Chapter Seventeen
I’mlyingonascratchy blanket, the ground hard against my back, my heavy cloak draped over me. She has first watch—I pretend to sleep.
Scant minutes later, the sound of her soft footsteps echoes through the air.
Sweet girl, so eager for sleep.
Or for me?
I keep my eyes closed, breathing steady, as she peels back my cloak. Her tantalizing scent dominates my sense as she settles down beside me.
Keep breathing, idiot.
Then—
A soft hand trailing over my jaw, skimming down my neck. Gentle lines traced along my collarbone, and then lower, splaying over my frantic heart.
A low, husky laugh.
It misses a beat.
“Your heart is racing, Zev.” Her voice is breathy, low. Seductive. “I know you’re awake.”
My eyes snap open. Mayah holds my gaze as her hand ventures lower.
Lower, and then—
We gasp together as her fingers curl around me.
“Zev,” she whispers, squeezing gently. “Please. I want you.”
My neck doesn’t prickle.
How long I’ve waited to hear those words from her lips.
The cloak rustles as I move, and then she’s flat on her back beneath me.
Soft thighs spreading in invitation.
Nails raking across my scalp, tugging at my hair.
“Are you sure, baby?” I groan into her neck.
“Yes,” she breathes, clutching my shoulders. “Yes, Zev. Keep going.”
I seal my mouth to hers, hand fumbling between us—
My dream vanishes like a flash of lightning, and I’m left chasing its fleeting warmth. A low groan escapes me as I stretch. I’d slept on the hard ground, not daring to risk any proximity to the blanket where Mayah tossed and turned and moaned all night.
With a heavy sigh, I rise and wait. My trousers are uncomfortably tight, but I don’t want to chance her waking and finding me gone—especially while she’s still bound.
I don’t wait long. Soon, Mayah shifts on the blanket, struggling to sit up.
“What—” Her voice is hoarse, but steeped with anger. “Untie me right now!”
“Are you feeling like yourself?” I ask, trying not to smile.
I see the exact moment she remembers—when her gaze snags on my neck, where she undoubtedly left marks last night.
