Damn, I love this man. Rynna smiled, knees weak. “And we wouldn’t want that.”
“No, we wouldn’t.” He turned toward the door, then glanced over his shoulder. “But, Rynna, I can’t control what they decide to do with him.”
Her brows lifted. Was he saying he would protect the monster for her if he could? “I understand.”
“Okay.” He nodded, then dropped his voice an octave, the rumble of it making her insides tighten. “I’ll see you later...back at our quarters.”
Then he was gone, disappearing through the door, leaving her standing in the hallway, clutching at the wall for support, undergarments suddenly soaked.
The next day, Rynna stirred awake, squinting against the morning light, and stretched across the small bed she shared with Fenn. Reaching, her hand found the sheets cool and empty, though that was nothing unusual. Fenn had a habit of rising with the sun to walk the camps, checking in with his lieutenants and the other Hollow-born under his command. This morning, however, the rich, earthy aroma of freshly brewed coffee with the mouthwatering scent of sizzling pig skin.
“You’re spoiling me.” She cracked an eye open to see him standing at the small stove, wearing only a pair of loose, wide-legged pants that clung snugly to his narrow hips, barefoot and shirtless. “First, last night, now this morning.” She paused, eyes narrowing. “You didn’t want to talk about what happened with the Wardens when you got home. Now this. What’s up?”
He glanced up, hissing softly as grease popped from the pan. The kitchen was meticulously arranged, each utensil in its place, counters spotless, except for a lone splintered plate shoved toward the corner.
“Can’t a man just make his woman a nice breakfast after an evening of…pleasing her?” He turned to face her, revealing his whole face. “Why would the Wardens, the impending war, or the fact that you just resurrected your evil lover from a past life have anything to do with it?”
“Fenn.” She slipped out of the tangled bed, scanning the floor for her clothes, finding nothing but shadows and empty space where they should’ve been.
“Yes, love?” He poured coffee into a fresh cup, watching as she yanked the sheet from the bed and wrapped it tight around her bare skin before the morning chill could bite.
“As much as I’ve enjoyed the pampering these last six hours, you’ve stalled long enough.” She padded across the polished wood floor and wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him close under the sheet. The warmth of his skin seeped into hers, and she buried her face into his chest, inhaling deeply.
He rested his chin on the top of her head. “If you want me to talk, why are you distracting me?”
As she traced the line of his collarbone with her lips, she felt him harden against her stomach.
Damn it, he’s right. I’m avoiding it, too, she thought, reluctantly pulling away.
“Good,” he said with a small nod. “Now go put some clothes on while I can still think for myself.”
She smirked, knowing full well the effect she had on him, just as he had on her. Slowly, she sauntered toward the closet, letting the sheet slip lower and lower with every step. When she reached the door, she turned to glance over her shoulder, allowing the fabric to slide fully to the floor.
“You sure?” she asked sweetly.
“Rynna,” he growled, brandishing the spatula like a weapon, his knuckles whitening as his other hand gripped the countertop.
“Fine, fine. You win.” She pouted, slipping into dark, fitted trousers and a sleeveless tunic, its sides slit allowing for swift movement. “We shall very seriously discuss the business of war and evil exes.”
The tension eased from his shoulders as he turned back to the stove, moving the meat onto a nearby plate. “You might want to sit down for this.”
Her brow furrowed, but she took a seat at the low wooden table where they shared most of their meals when not with the regiment. “Okay. Spill.”
He handed her a plate, then leaned back against the counter. “He’s willing to share his intelligence.”
“That’s...good,” she said, nibbling on the crispy bacon. “But how do we know it’s reliable? Skarn had absorbed him, basically ate his essence. For all we know, he wasn’t even conscious for most of it.”
“He’s given a sample that we’ve already confirmed as highly valuable.”
“I see.” Rynna took another slow sip of coffee. “So, what’s the problem? Keep him locked up and pump him for information. Does he want his freedom or something?” It was easier to harden herself against Kaelith, to forget everything they’d once shared when she was here with Fenn.
“He’ll only share the information directly with you. In person.”
“What?” She coughed, choking mid-sip. A spray of the liquid shot from her nose, leaving her sputtering and wiping her face with the back of her hand. “Why?” she managed to get out, though she already knew the answer. He wanted more than just his freedom; he wanted her.
Fenn raised an eyebrow, his silence saying everything.
“But...but...” she stammered. “He’s… He’s… I’m just an Awakened here.”
