Kaelan stepped forward into the soft silver glow cast by the water.
Mist curled around him while shadows still clung partly to his broad frame, though not enough to hide the steady intensity of his gaze fixed upon her.
Bria swallowed hard. “How long have you been there?”
His mouth curved slightly, though the look in his eyes remained far too intent.
“Long enough.”
Heat rushed instantly into her cheeks.
Before she could even begin deciding how to respond, Kaelan calmly reached for the fastening of his leather vest.
And he began to disrobe.
Chapter Thirteen
The Cave Pool
And Unexpected Company
Bria stared at him in disbelief. “You cannot possibly mean to join me.”
Kaelan continued loosening the fastening of his vest as though her protest held little importance.
“I do.”
The calm certainty in his voice only deepened her alarm.
“This is hardly proper.”
“Nay,” he agreed easily. “It is not.”
Bria blinked at the lack of apology.
She retreated farther into the glowing water until shadows partially concealed her beneath the drifting steam. Warmth still surrounded her naked body, yet suddenly it did little to ease the nervous heat rising beneath her skin.
“You left me with Winnie earlier,” she reminded him quickly. “Surely you do not believe danger waits for me even here.”
Kaelan slipped his vest off then his shirt, revealing broad shoulders glistening faintly beneath the silver glow reflecting off the water. His upper torso was riddled with impressive muscles, more so in this soft light than when she first saw him bare-chested. Or maybe she hadn’t taken enough notice then.
When he continued to shed his garments, Bria instantly turned her back to him.
“You were with Winnie,” he said. “You are alone here.”
Bria frowned toward the cave wall rather than risk looking back at him. “While curious at our arrival, no one seemed to pose a threat to us or danger.”
“Danger rarely announces itself politely beforehand.”
Despite herself, the answer nearly made her smile.
Nearly. Instead, she attempted to cling stubbornly to her irritation, though it became increasingly difficult while listening to the quiet sounds of him removing the rest of his clothing behind her.
“You still should not be here,” she insisted.
“And yet here I remain.”
The low amusement beneath his words sent warmth curling unexpectedly through her again.
