Before Heather could ask what she meant, Nessa’s face paled and her eyes turned wide. Heather turned to see the Dark Dragon standing a few feet away, raindrops running down his dark garments.
CHAPTER 6
Heather did not wait to be summoned. From the look on her husband’s face, he was there for her. She went to him, leaving Nessa frozen in place.
Her stomach chose the moment she reached him to grumble in hunger.
Rhys did not say a word. He took her hand and called out, “Nessa, food and drink in my solar.”
Nessa nodded and hurried off.
Heather followed along, his strides quick and powerful, as if leaving his mark wherever his footfalls fell. He shut the door behind them, slipped off his cloak he had draped on, and taking her hand seated her in a chair by the cold fire. He turned his attention to the fireplace and in moments flames leaped off the logs and warmth drifted out to stroke Heather’s bare legs. She hugged herself and shivered from the delicious warmth.
Rhys returned to her side with a soft wool blanket and draped it over her lap to cover her legs.
She closed her eyes and rested her head back against the chair. She had not realized how tired she was until this moment.
He placed his hands on her shoulders and squeezed, her tender muscles protesting. His fingers took charge, digging into the muscles and they screamed with soreness while she sighed aloud and his fingers dug harder, relieving the ache little bylittle. She almost cried out in disappointment when a knock sounded at the door and his hands fell away.
Food and drink were arranged on a small table without a word from the servants and when Heather heard the click of the door, she hoped she would feel his soothing touch on her shoulders again.
“Your stomach begs for food, eat,” he ordered.
He was right; she was hungry. She reluctantly moved away from the fire, regretting the distance from its warmth with only a few steps. She quickly took some bread and cheese and hurried back to the chair, draping the blanket over her legs and settling once again by the fire’s warmth.
She jumped when lightning struck just outside the window, turning the room bright followed by a crack of thunder that rumbled like the roar of a mighty giant. The rain began to slash angrily against the windows, and she was relieved to be tucked away safe and warm from the harsh downpour.
Rhys drew a chair up beside her and she saw that he had removed his leather armor. He did not appear as ominous without it, though one look in his dark eyes had her thinking otherwise.
“You disobeyed me,” he said, handing her a goblet of wine.
She took it with a questioning look. “When?”
“During battle, when I ordered you to remain behind me against the boulder,” he reminded.
His voice was not harsh or demanding, but more curious and amiable. Or was she hearing what she wanted to hear? She took another sip of wine, enjoying the warmth of it spreading through her body, easing aches that had crept up on her.
“The injured needed tending,” she said as if it explained it all.
“That is no excuse for disobeying me.”
“Your men?—”
“Never disobey me again.”
She stared at him, thinking she had heard concern in his harsh command and for some unexplainable reason she felt the need to reach out and rest her hand to his cheek. “I meant no disrespect,” she whispered her glance falling on his lips and recalling how his kiss had tasted. The memory sent a tingle through her, stirring her senses and she suddenly got the urge to kiss him.
Her thought troubled her, for there had been only one man she had ever wanted to kiss. The urge grew stronger and her lips drifted closer to his. He did not stir, but his eyes lit with a touch of passion, flaring hers and made her wonder what it was about this man that seemed to draw her to him.
Just as she was about to rest her lips on his, a knock sounded at the door.
“Go away,” Rhys shouted.
“It cannot wait,” came the reply.
Rhys stormed over to the door and swung it open.
Pitt spoke before the Dragon could breathe fire. “Two of our sentinels have been found dead.”
