Page 77 of Wolfkissed
Nodding, I step back again, ignoring his low sigh. “I think we should get going. Before another animal comes after us.”
He still doesn’t move. Doesn’t take his eyes off me. The tension between us builds, and I have to hold myself back from returning to him, from touching him again.
The need to feel his flesh under my hands is near unbearable.
But then, before I give in, he shakes his head and glances around. “You’re right. It’s time to go.”
“Why did you accept my deal?” I ask him later that day when we stop again for the night, sweaty and out of breath.
At least,Iam sweaty and out of breath. Valen looks like he’s out on a stroll. Well, if you forget for a moment that he’s half-naked, only dressed in shredded pants and nothing else.
And how can I forget it? He’s right beside me, or ahead of me, or behind me, with his stupid muscular torso and arms bare, his stupid muscles and stupid handsome face, and stupid sexy grin…
Gods.
“Let’s just say… my curiosity was aroused.” He slows down and gives me a long once-over. “Along with other parts of me.”
See?He likes to tease. It means nothing.
Stupid. So stupid.
You are so stupid, Rosie.
“We were going to get rid of you on the way,” I blurt out, stopping, forcing him to stop, too.
“I know. I heard you making your plans.”
“My door was closed!”
He taps one of his ears. “Extra strong hearing. Better than light fae senses. It shouldn’t surprise you.”
No, it shouldn’t, yet I never considered the possibility that he already knew…
“Why didn’t you run?” I ask softly.
His gaze is level and clear. “We had a deal. We still have a deal.”
“Valen…”
“And I want to see you settled safely at your future home.”
“You don’t have to do this.”
“No, I don’t. But I want to.” He reaches for me but stops himself before touching me—again. “I want to, Princess.”
And searching his face, his gaze, I think he’s telling the truth.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
VALERIAN
We stop in a small grove where a mushroom ring promises some magical protection. I start a fire inside with the flintstone I’ve brought along and her knife.
She’s sitting cross-legged beside me, her torn petticoat peeking under her filthy, long dress, and her muddy shoes and stockings. Her dark hair is loose around her face.
She’s never been more beautiful. The more she relaxes around me, the more she lets go of her rules and inhibitions, the more radiant she becomes.
I stand no chance.
