AllFreeNovel
Share Us
But so far in the way of conversation, Graeson had only given her snide comments, insults, and a headache. And when she recalled him using those scimitars on her guards, a shiver ran down her spine. Still, he was the most convenient choice.
He was also the most dangerous.
Those blades were no doubt tucked away somewhere in his bags, which meant they would be in range while they traveled. But as long as she kept her gift strong—once its energy was restored—that wouldn't pose a problem. Ultimately, it was the only option she had, and she was going to take it.
While she untangled the rest of her hair, Kallie continued to observe the men. From what she could tell, they were in a heated argument. The wind, however, was not on her side as it cast their voices in the opposite direction down the river.
Graeson ran his hand through his shining hair in exasperation. While he may have appeared sulky the night of the welcome ceremony and reserved during their ride, Kallie couldn't help but notice how dramatic he could be as well.What caused his agitation? From her side, things were going well for the Pontians. So far anyway.
As she worked her hands through a stubborn knot, Terin left. Fynn gripped Graeson's shoulder, then nodded his head in her direction before he too disappeared back into the woods.
Wasshethe cause? Graeson's bleak expression suggested so.
Perhaps, he was not happy being her guard. Though she didn't understand why. She didn't think she wasthatunpleasant to be around.
But his scowl brought a smirk to her face. Kallie had always enjoyed a challenge.
She leaned over the river and dipped her hair into it as she used her hands to bring the water up to her roots. Once her hair was soaked, she tossed it back. A showering arch of water sprinkled around her. She tilted her face up to the sun and pushed her hair back with a dramatic flourish. The wet hair dripped down her back. Droplets of water slid down her neck beneath her blouse.
The crunching of leaves was the only sign he had approached. She smiled at the sun.
Time to make him unravel.
Kallie stood, reaching her hands up over her head as she arched her back and stretched her limbs. A splash had her arms falling to her sides though. Kallie peaked down at the river.
Graeson was on his knees. As he knelt beside the river, the sun highlighted the muscles revealed by his rolled-up sleeves. He dipped his hands into the stream, mirroring her movements. He rubbed his face with a wet hand, then pushed his fingers through his hair, his rings glinting in the sun. The water from his fingers left streaks in his hair that glistened under the sun.
Kallie swallowed. Hard.
And then remembering who he was, whoshewas, she mentally shook herself from her daze.He was mocking her. Running his hands through his hair in the same way she had to get a rise out of him. Nowshewas the one who was ogling.
But damn, he might have done a better job than she had.
Graeson sighed and pressed his palms against his knee. His damp shirt clung to his arms and his biceps strained against the cotton fabric as he pushed himself up. The look of exhaustion was wiped from his countenance as he looked at Kallie. A bemused grin plastered on his face and a glimmer of challenge shone in his eyes of steel.
Still, Kallie forced her features to appear indifferent. "Can I help you?" she asked.
He looked down his nose at her, the smirk etching deeper into his skin. His jaw flexed as his eyes swept over her legs, her now damp blouse, and her sopping wet hair. "Do you ever think before you act? Only foolish people get on a horse soaking wet. The ride will be miserable."
She tilted her head. "I would think most preferred to ride wet." Her eyes scanned him up and down. “It being less . . . strenuous."
Graeson cleared his throat—not once, but twice. A pinch of red painted his cheeks, and he looked toward the stream as though he had seen something intriguing in the waters all of a sudden. He rubbed the back of his neck, clearing his throat for a third time before he brought his attention back to her. His gaze hovered above her head as he stated, "We're heading out now.”
Kallie pursed her lips. She had thought he would pose at least some challenge, but it seemed it was easy to shake his cocky disposition.
How disappointing.
She sighed. She had one chance to get this right. And now was as good of a time as any, she supposed. Wringing out her hair, she awakened her gift, pulling it to the surface. It was weak, but Kallie was sure it had enough strength to get the job done. She placed her fingertips tenderly on Graeson's jaw where it had flexed moments ago. His eyes narrowed in suspicion as she gazed up at him.
"Unbind my hands."
Confusion bubbled to the surface of his countenance as a sliver of haze swam into his eyes. Graeson reached for her hands and grabbedherdagger from his waistband.Kallie wanted to snatch it from his hands, but watching him act while under her control made her feel too powerful. Smirking, she let him bring the blade to her hands.
Kallie sighed in relief as he lay the blade against the rope. He dipped his head lower, his breath brushed her collarbone, and a trail of goosebumps formed in its wake.
Anticipation burned in her veins. In a moment, she'd be free.
His lips grazed her ear and the kiss of cold metal on the side of her throat stole her breath away. He clicked his tongue. "You'll have to try harder than that, little mouse."
