Page 17 of An Arrow to the Heart

“Get it out of your system at least, maybe it’s just pent up tension and you’ll be able to stop thinking about him,” Valeska said gently, holding her hand.

“Just fuck him,” she repeated, before offering her goodbyes and ushering her out the doors. By the look on Ortolf’s face, she knew that’s exactly what they’d be doing and it’s why she’d been ushered out. Sylvie sighed, knowing there was no point protesting, she knew from experience they’d only carry on in front of her or offer for her to participate. And that was a boundary she definitely wouldn’t cross, not that she hadn’t considered it previously.

Alone with her thoughts she left the warm amber glow of the village behind her, the gentle mountain breeze washing her in the scent of pine and moss. The clear night sky above her twinkled in a tapestry of stars, the moon lighting the way as she walked down the dirt path that led to her cottage, the cold night air stung her cheeks sobering her somewhat. She loved the quiet of night as it allowed her to think more clearly. Well, usually at least, tonight all she could think about was Ardál.

She decided that no, she wouldn’t fuck Ardál. At least not yet. Not while he was still under her care as a patient. A decision she didn’t arrive at lightly.

Just as expected the cottage lay in darkness when she arrived home. For some reason unbeknownst to her she found herself in her patient’s room. Ardál and Phelan were both deep in sleep. Phelan curled up on the floor beneath the foot of the bed. It brought unexpected warmth to her for she knew Ardál had been struggling with sleep since stopping the painkillers. She watched the way his chest rose and fell for a few moments more before retreating to her own bed for the night, cursing herself for the way watching him had left her heart rate elevated.

But sleep didn’t find Sylvie, her thoughts not allowing her to rest. And after a while of tossing and turning, she relented, giving in to her body’s need and she let a hand slip between her legs in search of release.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

-Ardál-

Ardál was lulled out of sleep by the songs of birds. He was surprised to find that even Phelan was still deep in slumber so he grabbed his crutches and quietly exited the room. He hadn’t been up this early before, usually this was the time of day that sleep would finally claim him after a restless night of pain. But for the first time since stopping the painkillers he’d slept deeply the entirety of the night. He lit the fire, having already prepared it the previous night when clearing up. His mobility was increasing a great deal, he managed to bend his knee a good bit during exercises though he always made sure not to over do it. The walks also definitely helped him. He filled the cast iron kettle-pot and hung it on the trivet to heat water for a morning tea. He figured it would be the least he could do given that he’d clearly managed to offend Sylvie at supper. He wasn’t entirely sure what he’d said wrong.

Actually, he hadn’t the faintest idea. He had been telling her about some of his travels and how Phelan came to be his companion. She’d seemed interested and engaged in the conversation but then she just left for the night, abruptly pulling her boots on and leaving.

Twenty minutes after having finished his tea, Sylvie’s cup still sitting there he began to ponder if she had indeed actually come home last night, not that that was any of his business. Maybe she was just home late and having a deserved lay in. Not wanting to disturb her in that case he decided he’d attempt to find the lake this morning. He could definitely do with a thorough wash. His curls had barely touched the bottom of his ears when he’d arrived in the village but his hair had already grown to near shoulder length, not to mention the full beard he now sported. He grabbed one of the empty satchels from the hook on the back of the front door and filled it with wash supplies and headed off into the woods.

He reached the far edge of the woods, cursing himself for not discovering this part of the forest earlier for it was truly breathtaking. Before him lay a great big silver lake flanked by the mountain peaks at either side. He found a fallen tree that made the perfect place to set down the satchel and hang his clothes. He pulled his tunic off and his muscles twitched as a slight shiver ran over him at the feel of the fresh morning air. He was about to unlace his trousers when he noticed something in the water.

It was her.

He practically stopped breathing, not daring to take another breath, much less a step, he couldn’t. He’d felt as though he’d been ensnared. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. It was like she was part of nature, part of the forest itself, how she blended in so effortlessly. The way she moved in the water, both enchanting and dangerous.

Her eyes locked onto his gaze, like a predator locks onto its prey.

He was fucked.

Utterly fucked.

She began to slowly swim toward him. Maintaining eye contact, neither of them breaking it. His heart began racing in his chest, blood rushing through him. As she started emerging from the water it became apparent that she’d been swimming naked. His cock became immediately erect at the realisation. Her skin shining from the water, her ample breasts in full view. Water dripped from her hardened rose-coloured nipples. Her hair was slick against her back as she made no attempt to hide her nakedness from him. He bit his lip still not taking his eyes off her. He’d never felt so exposed despite the fact that he was still half dressed, unlike Sylvie. Similarly, he’d never felt so aroused. He wanted her. Needed her more than he’d ever needed anyone before.

She reached the water’s edge baring all before him, she looked at him with the same lust filled eyes as he did her. Gods she was out of this world beautiful. All the bravado in the world wouldn’t help him now, he was completely at her mercy. He’d been stunned into silence for he was afraid to speak or even move, for if he did he wasn’t entirely sure he could restrain himself. But he wouldn’t touch her without her permission. So he waited for it.

She stepped out of the water, encroaching on the space between them until there was little more than the heat between their bodies pulling at each other. Her eyes dropped, slowly looking over his body. No doubt noticing the bulge strained beneath his clothes. He wasn’t ashamed, no, he wanted her to know just how much he desired her. How his body would dance just for her.

Her eyes met his again, those lilac gold eyes brighter than he’d ever seen them.

Lips almost close enough to touch, she said, “like what you see?” in a sultry tone he’d never heard from her. He could feel the warmth of her breath on his skin as his chest fell and rose heavily with want.

“You have no idea,” he said, tone rough as a purr. He saw the way she almost melted at the feel of his words against her lips and he nearly shot his load right there and then not even touching her. She slowly and with that gentle touch of hers brought her fingers to his lips, caressing his lips in the way he wanted to use his fingers elsewhere on her.

“Not until you're better,” she said taking herself away from him.

“Stay,” he said between laboured breaths.

He’d beg.

He didn’t care if it made him look desperate. He was. He needed her. He’d never wanted anything more. He didn’t give two shits about whether his knee was ready. He was beyond ready. He craved her like the trees crave sunlight and he needed to worship her.

He closed his eyes in frustration when she turned her back on him walking away. This view too was too much for him. His eyes darkened with the thoughts of the things he wanted to do to her.

As if sensing his thoughts she cooly said, “the cold water helps,” as she looked out over the water. Without another word she picked up her dress, shimming into it and walked into the woods, on bare feet, the wetness of her skin dampening the fabric as it clung to her.

Without much else to do, he stripped off, his cock springing free, still rock hard, He made his way into the water of the lake. He shuddered as he entered, she was right it was cold. But it didn’t do much for his need for release. The memory of her naked body flooded his mind, she looked more divine than he could have ever imagined. From her ample bosom, her soft curves, big backside and thick thighs. He wanted nothing more than to ravage every inch of her. And that look in her eyes, he sure as Hel wouldn’t forget that anytime soon.