“It’s mostly healed,” she said.
“It shouldn’t have happened,” I growled.“I’m going to kill him.”
“He’s a problem for later.”
With that, she undid her bra and let it fall to the ground.She smiled and pulled off her underwear before tossing them aside and claiming the soap.
With an enticing sway of her hips, she sauntered into the river.The woman would be the death of me, but what agloriousdeath it would be.
She’d had enough shit going on recently without me trying to fuck her while she was still hurt, but every part of me begged for her.I’d nearly lost her on that field and then again in the portal with Gaius, but now she was here and very much alive as she sank into the water.
She used the soap to scrub her skin and hair as the moon bathed her in its fading light.I’d seen her naked many times before, but somehow, she was wilder tonight… or maybe that was me.
I was still basking in the feeling of freedom that encompassed me while we danced, drank, and celebrated around the fire.I still had a duty to Tempest, but for the first time in my life, I wasn’t shackled by the expectations placed on me at birth.
I wasn’t trapped in the endless game of cat and mouse the nobles, especially my father, loved to play.I wasfreein a way I’d never been before.
And I was also free to love her, openly and for everyone to know.While the realm may not know the details of our relationship, they’d rightfully guess I’d killed the king for her… and they would assume it was for love.
Because of that, they’d know she wasmine.While that meant nothing to men like Gaius and my father, it did mean something to many amsirah who would respect our bond and stay away.
The bars of the prison my father created for me at birth had vanished, and I didn’t have to serve a king I despised.I was free of my duties as the duke’s son and to be with the woman I loved.
And what a woman she was as rivulets of water ran down her skin.My cock swelled to the point of pain as I followed the trails between the valley of her breasts and down to the enticing triangle of the hair between her thighs.
My mouth watered at the memory of the sweet honey ambrosia of her taste.Beneath the dwindling moonlight, shadows played across her golden skin and briefly illuminated the smattering of freckles on the bridge of her pert nose.
The tempting curves of her hourglass figure could cause a monk to forget their vows.While she had hips and full breasts, working on the manor, riding, and her adventures as the Hooded Robber had etched lean muscle into her countenance.
I knew every dip and hollow of her luscious body; I’d spent many pleasurable hours exploring it while learning what pleased her most.I’d memorized the nuances of her moans and delighted cries; they haunted me as her gaze fell to my erection.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-EIGHT
Ryker
“I hopeyou don’t plan on letting that go to waste.”
Her husky voice caused my skin to prickle, and I almost moved toward her before stopping myself.“You’re injured.”
“I’ve spent the past few hours dancing; I’m fine.”
The red mark on her side had faded more and wasn’t as puckered, but that fucker had still sliced her open.“You’ve been through a lot.”
“We all have.”
“Ellery—”
“Ryker, I can assure you that I’m not hurting so bad I can’t fuck you, and I’m certainly not wet just because of my bath.”
Her words shot all the blood straight into my dick.It happened so fast I was certain I didn’t have any blood left in my brain as I automatically stepped toward her.
I made it almost to the river’s edge before reasonable thought resumed.They’d brutalized her today, and while she was doing well, I wasn’t sure she could handle what I would unleash.
Lingering rage at Gaius, and at myself for failing Dahlia, might come out in a way it never should with Ellery.Until I was calmer, it was best to stay away from her.
“The animals,” I reminded her as something howled in the distance.
“They’ll stay away.”
