“Zion’s got something he’s gotta do.” Camilla peeks over at Seamus, whispering, “We’ll be back in a little bit to play with you.”
I frown again, looking to Kaian, who’s watching Camilla without comment. Camilla turns back to us and steps in front of Kaian as she says, “Let me know if I should be worried.”
He says nothing in response, instead dropping the arms that remained folded across his chest and then stooping over, kissing her soundly. He straightens, and she halfheartedly swats at his chest, though I can tell she’s not really upset by his actions. Without further comment, she turns and starts walking away from the doorway to what I assume is the living quarters. Frowning, I trail after her as I ask, “Where are you going?”
She doesn’t stop walking as she points ahead, and I look to see another set of doors. Blowing out a breath, I traipse after her, squinting as she pushes the door open and we step out into the early morning sunshine.
She closes the door behind us and then heads down a stone path that loops behind the building. I pause, having a look around, but then her voice cuts through the silence, “There’s no escape for you, so I wouldn’t bother.”
I look up to see that she’s stopped along the path, half turned back to me, her expression serious. I grimace, still entirely uncertain of what is happening here, making my options even more limited. Camilla’s stern expression softens some as she backtracks until she’s standing in front of me, her hand coming to rest on my arm as she says, “Listen, I won’t pretend to have the first damn clue what’s going on with you and Zion, or how it is you ended up sleeping in a horse stall with him. Especially given the fact that I was left with the impression you were going to be locked in there by yourself.”
She pauses, her eyes searching mine as if she’s hoping to find an answer there. Finally, I reply, “I’d actually like an answer to that last part myself.”
She smiles and laughs, her hand dropping from my arm as she says, “I can’t give you an escape. But what I can offer is a hot shower, some clean clothes, and what I hope will be a somewhat edible meal.”
Her hand once again squeezing my arm startles me, and then she adds, “Do you cook?”
I grimace and shake my head. “Not really.”
“Well, that’s a shame. But there’s a pretty good chance there will be something good in the freezer. So, while you shower, I can figure that out.”
“And then what?”
“Well, then we get to spend the day playing with my pony.”
“Yourpony?”
Camilla nods, smiling happily, and then she sticks her hand out to me again as she says, “Do we have a deal?”
I mean, I’ve certainly had worse deals. And any day that includes food I don’t have to cookandpony cuddles is a day worth living.
“Deal.”
EIGHT
A VERY MYSTICAL EXPLANATION
Zion
What is that annoying tapping?
Squeezing my eyes shut, I do my best to ignore it, but when it only continues to increase in volume, I mutter, “Oh my god, fucking stop.”
“Well, do you plan on sleeping all damn day?” The slightly amused masculine voice jerks me awake.
Slowly, I raise my head from what is an incredibly awkward position. The muscles in the back of my neck practically squeak as I lift my chin from my chest, my eyes seeking the source of the voice. My gaze clashes with Kaian’s, who's staring at me through the metal bars, obviously incredibly amused. I give myself a moment to get my bearings, and it’s then that I realize that I’m alone in the stall. I croak, “Where is she?”
Kaian chuckles and then replies, “I don’t think you’re in a position to be asking questions right now.”
Groaning, I bring my hands to my face, rubbing my palms along my cheeks briskly and turning my annoyed voice onto Kaian. “Don’t play with me right now.”
He gives me a very pointed look and then laughs. “And what are you going to do about it?”
Cursing, I slowly push myself away from the wall, swinging my feet around and under me so I come up onto my knees. I pause there a moment, thoroughly annoyed with myself for thinking it would be okay to spend part of the night in such an awkward position.
After a moment, I manage to come to my feet, and then I turn my attention back to Kaian, who’s been watching me the entire time, obviously with pure enjoyment. “Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to let me out?”
“I will let you out after you answer me one question.”
