Midori's face fell. "I forgot about that. It's still in the cave where the vyrmm attacked us, along with all the supplies that had been in it. If I had paid more attention, I could have grabbed it when we escaped."
Cael shook his head. "There's no use thinking that way. Everything happened so fast. The important thing is we're safe and unharmed. The supplies wouldn't be worth anything if it meant you'd been hurt or worse."
"I suppose you're right. We'll just have to improvise."
"Exactly. Now, I hate to mention this, but our clothes are still soaking wet. The air in is here is warm enough they'll dry, but they might dry faster if . . ."
"If we're not wearing them."
"Indeed. May I suggest you lay them out while you relax in the pool of warm water? You can enjoy dining on the krystalberries while you bathe."
"What will you do?"
"I'll return to the main cavern and see if there are any other grottos such as this or tunnels which might lead to an egress from the mountain. I'll take the pig dog with me. It will give you some privacy."
Midori bit her lip. "Please stay."
A flush of pink erupted over her cheeks and neck, and Cael felt a surge of emotion well up within him at those two words.Please stay.Did she really mean it?
"What if something happens to you? Or me? I just—" She placed a hand on one of his. "I'd feel better knowing you were nearby. Please stay."
Her words trickled to a whisper, and her lips trembled as she looked up at him with wide, troubled eyes. He could look intothose eyes for an eternity and never grow tired of searching their mysteries.
"All right. Would you prefer I keep watch at the entrance?"
The blush creeping across Midori's rich brown skin grew even deeper.
"I have a different idea."
She grabbed an armful of the cave fruit and nodded at him to follow. "Come with me." Midori led the way back to the pool and placed the fruit along the edge. "Your clothes are just as wet as mine. I think you should join me."
"Oh, sweet bringer of celestial light, do you intend on bathing in the hot spring with the blue beast man?" Pugly's head tilted with curiosity as his snout flared.
"I think it's a definite possibility. Would you mind giving us some privacy, Pugly?"
"Only to please you, illustrious one. But I beseech you to be careful." Pugly's voice drew deeper as he gathered close to Midori and spoke in a hushed whisper just loud enough for Cael to hear. "I have a harder time reading the blue one's mind, but I can tell he's hiding something. I wouldn't trust him if I were you."
"I appreciate your concern for my well-being, Pugly, but Cael saved me from a slave ship and a vyrmm. Plus, he's trying to get me home. I think he's proved himself trustworthy."
The pig dog sniffed and gave a "Hmph. If you say so." But the side-eye he gave Cael as he exited the grotto back to the main cavern showed his blatant distrust.
The sound of Pugly's cloven hooves echoed against the walls until they dispersed, and all Cael could hear was the sound of his own heavy breathing.
Midori's hand hovered at the hem of her damp shirt. "I know you've already seen my body, but would you mind. . . ?"
"Of course."
Cael turned his back to give the Earth female some privacy as she undressed. Someone else in his position might find it ridiculous to turn around after the intimate moment they already shared, but Cael's sense of duty told him it wasn't just important, but necessary. Midori had already lost so much since she left Earth. He'd gladly give her whatever she needed to feel empowered.
The splash of water told him she'd entered the pool.
"I'm in if you'd like to . . . join me."
Cael turned. Midori was facing away from him, her wet hair settling between her delicate shoulders as she clung to the far side of the small pool. Her clothes hung over a series of boulders. They'd be dry in no time. He took off his own and laid them down before slipping into the pool.
The water was luxuriously warm. With the steam coming from the surface and the dim light of the bioluminescent flora and fauna, they had complete privacy. The water wasn't deep and only came to his midsection. An outcropping of rock under the water created a natural seat, and he sat down deeper, allowing the water to cover his shoulders and ease the aches and pains he hadn't realized were even there.
Midori turned around and gave him such a big smile, his heart skipped a beat. "It feels good, doesn't it?" she said, laying her head back on the edge of the pool.
