Verice took what she offered, crushing her in his arms. She molded against him, warm against his bare chest. She tasted of peace, of home, but she was also Warna and he hungered for her and her alone.
She brought her arms up around his waist, clutching at his waist, returning the kiss.
Something within him broke open even as it sang.
Warna awoke fully, gasping her surprise against Verice’s mouth. His lips were warm and dry and he seemed to hesitate just on the brink, waiting for something...waiting for her.
She wasn’t sure what to do next, but she pressed up, her lips moving against his.
He pulled her into a tangle of blankets and arms, wrapping his arms around her to lift her up. His tongue teased hers and she opened her mouth to him. For long slow moments, there was nothing but him, his touch, his mouth. She felt so alive, her body on fire. Warna brought her own hands up, threading them into his silver hair.
Verice broke the kiss, and held her close, his face pressed into her neck. The warmth of his breath beneath her ear made her shiver. His arms trembled.
She wrapped her own arms around him, running her hands over his back, breathing in the scent of soap and leather.
He’d kissed her. Her lips still tingled with the lingering heat of his, his taste in her mouth. But he’d broken it off, buried his face in her hair, and now held her like he’d never release her.
“Verice?” she whispered, trying to understand. His kiss had set her on fire, but the desire was fading, leaving her confused. Until she felt his harsh breaths and caught the faint whiff of smoke in his hair.
“Verice,” Now there was no question in her voice. She’d seen the wounded coming through the portal, had heard of the destruction of the village. She could only imagine what he’d been through.
Still he held tight, his hair a curtain around them. She tightened her hold, offering what comfort she could.
“Sorry,” his voice was harsh and broken in her ear. He released her, his arms dropping away, but the tension was still there in his back. Warna tightened her hug even as he tried to slip from her grasp.
“I’ve no right,” he whispered, trying to pull away.
“Hush,” she murmured, and held on until he wrapped his arms around her again.
“You’ve every right, considering.”
His breathing started to slow.
“I didn’t expect you to return,” she whispered. “They needed every bed in the Healing Hall, so I thought—”
Verice lifted his head, and she could see the exhaustion in his eyes. “I’ll go—”
Warna shook her head, still keeping him close. “No,” she said. “Don’t go.” She tugged him down to the bed.
Verice swayed as she pulled, resisting her. “Your reputation,” he stuttered out the words.
Warna laughed, shaking her head. “That horse has fled the barn, Verice.” She shifted, making room, trying to keep a grip on his shoulders. “Sleep on top of the blankets then. I trust your honor.”
“You shouldn’t,” came his reply, cold and hard. There was a flash of something in his eyes that sent a bolt of heat through her. Warna caught her breath, quickly breaking eye contact.
“Sorry,” Verice said. “I’m…” he ran his hand over his face. “I’ve offended you. I didn’t mean to—”
“You are exhausted,” Warna said firmly. She tugged again, and Verice obeyed this time, stretching out on the bed beside her. She reached down and covered him with the extra blanket. “Sleep,” she whispered, settling back down.
He nodded, closed his eyes - but they opened again and he stared at her, his eyes blurring and unfocused.
She reached out from under her blanket, and took his hand, curling her fingers around his. “Sleep,” she commanded.
He tightened his grasp for an instant then sighed, nodded, and closed his eyes. She watched over him as the tension drained and his breathing slowed. Watched as he slipped into sleep.
Finally, when she was sure he would stay asleep, she closed her own eyes.
But she left her hand in his.
