“If you could just show us to our room?” Taeven asked. “I believe my knights have reserved one for us; I'm Taeven Rumerra.”
“Yes, of course. Yes, they said you'd be arriving tonight,” he stammered. “I have the key right here.” He pulled out a keyring. “If you would just follow me.”
The clerk led us through the lobby to a spiraling staircase that went up to a landing. There, we had to climb another set of stairs, several flights, the first of which had me huffing in pain. That kick to the ribs had been rough.
“Do you need me to carry you?” Taeven asked.
“No, thanks.” I grimaced. “That will only hurt me more.”
“I'll be careful.”
“I meant my pride.”
Taeven snorted and scooped me up.
“Tae!” I protested, then groaned and clutched my ribs.
“I knew I should have insisted on you seeing a doctor!” Taeven growled.
“I can have one sent up to your suite, my lord,” the clerk said immediately.
“Thank you. That would be appreciated.” Tae nodded.
I gave up and leaned my head on his shoulder, sighing in relief. The adrenaline was leaving, which meant that the pain was settling in. We finally made it to the third floor, and the man took us to a door at the end of the corridor. He unlocked it and hurried inside to start lighting the lanterns.
“The bed?” Taeven asked.
“The bedroom is to your left, my lord.”
Tae hurried into a dark room, the clerk trailing him with a box of matches. As he laid me down on a massive bed, the clerk lit the bedside lantern for us, then discreetly left to finish lighting the other rooms. I started to get up.
“What are you doing?” Tae asked anxiously.
“I want to shower; I'm a mess.”
“Oh. Do you need help?” Tae blinked, realizing after the fact what he'd offered.
I chuckled. “I don't think that would be a good idea. I'll be fine.”
I headed into the attached bathroom and after I'd shut the door and got undressed—gawking at the marble counters and gold fixtures—I heard the murmur of Tae talking to the clerk. I shook my head, hardly believing where I was and what had happened. Whose life was I living? Yeah, I'd gotten injured, but I'd also been defended by the fucking Falcon Lord, who had gone ballistic at the thought of me being hurt. Then he'd brought me to the most expensive hotel in Fellbrook. This place had little soaps in the shape of flowers set out in dishes beside the sinks. Fucking flowers!
The shower was as luxurious as the rest of the room—a large stall set beside an enormous tub. Glossy blue tiles lined the stall with golden fixtures shining against them, and a porcelain niche held complimentary soap as well as bottles of shampoo and conditioner. I, unlike most soldiers, use shampoo instead of soap on my hair—something taught to me by my mother, but I didn't often splurge on conditioner. It helped with the tangles but was an extra expense I couldn't afford. Yet here, it was offered for free. I slathered it on; it smelled like mint and apples.
After a hot shower, I felt much better, though the injury to my face looked worse. I winced at my reflection in the small patch of mirror that I'd wiped clean of fog. Tae had probably hoped this would be romantic, yet another part of his seduction, but there I was, looking like a boxer who'd lost his fight. Still, even with my tender ribs, I wanted to make use of that bed. This would be our first time together, and I wanted it to be somewhere special instead of in camp. Plus, I didn't want to wait. It had been all I could do to stop myself from jumping his bones as soon as we were in the bedroom.
With that thought in mind, I stepped out of the bathroom in only a towel.
“The doctor is on . . . his way,” Taeven trailed off as he stared at me.
“My clothes are dirty. I'll just slide under the blankets for my examination.” I shrugged as if I wasn't trying to be sexy. Nope, not trying, just happen to be wet and wearing a towel.
“Your examination?” Tae's eyes widened.
“By the doctor,” I said with a smirk.
“Oh, yes, of course. Uh, I'm going to wash my hands and face. If you hear a knock, give a shout.”
“All right.” I casually pulled my towel off and tossed it onto a chair, then took my time drawing back the blankets.
