“Trew,” she breathed.
I captured her mouth again, slower now but deeper, savoring the way she let me in, the way she pressed into every inch of me like she belonged there. I stroked along her hipbone, the barest touch but enough to make her shiver.
I kissed her until breathing became a necessity we couldn’t ignore. When we finally pulled apart, our foreheads rested together, both of us dragged in uneven breaths.
Her lips were swollen, her cheeks flushed, her eyes heavy-lidded but still locked on mine like she couldn’t look anywhere else.
Instead of kissing her again, I pulled back.
Her brows drew together, her lips parted in protest. “What?”
I grinned. “I need to bathe.”
Her head tipped, her eyes narrowing. “Now?”
“Yes. Now. Bathe with me?”
She searched my eyes before nodding.
Growling, I scooped her up into my arms, her surprised laugh spilling as I leapt from the bed. Gavelle and Pherin watched us pass before they both dove out through the open window behind their perch.
Hunt,I sent to my companion, and he agreed.
A kick sent the door to the bathing room open, and I strode inside.
I took the stairs in one leap and stepped into the steaming water with her still in my arms.
She yelped as I sank down onto a seat, wiggling in my arms. “I’m still wearing my undergarments.”
“Not for long.” I had them untangled and tossed over the edge of the tub before she could finish her scolding. “Wouldn’t want to get them wet.”
Her laugh hit me low and deep, and I settled her on my lap, facing me.
“Let me worship you the way you deserve,” I said into the water-slick skin of her neck.
The trust on her face undid me more than her touch ever could.
“You’re so fucking beautiful,” I said, stroking her hair back from her face, trailing my fingertips down her spine. “It hurts to look at you.”
Easing her backward, I wet her hair. Then I reached for the small clay pot on the ledge, scooping up some scented liquid soap into my hand that I worked into the long, silky strands. I took my time, savoring how thick her hair was, how she groaned and closed her eyes, leaning into my touch.
“I’m going to memorize every part of you, Minx.”
“Same.” When her hair had been fully rinsed, I gently turned her, studying the healing bruises on her back.
Three lashes. I wanted to howl. Wanted to scorch my anger across the world until I reached whoever had done this to her.
“Will you tell me who did this?” I asked.
She shrugged.
I bit back my growl and leaned forward, kissing a path across each wound, wishing I could take away her pain both inside and out.
After, I gently turned her, meeting her gaze. “When you’re ready, tell me. I will make them pay.”
“That’s mine as well, and the time is soon coming.”
I loved the strength in her voice.
