“He’s fine,” I tell her. The cabin feels warm after the cold water, but I’m still shivering. “We’re both fine. The guards have left for the old mines. It was a close shave. Sebastian is right behind me. I…we… He’s on his way.”
Julienne’s eyes narrow. She looks at me for a few more beats before nodding.
“Let me get you some linens to dry off,” she says, moving toward the basket she packed earlier. “And clean clothes. You must be freezing.”
She pulls out thick linen towels and a dress made of dark green wool. The fabric looks soft and well-made.
“Thank you,” I say, taking the items from her. “You’re too kind.”
“Nonsense.” She touches the side of my arm. “It’s the least I can do.”
The door opens behind me, and I know without looking that it’s Sebastian.
I turn anyway.
He’s wet, wearing only his hose. Water runs in rivulets down his bare chest, following the contours of his muscles. His dark hair is wet too. The fabric of his hose clings to his powerful thighs.
My mouth goes dry.
He looks like some kind of warrior god emerging from battle. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone more masculine.
I don’t like my reaction to him. I don’t want this attraction. I don’t even know him. Sebastian is trouble.
Maybe it’s for the best that we don’t travel together.
“I’m glad you’re both okay,” Julienne tells him. “You had me worried.” She glances at me. “Just look at you, you’re soaked through. Let me get you something to dry off with and some clean clothes.”
She goes to the chest again, pulling out more linens and a set of men’s clothing.
Sebastian takes them with a nod of thanks. His eyes meet mine for just a moment. There’s something in his gaze. Regret, maybe. Or guilt.
Then he looks away.
“I’ll just,” I gesture toward the back of the cabin, “go and get changed.”
“Use my bedroom,” she says.
“Thanks.” I start to turn, then stop. “Sebastian is insisting on leaving at nightfall. I think it’s a bad idea.” I speak quickly.
Julienne’s eyes narrow with concern. “I’ll talk to him.”
I nod, heading for her bedroom.
I strip off my wet chemise and dry myself quickly with the linen. Then I pull on a dry chemise and the green wool dress. It’s a bit loose in the waist and tight across the chest, but it fits well enough.
When I emerge, Sebastian is already dressed in clean clothes. Brown breeches and a plain linen tunic. His hair is still damp, pushed back from his face.
“Sit, sit,” Julienne says, gesturing to the chairs. “Both of you must be starving.”
We do as she asks. Sebastian takes the chair farthest from me.
Julienne puts a pitcher of water on the table before sitting. We all dish and start eating. You could hear a pin drop.
“So,” Julienne says, smiling. “That was quite an adventure this morning, wasn’t it?” She laughs, but it sounds forced. “Iwas so worried when I saw those guards. But you both did well. Especially considering how long they stayed. It couldn’t have been easy in those reeds.”
I think of his hard, warm body pressed against mine. “No, it wasn’t.” I clear my throat. “But we managed.”
Sebastian nods, chewing slowly. “It was a good hiding place.”
