrawing a wooden spoon and tending the meal.
***
Ari smiled at the sudden nervousness Thora displayed. The blush still clung enchantingly to her cheeks and the slight tremor in her hands belied her uneven thoughts. Good. He wanted her off-balance, not expecting what he would ask of her.
He resumed his seat against the wall, resting his arm on his raised knee, content to continue watching Thora work. She'd make a fine wife. Wait. No, why did he think of her in such a way? Because she'd crafted a strong tripod to hold the pot she'd obviously found in his packs? What else had she found?
Nothing of import, of that he was sure. If she'd found the weapons and seen the messages their marks carried, she'd surely ask about it. While he knew her attraction for him was as fierce as his for her, he was also well aware she didn't fully trust him. He preferred it that way.
He could hardly contain his excitement for the coming night. His imaginings kept him half-hard. With a heavy sigh, knowing he still had some time to wait, he eyed the cooking meat, willing it to be done. The gamy aroma filled the cave, reminding him of the many hours since he'd eaten last. It seemed the gods still toyed with him, ensuring all his hungers remained at fever pitch. What must he do to earn their favor, the restoration of his name and his keeping of Thora?
"Ari?"
Her voice jolted him from his thoughts and he looked up. Thora held out a leg from one of the now-cooked hares. How long had he daydreamed with silly nonsensical ideas? Rubbing his eyes to clear his thoughts, he accepted the offered food. Thora resumed her seat beside the fire, watching him with curious eyes.
He took a bite from the leg and the hot juices exploded on his tongue, the meat tender and flavorful. When he finished, he moved to sit beside Thora, reaching for another piece of hare. She said nothing, merely used the spoon to scoop out an onion. She handed him the spoon and he purposely brushed his fingers over hers, tightening his grip when she would have moved away.
"You've done well."
Again, a blush darkened her cheeks. "Thank you."
He released her and raised the spoon to his mouth. The onion, soft and sweet, melted in his mouth.
"You are a fine cook, Thora." He liked saying her name, the way it felt rolling across his tongue. He especially liked the way her eyes gave a momentary flare when he did.
"I… thank you."
The contradiction between the sassy hellion and the demure shy maiden only made her more intriguing. And made him more determined to bind her to him, however he could, and despite her wishes.
The rest of the meal passed in silence, the only sound the sizzle and pop of the fire. Ari stood and stretched, his hunger appeased. He strode across the cave to his packs and retrieved the water skin. He'd filled it earlier, but when he lifted the spout to his mouth, the water was still cool and refreshing. After taking a long drink he handed it to Thora.
She accepted with a hesitant smile. Soon she would be screaming his name, he vowed. Very soon.
He resumed his position against the wall and watched as she stored the remaining meat, placing it carefully in the pouch with the fish he'd caught this morning before leaving their camp. How long ago that seemed. Had he really only saved Thora three days ago? He felt as if he'd never known a time without her. Had she ensorceled him somehow? Had the gods sent her to him to torment him? For she certainly did that, in so many ways. Time for him to repay her for that.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Thora held Ari's stare. She recognized that look too well now. Part of her anticipated the coming hours, while another part of her felt afraid. Very afraid.
What had he said earlier, during the tormenting ride of this morning? That she would repay him for the pleasure he'd bestowed upon her. What would he ask of her?
