By the time she’d finished, her eyes were drooping.
“Sleep now, Bethany.”
“Only for a short time, as there are things to do,” Beth whispered.
“Rest now. We are both safe here.” Her mother’s hand felt wonderful on her brow. “The rest can be sorted out later.”
“Is Lucas very cross at me?”
“Of course he is, but that will pass. He wanted to come and look for you, but Lord Raine said he was best served staying here watching over me. He was not pleased.”
“I’m sure he will let me know of his displeasure when next I see him,” Beth said around a yawn.
Her mother left with the tray, and Beth drifted to sleep, but soon her dreams turned to memories of what she’d experienced. The terror of running. Trying to escape him before he killed her. Before he hurt her. Running, running.
“Beth, wake up now, sweetheart.”
“Nathan?” She looked for him.
“I’m here. It’s just a dream, love. I won’t let anyone hurt you again.”
“I don’t want it to change me,” she whispered to the face now above her. “I don’t want to always remember this night.”
“It will take time, but those memories will fade as we make new ones.”
“You should be resting also.” She stroked his cheek.
“How could I knowing you were in my house?” He smiled, that gentle one he used to give her. “You make a sound when you sleep, like Walter.” His finger traced her cheek.
“I do not.” Her voice felt raspy.
“You do. It’s adorable actually.” He leaned in to kiss her softly. “How do you feel?”
“Not as bad as I thought. My mother put some salve on me your cook gave her. It helped.”
“I wondered what that vile smell was,” he teased.
“Tonight there will be riots, and the king’s life is in danger,” she whispered.
“And it will be handled, I promise.”
There was still so much left unsaid between them, but she didn’t know how to start, so instead she said, “Kiss me, Nathan. Make me forget.”
“You are hurting, love.”
“Please.” She arched toward him.
“Only kisses.”
Her arms reached for him. Grabbed his hair and pulled. He lowered his head willingly and took her mouth.
This was what she needed, Beth thought as he proceeded to soothe her with his kisses. So gentle and yet so much more.
“Touch me, Nathan. Like you did in the shed.”
“No.” He kissed her jaw, then down her neck. “You are hurting.”
She felt his hardness pressed to her thigh. He wanted her, and she desperately wanted him. Needed to lose herself in him.
