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I'd have stayed out longer, but dinner had been hours ago, and even the rowdiest of passengers had wandered to their rooms.
Surely Jaiel had done the same?
Letting out a slow breath, I turned the knob.
The door opened with a soft click. Lyphos light flickered gently inside, casting a warm orange glow across the very empty room.
Fuck. If he wasn't here, he'd either found somewhere else to stay or would be here shortly.
Based on the way the entire crew had whispered about the Roain all day, I had a feeling it was the latter.
Damnit. Had we both had the same damn idea? We really should have set an actual time instead of this random your turn, my turn mess.
Sighing, I slipped off my cloak, then clothing, and pulled on the thickest sleep shirt I had.
I checked the mirror and tugged down on the shirt. It would be enough.
Swallowing against the ever-growing lump in my belly, I used a sponge and the ice cold water from the morning to wash away the sweat and grime from the day. Next came my teeth, then my hair.
I checked my reflection, first pursing my lips, then tucking my hair behind my ear. Why were my cheeks so pale? I pinched them a few times, then rubbed some tinted ointment on my lips.
Fuck! What was I doing? This was not some sexy rendezvous! It didn't matter what I looked like. Groaning, I messed my hair up, then used the sleeve of my nightshirt to rub off my lips.
Turning, I glared at the bed as though it were the problem here, not my damn vagina.
Had the bed shrunk? It certainly looked smaller.
I placed my little dagger on the side table, then gave the four pillows that were supposed to keep me safe a vigorous shake.
Fully fluffed, I piled them into a wall and sat back to examine my handiwork. It was a bit precarious … but the best I could hope for when fortifying with silk and feathers.
Sighing, I balled my shawl into something resembling a pillow, grabbed the dagger, and crawled under the blankets, shivering as the cool fabric touched my warm skin.
My body buzzed with suppressed energy. And I couldn't get the image of Jaiel's crooked grin as he mentioned sleeping naked out of my mind.
Surely he wouldn't actually do it?
No. Stop. I needed to fall asleep before he got back.
I closed my eyes and rolled my dagger between my fingers. Back and forth, over and over. The small knife twirled, calming my restless mind with each spin.
The skill may be useless in combat, but it was oddly soothing.
Forcing my breath to slow, I stowed the dagger then rolled to my side and snuggled deeper under the covers.
A soft rattle at the doorknob made my eyes fly open and I let out a soft curse. Now I had to pretend to be asleep or risk an awkward conversation …
I quickly tugged the blanket to my chin, slowed my breathing, and closed my eyes as the door squeaked open.
A soft sigh, then heavy footsteps drew closer.
I swallowed and squeezed my eyes more tightly.
Something clinked on the tiny vanity at the base of the bed, then clothes rustled.
Was he stripping?
No. I forced my mind to go blank. I was not going to imagine what he was doing. I didn't care!
