Page 45 of Lord of Misrule

Chapter 12

Kit stirred the next morning, having been dreaming all night about snuggling up to Tolin under his fur-lined cloak and kissing his sexy lips. With her eyes still closed, she smiled. That is, until she felt something wet on her nose and cheek. She opened her eyes to see King’s face right up against hers, and her arms were around the blasted dog. His tongue shot out to lick her again, but she bolted upright to a sitting position.

The sun had just started to rise. Through a slight opening at the flap of the tent, she could see Tolin outside stoking the fire.

King got up and shook, then trotted out of the tent. Kit stood up, clutching Tolin’s warm cloak in her hands. How did she get this? And how had she gotten back to her tent last night without remembering?

The last thing she remembered was Tolin kissing her. And telling her that she and Parker were free to go home as soon as they returned to the castle. Had she dreamed it all? Looking down to his cloak in her hands she realized that she had not. She must have fallen asleep and Tolin carried her back to her tent and covered her with his cloak.

She brought the garment to her face, inhaling his manly essence, rubbing her cheek against it. All she had wanted all along was to go back home. But now that he’d told her she was free, all she wanted to do was stay. Kit found herself wanting to get to know Tolin better. Even though they had a rocky start, she had to admit that she enjoyed being around the man. Just when something good was happening, life took a wicked turn, as usual.

Kit exited the tent, and when she stepped out, Tolin looked up and their eyes met. Her heart jumped and her tongue seemed too big for her mouth. His smoldering perusal of her now led her to believe that had she remained awake last night, they might have done something more than just kissed.

“Good morning. How did you sleep?” he asked, still poking the fire. “Were you warm enough?”

“Good morning,” she finally managed to squeak out. “I slept well, thank you. And yes, I was very warm and comfortable.” She held up his cloak. “Thanks to you.”

“You fell asleep on my shoulder,” he told her, flashing a smile that showed his strong white teeth. “The boy was snuggled up with the damned dog under the blanket. I didn’t want to disturb them so I used my cloak as your blanket.”

“That was thoughtful of you. I appreciate it.” She walked over and handed the cloak back to him. “But weren’t you cold?”

“Nay. The fire kept me warm.” He took the cloak from her and donned it.

“The fire?” she asked in surprise. “You slept out here all night?”

“Yes. I had a lot of thinking to do. Besides, I like nature.”

“Mayhap so, but it’s the middle of winter,” she said, pulling her cloak tighter and looking at the thin layer of snow covering the ground. “So, what were you thinking about?”

“Huh?” He fastened his cloak.

“We did some talking last night,” she said, trying to ease into the conversation.

“Yes, we did. How much do you remember?”

She was sure her face blushed. “I remember the kiss,” she said quietly, glancing around, hoping no one else could hear their conversation.

“Anything else?”

“There was more?” At that thought, her anxiety rushed in and her body started to shake. Had she done more than just kiss with Lord Tolin and not remember? Kit hoped she hadn’t acted like a strumpet. She’d been so attracted to him last night that part of her even wanted to bed him. God’s eyes, she hoped she hadn’t!

“Calm down,” he said, noticing her reaction. “Do you always get this way around men?”

“Only ones I am extremely attracted to,” she answered, looking up at him shyly.

“That’s good to know. I mean, not good that you shake. I mean...I am attracted to you, too, Kit.” He quickly reached out and stroked her cheek. “Now, tell me, what more do you remember me saying to you?”

“Saying?” she asked, letting out a deep breath of relief. Mayhap the intimacy between them never went anywhere past a simple kiss, after all. “Well, I remember you telling me that Parker and I will be free to return home once we get back to the castle.”

“That’s right, I did. Anything else?”

“Nay, not that I can remember. Why?” she asked cautiously. “Was there something else that happened that I’ve forgotten?”

Tolin bit at his bottom lip, looking for a moment as if he were going to say something. Then he slowly shook his head. “Nay. That’s all. Now prepare to leave. I am about to wake everyone and we’ll head back to the castle anon.”

“All right,” she said, turning and walking back to the tent. Parker bolted out of the tent, crashing into her. “Slow down, Parker. Where are you going?” she asked her son, catching him by his shoulders.

“I lost King! He’s gone. I need to find him.”