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“I am not an invalid,” he protested, even though his eyes felt heavy and his body was limp and exhausted.
“No, but you are recovering from a very bad fall.” Something changed in her expression. “You were on the roof outside my window, weren’t you? That was why you fell.”
“I was blocking the shutter,” he murmured, too sleepy to consider his words. “I did not wish you to be chilled.”
His eyes drifted closed as he spoke, but then an impossibly soft mouth brushed against his.
“Thank you,” she whispered against his lips, and he was suddenly wide-awake.
This joining of mouths was not a Tandroki custom, but he had seen those two humans and he knew what came next. He wrapped his hand in the fine silk of her hair and let his tongue slip into the tempting warmth of her mouth. By the Horns, he had never tasted anything so delicious. For a second, she froze, and then she responded eagerly, her small tongue brushing against his as he explored. He wrapped his tongue around hers, so different and so delightful.
His other hand slid down over her back, seeking the hidden warmth between her legs. When he brushed across the damp fabric, she gasped into his mouth, and suddenly pulled away. He forced himself to release her as she scrambled back to her feet. Her face was once more a delightful shade of pink.
“I… I…”
Words failed her. She waved her hand and once more fled the room. He cursed silently in Tandroki as he looked at the empty doorway. This was becoming an unfortunate habit. But despite the painful throb of his disappointed cook, he was not entirely dissatisfied. She had responded to him. Not reluctantly, but enthusiastically, he thought, tugging at his aching shaft.
Perhaps her own eagerness had frightened her. Perhaps she required a gentler approach, a chance to become accustomed to his touch. He needed a plan. He began considering the matter with the same intensity as when he had planned his first military campaign, but before he made much progress, exhaustion overcame him and he slept.
CHAPTER11
Katerina hurried over to the stove, hoping that heat would help disguise her pink face, but it was not successful. Merry gave her a curious look as she came to join her.
“Why are you blushing?”
“I’m not blushing. The stove is hot.”
The excuse sounded weak even to her own ears, and Merry gave her a disgusted look.
“I’m not a child. I bet it’s because of Mr. Tall, Pale, and Handsome in there, isn’t it?”
“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said with all the dignity she could manage. “But speaking of Jack, I have a plan to distract the children.”
She lowered her voice, looking around the room. The twins were curled up together asleep on their bunk. Lorna was sitting on the floor by the fire, arranging pebbles into some pattern only she could see. Johnny had gone to check the valley and make sure there were no signs of life. Given the fact that the snow continued to fall, she wasn’t worried about it, but she suspected he needed an outlet for his restless energy.
“Jack’s going to tell them another story this afternoon so I can work on some presents for the children. Can you help make sure that they stay in there and warn me when he’s through?”
Merry nodded eagerly.
“That’s a wonderful idea. What are you going to make for them? And me?” she added, with a teasing smile.
“Aren’t you too old to believe in Santa?” she teased back.
“Never.” Merry pressed her hand against her heart and exaggerated shock, and they both laughed.
“There are lots of bits of fabric around. I thought I’d make Ceci a doll.”
Merry sighed. “Like the one you made me that our father destroyed because he was mad at me?”
“Yes, sweetheart. Do you mind?”
“I’m too old for dolls.” Merry said, but her eyes were suspiciously bright.
Two dolls, she decided immediately.
“And a wagon for Cecil,” she added. “There’s plenty of wood, although I may need Johnny to help whittle the wheels.”
“Oh, Johnny,” Merry snapped. “I’m sure he’s far too busy.”
