“Kailorien,” she whispered, exasperated.
“Yes?” His voice was lower now, rough velvet. “Should I show you slower?”
“I just need you to—”
He kissed her fingers.
“Kail…”
The way she said his namelike thatmade him forget why he’d knelt in the first place.
“I can’t think when you do that.”
“Do what?” he asked, leaning in and brushing the tip of his nose against her ear.
She shot him a glare.
“Just—hold still,” she said, flustered, trying again. “Let me learn.”
He smiled then. Not smug. Not teasing.
Proud.
“You are learning,” he said. “Just fine.”
Together, their hands worked the strap until the buckle gave a satisfying click. She looked up, eyes bright despite the flush on her cheeks. He looked back—and for a moment, neither moved.
“Good,” he said, his voice low again. “You’d make a fine squire.”
“You’re tense,” she observed, brushing a dark strand of hair from his face. “You always get like this when you’re worried.”
“Iamworried,” he replied, voice softer now. “Because every time I turn around, you and Thessia are off somewhere…pushing too hard.”
“She’s teaching me,” Auryn said defensively. “Daggers. Balance. How to keep my feet steady. You glare at me when I walk across camp, but she—”
“I know,” he said, rising again. Fully armored now. Towering. “I know she’s helping.”
He reached for her hands, folding them between his.
Auryn stiffened. He thought he felt her shiver.
“Are you cold?” he frowned.
“Not when I’m with you,” she whispered.
Then let me warm you. Here. Now. With my lips and my hands.
He steadied himself, pushing back his yearning.
If this continues, I’m never going to leave this Voids-damned tent.
How long have I been imagining kissing those lips for the first time? Touching her again like that one night?
But she’s recovering.
I can’t.
Not now.
