Bria looked around concerned. “Are we in danger?”
“If you don’t move from there and get dressed, we may be.”
She scrunched her brow.
Kaelan eased himself deeper into the shadows, so she wouldn’t see the passion he knew had to be burning in his eyes or how his arousal could no longer be contained.
“Move, Bria,” he ordered more sternly than he intended. “That part of the pool lights brighter. I can see every bit of you.”
Bria gasped and hurried into the shadowed part of the pool.
Kaelan was already out of the water, reaching for his cloak to dry himself.
With his back to her, it gave her the opportunity to slip out of the water without him seeing her. She grabbed her drying cloth and garments and hurried to the shadows to dry herself and get dressed.
When she was dressed, she gave her hair a good drying with the cloth and ran her fingers through it to prevent it from knotting. Then she stepped out of the shadows.
Relieved to see him fully clothed, she approached him. “I think you are right, the council can wait?—”
She was in his arms before she realized he had grabbed hold of her. His hand went to her backside to press her hard against him as his lips came down on hers in a kiss that left her breathless, her heart racing, desire mounting, and wanting more, so much more. And with his manhood hard against her, she knew he felt the same.
He stepped away abruptly. “Soon. It better bloody hell be soon.”
He stormed out of the cave, leaving Bria to follow.
Chapter Fourteen
A Rainy Night
Things Uncovered
Rain greeted them the moment they stepped outside the cave. Not a gentle mist this time, but a steady autumn rain that fell heavily through the trees and quickly soaked the forest floor beneath their feet.
Bria barely had time to pull her cloak tighter before Kaelan reached for her.
Without a word, he drew her against him and swept one side of his heavy cloak around her shoulders, tucking her securely beneath it and against him, shielding most of the rain from her.
The sudden closeness stole her breath far more effectively than the cold rain ever could. His body remained warm from the spring, the scent of him surrounding her instantly, wild earth, rain, and something distinctly Kaelan that never failed to unsettle her in ways she no longer wished to understand too closely.
Or perhaps wished to understand far too well. That frightened her more than being here in Driochmor, more than the truths unraveling around her.
Kaelan frightened her.
Nay, not Kaelan, but how deeply she enjoyed being with him, being held in his arms, being kissed. Her desire for him grew by the day, the hour, the moment. It seemed so strange and yet so right. It was impossible to ignore, and worse, she no longer felt certain she wished to resist it.
The cottage finally came into view through the rain. It appeared tucked amongst the trees, warm light spilling softly from the one window.
Once they reached it, Kaelan pushed open the door and guided her inside.
Warmth greeted them immediately, yet neither moved apart.
Bria remained tucked beneath his cloak, one of his arms still securely around her, while rainwater dripped softly onto the stone floor beneath them.
For several long moments neither spoke and neither stepped away.
Bria could feel the steady beat of his heart beneath her cheek resting on his chest, strong and reassuring enough that she briefly forgot every fear and confusion waiting beyond the warmth of his embrace.
Kaelan lowered his head slightly, breathing in the faint floral scent lingering in her damp hair. Every instinct within him urged him to tighten his hold rather than release her, and a silent warning stirred firmly through his thoughts.
