“Then you must look really good on me, because I’m only happy when I’m with you.”
Heat flushed my cheeks, and I splashed him.
“Take off your clothes, Wylder,” I demanded.
His brows shot up. “Here? Now? Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer my warm, cozy bed?”
I bit my lip and sent a small gust of air to nudge him. “Get. In. Now.”
He began unfastening his belt and let his pants drop. “I’ll never turn down the chance to get in between your—”
I hit him with another gust, knocking him off balance.
“Oh, you’re asking for it,” he warned, teasing edge in his voice.
Rhodes shed the rest of his clothes until he was down to his undergarment shorts. His chiseled chest and abdomen were on full display, the deep red dragon mark trailing from his neck to his knuckles as an extra touch. I shamelessly caressed his physique with my eyes.
He put one foot into the water and recoiled. “Holy elements! How are you even sitting in this freezing water?”
I shrugged and splashed him again. “When you’ve bathed with a bucket of cold water and a washcloth your entire life, you get used to it.”
Suddenly, warm flames rippled around the pond’s edge. His fire traced an imperfect circle, and within moments the chill faded,replaced by soothing heat. The water shifted as Rhodes waded in and knelt beside me.
“If I can have it my way,” he said, low and sure, “you’ll never live an uncomfortable life again.”
I shuffled closer on my knees, rising just enough to wrap my arms around his neck. His hands settled firmly on my waist. “I think I can manage,” I breathed, searching his eyes.
“That’s just it—you shouldn’t have to manage. Once we break this curse, I’ll make sure you never have to want for anything. If you’ll have me, that is.”
I cupped his face, thumbs brushing his cheeks. “Have I not made it clear? I’m a thorn. I’ve already pricked you.”
Rhodes laughed, drawing one from me too. “That was so cheesy.”
“But you love it.”
A sharp jolt went through my chest at my own words. I held my breath, waiting. His laugh softened into a crooked, undeniably handsome smirk.
“I do.”
Relief didn’t have time to settle. In the next heartbeat, he lifted me by the waist. My arms wound tight around his neck, my legs wrapped around his torso. He stood with me straddling him, water sluicing off our bodies.
I giggled, breathless. “What are you doing?”
He grinned up at me. “Making sure you don’t drown, of course.”
“Oh my, my. He has rescued me once again.” My voice turned light and teasing as I traced his dimples with my fingertips.
He closed his eyes, letting me explore his face. “I’m no Prince Charming,” he murmured. “But I’ll set anything that stands in my way ablaze to protect you.”
My fingers drifted over his full lips. “I don’t need a Prince Charming.”
His stormy gray-blue eyes opened slowly, pinning me in place. “Are you sure?”
I nodded, then tugged his lips to mine in a slow, deliberate kiss. Our mouths melded, moving in perfect sync as we explored each other with growing heat and certainty.
When I finally pulled back, breath mingling with his, I whispered against his mouth, “I only need my perfect match. Ready to strike—and burn the world down with me.”
Chapter 41
