She glared at him. “You won’t think that when you’re sticking to everything and attracting insects.”
“Or when you rattle a beehive next to me.”
“Hmm. Good idea.” She moved toward the bath, chewing her lower lip again—a telltale sign that something was on her mind and likely bothering her. “It’ll be payback for scaring the magic out of me.”
Carver’s gut twisted. He turned with her, taking a few shuffling steps. Had she thought he’d forgotten her? “I’m sorry I didn’t come get you tonight.”
She shrugged. “Dimitri brought me home. It forced me to wait for him, but it was probably better. Then we heard the procession start and took the long way to avoid going along the harbor. Spiro even paid me,” she added as she bent and started clearing the tub of the bloodied cloths Dex had used to clean his back. Without batting an eye, she heaped them into a smaller basin. “He put actual coins into my helpless little hands.”
“Very enlightened of him.”
“He has hidden depths.” She opened the water valve and rinsed down the nearly person-sized bath. “He tries not to show them, but they sneak out when he least expects.”
Carver eyed his bathtub as she cut off the water. It was basically an oversized, wide-mouthed ceramic bowl and wasn’t big enough for him on a good day. He could barely imagine curling into it with his back in shreds. Shaking his head, he said, “This isn’t going to work.”
“Just sit on the edge.” Bel pointed to the rounded lip. “I’ll clean up the mess later.”
“You’re not my servant.” Or his Atlantian wife. Tension cracked through him like a lightning strike.
She let out an exaggerated breath. “I’m not above mopping a floor.”
“I’ll mop it myself.”
“And tear your stitches? Don’t be stupid.” She took a menacing step forward. “Now, you’ll sit your stubborn backside on the edge of the tub and stay there while I pour this entire jug of wine down your back.” Her commanding gaze pulsed with magic. “And you’lllikeit.”
So ferocious. So determined. So fiery. Overhim. Carver’s heart grew so big it hurt. He grinned at her. “I’lllikeit?”
“Stop laughing at me. I’m doing my best.” Bel pushed on his chest, trying to propel him toward the basin. Carver didn’t move, and she did it again. He grabbed her hand, pressing it against his bare skin. Her hand heated, and the scent of hot, sugared cherries teased his nostrils and filled his lungs. Her head snapped up, her eyes wary.
Gravel tumbled through his voice. “You know, we don’t always have to fight.”
She swallowed. “What’s the fun in that?”
Carver’s lips curled, half amusement, half despair. “I’d show you if I didn’t think you’d scorch off every hair on my head.”
Her eyes widened. A blush stole over her face. “That was an accident. And it was more of a hearty singeing than a full-on scorch.” She bit her lip.Again.He should have an obol for every time she did. “I can control that new magic better now. I…sense it coming on.”
His pulse thumped in his veins. “Is that an invitation?” He sure as Hades wasn’t surprising her again.
She stared at him like a scared rabbit hiding in the brush.That rapid breathing, eyes round and nervous, her whole body tense and ready to bolt. “Not exactly.”
He pressed her hand harder against his chest. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s only me.”
“Onlyyou?” Bel gave him a blistering look. “Let go of me.”
“Why?” Carver couldn’t think of one good reason to let go. He wanted her close.
“Because I asked you to.”
His insides dropping, he let go at once. It was Bel who took a moment longer to draw her hand away from his chest, finally curling her fingers in and lowering her hand. Carver wanted to reach for her again but stopped himself. His need was too strong to ignore completely, though, and he leaned down without touching her, inhaling her mouthwatering scent in the most obvious way he could, his nose almost brushing her neck.
Holding stock-still, she whispered, “What are you doing?” Her shiver leaped toward his skin. If he licked her, would she taste as good as she smelled?
“Ask me to kiss you,” he whispered so close to her skin that his breath swirled back to him, warming his lips. His groin tightened. Desire burned as hot as pain. “Ask me right now.”
Bel’s magic nearly seared him before she reeled it in. She took a step back, then another, exhaling a trembling breath. “Sit.” Looking past him, she focused on the bathtub, not meeting his eyes.
Ah, so she was going to ignore what he said. Carver slowly backed up and sat. He would take it—for now. Her husky voice, flushed cheeks, and the pulse beating furiously at the base of her neck were enough.
