“It’s time to go home,” she said.
I couldn’t argue with that. I was ready for some food, a chance to relax, and to spend some time alone with her.
“Then let’s go.” I set her down but kept my arm around her waist as I turned to Tucker. “Next time, make her leave.”
“Oh yeah, because that’s easy to do,” he retorted. “Not to mention, she could fry my ass.”
“She’d never do that.”
“No, I wouldn’t,” Ellery agreed. “But I would give him a little zap if necessary.”
Tucker gave me a pointed look as he waved a hand at her. “See what I deal with.”
“She’d never do that either,” I assured him.
“And you’d never rip off his head,” she said.
“I might, if something happened to you.”
“I told you so,” Tucker said.
“The portal’s open,” Fletcher called out. “How about you argue while you walk. I miss my wife and son.”
“Me too,” Scarlet said as she looped her arm through her father’s. “Let’s go home.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Ellery
Callanplayed music as everyone in the encampment danced around the fires, sang, and celebrated our success in stealing from the duke. We didn’t rob anywhere near as much as they took from us, but it was a small victory we relished.
The woman and her son sat at a table, looking more than a little dejected. We’d learned their names were Sue and Dean; Sue had agreed it wasn’t safe for her to return to Nottingshire tonight, but she was concerned about her husband and knew he must be worried.
We’d promised to get word to him soon. One of the camp women, who wasn’t wanted for a crime, had agreed to go to Nottingshire in a few days on the pretext of shopping. The guards wouldn’t stop anyone from doing that.
She’d deliver a note to Sue’s husband and bring him back if he agreed to it. It would take time and be difficult for them during their separation, but we would get her husband to her.
Though stress radiated from Sue, she smiled at something another woman said to her, and after they finished eating, theboy got up to play with the other children. I grinned when I saw Mouse playing too; he could take care of himself, but it was always such a relief to see him.
Hands settled on my waist before Ryker plucked me from my seat beside Scarlet. He set me on my feet, grasped my hand, and spun me around.
I laughed as he pulled me against him again, clasped my other hand, and danced me out to the center of the merriment. He swirled me through all the other dancers before spinning me around again.
The fires and dancing helped ease the chill of the November night. They burned around the edge of the dance space, their flames flickering as fresh wood was placed on them and sparks shot into the air.
Ryker’s strong arms enveloped me again, and I found myself flush against his rigid chest. I tipped my head back to look up at him and rested my hand against his stubble-roughened cheek as the fires danced in his eyes.
Rising onto my toes, I kissed him. His hands locked around my waist, pulling me against him as the kiss deepened and my tongue found his. I sighed as warmth pooled inside me.
Then, without warning, he clasped my hand again and spun me away. Disoriented by the abrupt change, I was still trying to get my bearings when he pulled me against him again and grinned at me; I scowled back, and he laughed.
“You’ll pay for that,” I muttered.
“Next time, leave the town.”
Before I could start getting angry over his words, his lips brushed mine again, and a loud cheer went through the crowd. Ale splashed out of tankards when they clacked together. Ryker danced me through the celebrants as hands clapped and dancers twirled all around us.
My face hurt from smiling so much while laughter surrounded me. We didn’t have much in these woods, but we had each other, and we’d found happiness, friends, and family here.
