Page 61 of The Fury She Holds
Faron pulled her around the side of the tavern and swore. “What are the chances the captain stumbles intothistavern?”
Tal let her head fall back against the building. “He’s always around the docks. And no matter where I am, he always seems to find me.”
“How unfortunate for us.”
The door to the tavern burst open and slammed against the building. Tal and Faron’s heads both snapped toward thesound. When the chatter from inside the tavern faded as the door closed, slow footstepsclompedon the cobblestones. They approached the alley where Faron and Tal hid.
Faron turned his back toward the entrance, blocking Tal from view. He towered over her. Their eyes met, the alarm on Faron’s face mirroring her own. The footsteps reached the alley, and Tal froze. The stifling air surrounded them like an invisible, clove-scented cocoon. Tal hadn’t noticed exotic spice on the noble until now. She found herself drawn to it.
Faron reached an arm around her waist and gently pulled her into him.
Her eyes flicked toward the movement and back to his face.
His lips parted in a silent, “Shhh.” When the intensity of his stare remained, she understood. Two lovers locked in an embrace would be less conspicuous. His muscled abdomen pressed against her. Chills washed over her as his other hand came up to her neck, sliding into her hair.
She exhaled, leaning into his embrace.
“You there!” Daire called from less than ten steps away.
Faron’s hand tensed against her neck. His shoulders curled around her further.
The tavern door slammed into the building again. “Hey, Captain! Come have a round!”
Faron shifted again. His fingers disturbed her hair, sending another wave of chills down her back. His eyes scanned her face as if searching there for an escape.
She bit her cheek, willing herself to remain focused.
Daire’s footsteps retreated. “One drink, and I’m not paying this time.”
The tavern door slammed closed, and Tal breathed a sigh of relief.
Faron’s hold on her relaxed. “That was closer than I would have liked.” His voice rumbled in his chest.
“I’ve never had so many close calls until you arrived. I’m beginning to think you’re bad luck.”
Faron pulled back, clutching his chest. “Now, now, beautiful. As I remember it, the danger is all brought on byyourassociations.”
“Call me beautiful again, and you, too, will lose a finger.” Her words sobered her.
Faron’s face fell. “They’re lucky I respect you. If I had any less restraint, they would not be leaving this establishment with their heads, much less their fingers,” he growled, and his arms twitched around her.
“I’ll let you take a pinky.” She tested his reaction. Would her dark desire for revenge scare him away? How far would be too far for the noble?
His lips quirked. “You’re too generous.”
Tal matched his smirk and bit her lip. She hadn’t expected that response.
His arms remained around her for a breath longer before dropping. He took half a step back. “With Daire around, it will be difficult to watch the two closely. We should go find Ed and Waylon. It’s almost time for their shift.”
A twinge of disappointment clenched Tal’s stomach. Their day was coming to an end. She walked past the noble with her chin up, hoping to disguise the emotion. She could feel his gaze at her back. Once they were past the tavern and out of sight, she turned. “Are you coming, or not?”
Faron’s eyes shined with words he didn’t say, but he moved to her side, his arm brushing hers with each step.
They apprised Ed and Waylon of the events of the afternoon. An awkward air hung between them on the return to the tunnels. Faron had yet to bid her farewell, and Tal refused to look at him. She could feel his eyes on her. Finally, she’d had enough and turned to tell him off.
“Did you have a run-in with them before? Maybe you angered them somehow?” he blurted.
“What?”
