She wanted him to.
Shereallywanted him to.
Definitely wouldn’t pull away this time–
But then he drew in a rough breath. “Go to sleep, Kara.”
Disappointment hit her first, alongside an awful prickle of rejection.
Stop it, Kara.
She should be content with him allowing her this close. He was far more forgiving than she’d expected. More than she deserved. She smiled to herself faintly and settled against him properly, finding with a rush of pleasure that her cheek fitted perfectly against his shoulder. Comfortable. Safe. Her eyelids grew heavy as she matched her breathing to his.
She’d take it.
Just when she thought the moment had passed, she felt his fingers touch hers. Her skin tingled at the contact. He paused – as if he was debating, second-guessing.
Don’t move. Don’t breathe. Don’t make him pull away.
Then his hand slid into hers.
Oh.
Their fingers interlaced, warm and deliberate. His breathing quickened.
Do I make him nervous?
Her chest ached – she wanted more, Gods she did – but she clung to this instead, holding on tight. He leant into her, his head resting against hers. And right before her eyes drifted shut, his lips brushed her hair.
Or she thought they did.
But she was asleep before she could be sure.
At first, it was distant – hooves, muffled in her dreams. Then closer. Louder. Too many to mistake. Not travellers.
A hunting party.
Kara’s eyes flew open.
The woods were alive with movement. Snapping branches. The thunder of riders. The scrape of metal and flashes of steel in moonslight. Sebastian was already on his feet, sword in hand, crimson blazing. The warmth in him replaced by cold, lethal focus.
“Kara. Get up.” His voice was sharp. Commander, not companion.
She was already moving.
“Sebastian–” she started, scrambling upright, but they were already surrounded. Shadows moving in tight formation. Black and red armour unmistakable even in the darkness.
Thorne soldiers.
The nearest one strode forward.
“Sebastian Thorne. Karalynna Hale. You’re coming with us.”
Kara’s stomach dropped. She could hear the blood in her ears.
No. Please, no.
Sebastian stepped in front of her, his broad shoulders a wall between her and them.
