From the corner of my eye, Renata’s smooth porcelain skin gets my attention. She’s stripping out of her pretty little outfit. The dark red corset top hugs her waist and lifts her small breasts like a lover’s caress. I’ve tried not to let myself stare, sensing that she isn’t fully better yet. Looking at me through the mirror, she smirks and slips the top down her arms, leaving her top half bare. Her nipples pebble as I take in her milky skin, and let out a low whistle of appreciation.
With a quiet laugh, she turns toward me and takes her sweet time unzipping the side of her skirt and slipping it down her legs, taking everything underneath with it in one swoop.
Sitting on the edge of the tub next to the shower stall, I lean forward on my knees.
“You are fucking perfection, love.” My eyes move slowly over herbody—taking in every freckle, scar and curve. She doesn’t fidget or rush me.
Renata stands there with her hands on the counter behind her, standing taller than she has all day.
“So, you’re leaving,” she muses and plays with the end of her hair.
“I am. Tomorrow morning.”
Her mouth drops open. “Tomorrow? How long have you been planning this?”
“Since last night when we were lying in your bed. However,” I continue, “The library got a visitor today.”
She perks up and watches me. “Who was it?”
“A salt merchant who stops in Briarhollow a few times a year.” I hold my hands out. “Apparently, he chose today of all days… He’s sailing East tomorrow morning.”
She mulls over my words before saying, “Let me guess. He just happens to be willing to drop you off at Calista’s island.”
“Kind of,” I say with a grimace. “He agreed to take me a mile off shore and give me a small boat to paddle to her island. He has a friend who will pick me up a mile off shore a week later.”
“The fates are productive, if nothing else,” she murmurs and crosses her arms. “Have you ever even been on a boat?”
With a rueful look, I admit, “No.”
She lets out a sharp laugh that dies just as quickly. “Archer…” She says, but it comes out like a plea. One to stay right here, at the inn with her.
She takes a few steps toward me and when she’s within reach, I grab her waist and pull her into my lap. My hand skims up her side and breast until I reach her neck. I pull her closer until our lips are brushing against each other. “You knew I would want to follow this.”
She steels her shoulders and says, “I want to go with you.”
“No.” I tug her back until our chests are flush. “The coven needs you, and I need to know you’re safe.”
She raises her brows. “There’s a decent chance I’d be safer with you than alone.”
With a fierce look, I shake my head roughly. “Don’t say that. You won’t be alone here. You have five other women to keep their eyes on you.”
My lips fall on hers, kissing her with as much reverence and affection as I can infuse into it. The way she opens for me and tangles her hands in my hair tells me she has a million silent messages in this kiss too.
We stay there for a long moment, tongues tangling and sliding against each other, teeth catching bottom lips and soft moans. She turns further into my arms and wraps her body around me. My hands slide along her waist, down to her ass, and squeeze.
Every moment is sensual and slow, different from our typical need and rough desire. My calloused hands gently glide up her back and tighten on her, pulling her as close as possible. The movement has her arching back and moaning. When her head tips back, I nibble along her shoulder until I reach her neck.
“Archer,” she breaths when my tongue licks up the thin column of her neck. “I need you, baby.”
“I’m taking you slow tonight, love,” I promise and stand.
With one hand, I grab under her thighs and lift her further up. Using my other one, I push my jeans down and quickly step out of them. Then we’re in the shower, her smooth, wet body pressed between mine and the wall. With one rock of my hips between her spread legs, she’s writhing against me, trying to position me where she needs me.
“You’re going to be begging to come by the time I’m done with you,” I growl and bite her jaw as she calls out my name. Grabbing the base of my cock, I press the tip to her pussy and slowly press into her.
“I’m going to fuck you all night, love—fill you up until you’re dripping with my cum. You’ll feel me inside you every day I’m away from you,” I say and push another inch into her.
Looking at her face, I watch her in awe at the way her elegant neck contracts with each soft mewl and feral whimper. A wave of anticipatory grief hits me again—wondering how the hell fate could tease me with her beauty, only to rip it away so soon, or how this soul aching connection between us could be the by-product of the curse.
