I glanced back at Serafina to find her peering up at me, one eyebrow arched. “Your wife, huh?”
“That’s right, darling. I’m sure this horrible incident has exhausted you. You always did have a delicate constitution. Let us retire to our chambers.”
I swept a startled Serafina into my arms, hauling her up the stairs. Cheering and hoots followed us from the room.
Chapter Sixteen
SERAFINA
“Put me down this instant,”I snarled at the dragon shifter who held me.
“As you wish, my lady.” Thorne dropped me to the floor so abruptly, my knees buckled before I caught myself.
While he fiddled with the key to our shared room, I attempted to ignite the back of his head with my glare. Unfortunately, this failed, since I didn’t have fire vision. Pity.
Once the lock clicked, he opened the door, sweeping out his arm. “After you.”
Still playing the role of gallant gentleman? It was a stretch.
“You’re too kind.” I stomped past him.
The room was simple, but well-maintained and clean. There was one dresser, a window with thick draperies, a single chair with a small table next to it, and one bed I couldn’t seem to drag my eyes away from for several long minutes.
In the corner of the room was a dressing screen, beside it, a steaming copper tub. I frowned at seeing such luxury, only to find Thorne watching me.
“Are you taking a bath?” I asked.
“It’s for you.”
“Me?” Indignation straightened my spine. Was this some ploy, insinuating that I smelled bad?
Instead of the mocking smirk I expected, he scrubbed the back of his neck, glancing everywhere but at me.
“Thorne?”
Finally, he met my eyes. “Consider it an apology of sorts.”
“For what, specifically? By my count, there are many incidents to choose from.”
“For nearly drowning you,” he grumbled.
“Really?” I blinked. Was the arrogant shifter honestly remorseful? What did I say to this?
“Look.” He squirmed, tugging the collar of his shirt as if it had become a noose. “There’s no need to get all emotional.”
I stiffened. “I’m not being emotional.” Although stunned could be considered an emotion.
“You seem like you’re about to cry.”
“I’m not crying.”
“Then what are you waiting for?” His voice rose.
“I’m not bathing with you in the room.”
“And after what happened in the tavern, I’m not leaving.”
“You can’t be serious.”
