Page 54 of The Stolen Crown

Annoyance at the notice of my cowardice drew a bit of heat back to my limbs. “I’m not afraid. Forgive me for trying to be generous and think of your back.”

“Your concern was for the branches breaking.”

“Then you misheard me. I clearly expressed fear for you.”

He scoffed, but there was a strange levity in his gaze. “I’m stronger than I look, and you’re probably as heavy as an eel.”

“An eel? That’s the best comparison you could make?”

“Aye. A poisonous one at that.”

“Wretch.”

Tait smirked and lifted one palm. “Come on then, Lady Eel.”

Teeth clenched, I took slow, cautious steps on my branch, squaring to the muscles of his back. I kept my grip on the branch and used my injured arm to hook around his neck.

“Hells, I need to breathe.” Tait coughed and patted my arm where it choked him.

“Sorry.”

Tait maneuvered the leather straps so he could hold both ends in one fist, hooked his other hand under one of my thighs, and guided my legs around his waist.

Once my lower half was secure, he balanced on two branches, released the belt harness, and let it fall to the ground.

“Why…why did you do that?”

“I can’t maneuver around the branches as easily with an eel on my back. Stop shrieking in my ear. I’m a decent climber.”

“First, I am not an eel. I am like a magnanimous, elegant bird. Second, I don’t believe you. Sea fae are not known for their tree-climbing abilities.”

He chuckled. “Keep pretending you know anything about me, Vicious. Now, hold on. We’ll take this slow.”

Tait’s voice was low and demanding. But he spoke the truth. With careful movements, he descended the tree branch by branch.

It took too long for my liking, and I was certain his throat would boast a necklace of bruises come nightfall, but soon my feet touched the sand below. I practically melted off his back and plopped down on a fallen log.

Tait followed close behind, and in the next heartbeat, he knelt in front of me to inspect my wrist. His fingers were deft and gentle as he caressed my skin, guided my hand through motions, and tested the range.

When he touched a tender place, I drew in a sharp breath.

He let out a soft curse. “You’ve sprained it, but I don’t think it’s broken. Although, sprains often ache even worse.”

“You are terrible at soothing others.”

“Shipwreck with Nightseer next time.”

All at once, Tait removed his shirt. I might be inclined to topple out of every tree on the isle if this was my reward. All smooth planes of muscle and skin. Scars from unknown wounds. Some fleshy patches looked like he’d suffered more than one burn. I tracked the sharp edges of his stomach to the inked skull and blades over his heart.

“What are you doing?” My voice was too breathless.

Tait rolled his tunic and leaned close to me. The warmth of his skin was near my face when his arms wrapped over my shoulders. He tied the ends of the cloth behind my neck, then gingerly lifted my injured arm and rested it in the makeshift sling.

For such a brusque, tense man, his touch was soft, cautious. It was laden with care.

Tait scooted back the instant my arm was secured. “It’ll be best to keep it still for the next few days.”

I let my chin fall. “Bit of a healer, Hearttalker?”