A slow smile spread across his face. “Me neither.”
He bent down to capture her lips in a slow kiss. Desire roared to life in her again, sending heat flooding her core. And if the bulge pressing against her thigh was any indication, Emeric felt it too.
She moaned against his lips, tangling her hand in his hair and pulling him closer. Suddenly she didn’t feel tired at all.
Chapter 20
It was before dawn when Emeric woke. He lay for a minute, blinking in the darkness, listening to the sounds of the village waking up around him: the crowing of cockerels, the barking of dogs.
It seemed so normal. So...everyday. As though nothing had changed.
But Emeric’s world had changed irrevocably.
He glanced down at Anna. She was lying on her front, limbs splayed out, hogging the bed. Emeric had been relegated to a tiny sliver right on the edge, but he didn’t mind one bit. Let her sleep. After what they’d spent most of last night doing, she no doubt needed it.
Truth be told, he needed sleep too, but he knew he wouldn’t get any more. He was too full of desire and confusion—all caused by the woman sharing his bed.
He reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from her face. She snorted, muttered something unintelligible, but didn’t wake.
He traced the curve of her cheek with the back of his hand, his fingers sliding down to her shoulder, following the path to her waist, then watching as she stirred slightly underhis touch. A soft smile graced her lips and Emeric could feel the corners of his own mouth twitch upwards.
How he longed to hold on to this moment, forgetting about everything else—all the troubles that came with time and distance. How could he reconcile these conflicting feelings? How could he voice what was beginning to churn within him? Why had fate brought her to him if only to whisk her away again? Surely fate would not be so cruel.
It will be a choice that will force ye to heal the division in yer heart, to decide, finally, who ye are and who ye want to be.
Emeric shifted carefully, sliding out from under the covers to avoid disturbing Anna. He stood, naked, and crossed to the window. The world outside was still sleepy, not yet fully awake. A few early risers moved through the streets, unaware of the profound shift that had taken place in this simple room above the inn.
The rain had blown through overnight, leaving the land wet and sparkling. Dawn was just beginning to break. Puddles covered the muddy streets below. They would need to leave soon but Emeric had no desire to do so.
He blew out a breath and leaned one hand on the lintel above his head, staring out into the dew-covered morning. He didn’t hear her approach. Hands were suddenly sliding across his back and then around his waist as Anna pressed herself against him.
Her voice, still heavy with sleep, broke the silence. “What time is it?” she whispered, her breath warm against his bare shoulder. Her fingertips danced along his stomach, her soft motions igniting a fresh wave of desire.
He turned, drawing her into his embrace. He held her naked body against his, cherishing the warmth that radiated from her. Her eyes were half closed, but he could see the embers of passion smoldering deep in their depths.
“Early,” he said softly, running his fingers through her tousled hair. He pressed a tender kiss on her forehead. She sighed contentedly, nestling deeper into his embrace.
“We should leave soon,” he murmured against her hair, hating the words even as they left his lips.
“But it’s the middle of the night.”
