“She’ll understand,” I reply. “The raven needs a place to rest for the night. I can’t just leave it.”
He nods as I sweep past, entering the bedroom proper. With the raven placed safely in the basket, I set it upon the couch, bracing it against an arm with a pillow. This way the basket is less likely to be knocked.
It should be fine here for the night.
A tiny bundle of white, swaddled and sleeping beside the fire.
I’ll burn the corpse come morning.
Until then, one last night of comfort.
The sound of running water prompts me to lift my gaze to the bathing room door.
“What are you doing?” I call the question, straightening myself.
No answer.
Retracing my steps, I peer around the door frame in time to catch Ryc sinking into the steaming tub. My eyes linger on his muscled back with little shame. He peers over his shoulder, catching me in my ogling act.
The grin he gives me is damn near sinister.
He knowsexactlywhat he’s doing—and gods I adore him for it.
“There’s room.” There’s no missing the sultry timbre of the words.
Desirous elation heats my blood and his roguish grin grows.
Heenjoysteasing me,tempting me.
And I have to admit,Ienjoy it too.
“Is there?” I ask, matching his tone as I approach. “Even with all the washcloths?”
He points toward the wall.
The washcloths sit stacked in a neat row upon the shelf. He moved them. Returned them to where they belong.
“Even with all the washcloths,” he counters, leaning back.
He places his arms along the ledge of the tub, granting me a decadent view of his sculpted shoulders, chest, and waist.
Of course, my eyes linger.
I lift my gaze, daring to meet his gilded stare—knowing the darkened shade of gold I’ll find.
His eyes remain locked with mine as I slip the straps of my bloodied camisole over my shoulders, letting the silk fall. It puddles around my feet and the warmth of his hand finds my hip.
“You are an absolute goddess,”his deep voice rings through our bond.“One I’m going to worship for eternity.”
My breathing shallows as he offers me his hand, his eyes never leaving mine. With no reservations, I take it, and step into the tub, sinking into the deliciously hot water. He pulls me against him, drawing my back to his chest as he curls around me.
Brushing my hair aside to bare a shoulder, he places a gentle kiss upon the nape of my neck, and I melt into his touch, the heat of his lips upon my skin.
“Does that mean you’ll protect me from Oraphia?” I ask, letting my head fall back against his shoulder.
He chuckles, tracing his lips with a featherlight touch dangerously close to the place I’d once been bitten by a vampire. A sharp shiver races down my neck.
“Everyone needs protection from her,” he muses, and I can’t help but laugh. “Except you.” He curls his arms around my waist, drawing me tight. “She likes you.”
