Page 49 of Bound to a Warrior
Duncan warred with himself. How would he ever last two hours without touching her or making love to her?
Bliss nodded. “Two hours gives me time to cook a substantial supper.”
“You are very generous,” Mercy said, “tending us, offering us fresh clothing, and feeding us. I hope someday I can repay your generosity.”
“You will,” Bliss said. “Now let me get the things you’ll need while you finish your cider.”
Mercy leaned close to Duncan once Bliss walked away and whispered, “She speaks as if it will be so, as if she knows.”
“She has good instinct,” he said, having noticed the same, though wondered if it was more than mere instinct she possessed.
“Did you notice that her touch soothed and caused no pain?”
“I did,” he admitted, wondering over it himself.
“And this place is like none I’ve ever known.”
“You don’t wish to stay?”
“No, I don’t wish to leave,” Mercy said, smiling. “The only other place I feel so safe and comforted is in your arms.”
He slipped an arm around her and grinned. “Now you’re doubly safe and comforted.”
Her soft laughter rippled over him and grabbed at his heart and made the thought of bathing naked while chained to her all the more appealing.
“Ready?” Bliss asked.
Duncan stood, taking Mercy along with him ashehad grown accustomed to doing. And she had taken his hand, moving along with him asshehad grown accustomed to doing. They worked as one, without thought or complaint and it felt right.
The rain had changed to a fine mist as Bliss, carrying a torch, lead the way.
There was a chill in the night air and Duncan worried that the water would be too cold for them to bathe. Bliss addressed his unspoken concern as if she had clearly heard his thoughts.
“The spot I take you to is in a cave, the water warm year round and not more than five feet deep.”
Duncan nearly groaned aloud. Bliss described the perfect secluded setting for seduction.
And secluded it was. Brush and trees guarded the cave entrance. If one didn’t know the cave was there, it would never be found. Once inside, Duncan was amazed by the warmth and quiet beauty of the concealed place. Flat rocks encircled the water.
Bliss put down the basket she’d been carrying. “All you need is in here. Enjoy.” And with that she turned and was gone.
They stood staring after her, even though she was gone from sight. Silence hung heavy, neither of them exchanging a single word.
Mercy finally spoke, her sultry voice a soft echo in the cave. “It looks so inviting.”
“Then we shouldn’t waste a minute,” Duncan said and meant it. He wanted every second he could get alone with her.
Mercy nodded. “We should see what’s in the basket.”
Duncan agreed, bending down along with her as she removed the cloth covering the good-sized basket and removed the items to lie upon the flat rock.
Towels, sweet-scented soap, fresh garments, as promised, and a knife to cut off parts of their clothing the chain wouldn’t allow them to relinquish. And a small jug of wine and hunk of dark bread, which they both looked at and smiled.
“Bliss is blessed with a magical mind,” Duncan said.
Mercy broke off a sizable chunk of bread. “For which I am forever grateful.”
Duncan joined her.
