Page 127 of Destiny of a King

That single word improved Dravic’s opinion of Dunvar considerably.

“Follow me,” Bram said. “Someone will see to your horse once we reach the cottage.”

He looked down at Adira.

For the first time in four nights, there would be no warriors sleeping within a few feet of them, no campfire surrounded by men, and no damned fairy warning him about who might see what.

She recognized the look in his eyes. He wanted to kiss her, and she let him see that she felt the same.

“Tonight,” he whispered, his warm breath grazing the tip of her ear. “You are mine.”

Dravic felt a shiver of anticipation rush through her, and he decided Dunvar might not be such a bad place after all.

The cottage was small but comfortable, with a fire already burning in the hearth and a narrow bed tucked against one wall. A table stood nearby with a platter of meat, cheese, and bread, along with a pitcher of cider and two cups.

The door had barely closed behind them when Dravic turned to Adira and slipped off her cloak, then his, and dropped them on a chest by the door.

Four damned nights he had wanted to take her in his arms and had been forced to settle for holding her cradled against him on horseback during the day.

His gaze dropped to her mouth.

Adira saw his intent and waited.

Dravic almost kissed her. Instead, he turned abruptly toward the table.

If he kissed her now, he knew exactly where it would lead, and once he started touching her, he had no intention of stopping. They had eaten little during the day, and he had noticed Adira eating even less than usual these last few days.

He picked up a piece of cheese and bit into it, then pointed at the platter.

Adira shook her head.

“Eat,” he urged, then mumbled. “You will need strength for what I plan for us tonight.”

She heard him clearly enough and almost smiled but caught it. Instead, she shook her head again and pointed at him.

Dravic held up the cheese. “I am eating.”

Adira stared at him for a moment, then shook her head more firmly.

He frowned, trying to determine what she was saying.

Her hands went to the ties of her blouse and undid them.

Dravic stopped chewing.

She pulled the blouse hem out of her skirt and began working it up to slip off.

Understanding dawned at what she wanted and Dravic slowly lowered the piece of cheese.

“Adira.”

She looked at him.

He crooked one finger. “Come here.”

The words reached her clearly. Her heart jumped, but she showed nothing beyond the smile she would have given him upon seeing his gesture.

She slipped her blouse off, placing it on the back of the chair and discarded her boots quickly along with her stockings before she stepped toward him. A chill settled around her, turning her nipples hard to poke at the soft linen of the underdress she wore beneath her garments.