Morning came, but it brought no joy to Ariel’s heart. Though she was more than grateful Valteri had saved her and that they’d shared the night, she feared what would follow.
What new nightmares were lurking for them.
The voice inside her heart urged her to flee, but where would she go?
Especially now that she knew for a fact he’d follow her.
Valteri entered the hut, his cheeks mottled by his exercise. “I’ve saddled Ganille.” He stretched his hands out to the fire and she admired the strength and beauty of them.
“Tell me, Ariel…” He drew her attention away from his hands, hands she remembered seeking out her most intimate parts and thrilling her, back to his face. “Where’s your saddle?”
Heat stole up her cheeks from both his question and her brazen thoughts. “I didn’t take one.”
He cocked an eyebrow. Lowering his hands, he turned toward her. “No saddlebags either?”
She shook her head.
“How did you plan to survive your journey?”
Ariel rubbed the chills from her arms and sighed. “Forgive me, milord, but I’ve never had to plan such things before. ’Tis only recently that I’ve had to worry over being hungry”—she gestured to the walls surrounding them—“or needing shelter.”
He crossed his arms over his chest and gave her a piercing glare. “Then I suggest you never again try and leave.”
Though his words should have made her angry, they didn’t. He was right. Though she might be well-versed with a sword, she stunk at planning an escape.
He held his hand out toward her. “Come, we should make our way back while the weather’s pleasant.”
Ariel pushed herself up, but pain ripped down her leg. She sat back down immediately.
Valteri rushed forward, a stern frown on his face. “Are you all right?”
“Nay.” She hissed in pain. “’Tis the bruise. I fear it won’t allow me to walk.”
Without a word, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the horses.
Ariel savored the feel of his arms around her even though she knew she shouldn’t. She damned that curse. But for that, she could stay with him forever.
Valteri placed her atop his horse, then mounted behind her. He pulled her back against his chest and wrapped his arms about her waist. Snuggling her head under his chin, she listened to the deep throb of his heart, grateful for its healthy, steady beat. He touched her cheek, his grip tender.
She expected him to say something, but instead he seized the reins and kicked his horse forward.
Ariel closed her eyes and tried to focus only on the moment, not on the coming future and what it might bring.
But it was hard when she was worried about everything.
Around midday, they stopped for a brief meal.
Valteri found them a comfortable, dry spot and spread his cloak on the ground. He set her upon it, then pulled the saddlebags from his horse and set about preparing a light snack.
Before he could finish setting everything out, Belial and a group of Valteri’s men joined them.
Ariel met Belial’s amused gaze. No doubt the evil demon had guessed what had transpired between them the night before.
Indeed, the bastard had probably planned on it.
So be it. As long as she remained in human form, she was Valteri’s wife and she had no intention of denying her husband what comfort she could.
What of his life?
