Page 51 of Bound to a Warrior
“I am,” he boasted and gave her waist a loving squeeze.
She thought a moment and nodded, her decision made. “It is simple, but then again not so simple.”
“Tell me,” he urged and she did.
“I want you.”
Chapter 16
If Mercy had hesitated even for the briefest of moments, she would have never had the courage to speak her mind. Even now she wondered if she had done the right thing, though her body was certainly tingling with glee. That didn’t mean it was the wisest of choices. Whatever was she doing?
Falling in love.
Mercy snapped her head around, the voice so clear that she thought someone stood behind her. But no one was there, though the words lingered in her mind. Was she truly falling in love with Duncan? Was she afraid to admit it?
She shook her head, not certain if she was shaking away the thought or denying it.
“No changing your mind,” he warned laughingly and slipped his arm around her slim waist.
She didn’t want to change her mind. She wanted this time with him. She wanted to make memories with him, no matter the consequences.
“No, I will not change my mind,” she said. “I don’t want to.”
“You know just the right words to stir a man.”
She chuckled. “By sheer luck.”
“No,” he whispered close to her lips. “By sheer desire.”
His warm breath faint with the scent of wine fanned her cheeks and sent tingles through her. And shivers rippled over her body, running down to the tips of her toes.
Duncan took firm hold of her chin. “You and I are meant to be.”
“You are so sure?”
“Aye, with clear certainty,” he claimed with a sharp nod.
She wished to ask what he meant. Were they to be lovers, friends, or more? But she didn’t have the courage. She was much too afraid of the answer.
“We shouldn’t waste what time we have talking,” he said and took hold of her hand.
She quickly scooped up the soap before keeping step with him. And before her foot touched the water, he swung her up high into his arms, kissing her quickly and cradling her, then walked them into the comforting warm water.
Her arm went around his neck and her head to his chest as he slowly surrendered their aching bodies to the water’s heat.
“I think I’ve died and gone to heaven,” she said.
“Not yet you haven’t, but fear not, I will take you there.”
Mercy chuckled. She loved his humor. Oddly, it calmed her. And whether this decision of hers was right or wrong, she had made it, and she would have no regrets.
“I wish to wash,” she said, wanting to be sweet scented for him.
“We do think alike.”
He set her on her feet, the water rushing to tease the tips of her rosy nipples, while his chest lay fully exposed. Hard muscles rippled over hard muscles and her eyes drank in the enticing sight until…
He was suddenly gone, dunking himself until he disappeared beneath the surface, leaving behind him a rash of small waves that descended on Mercy. Then unexpectedly he rose up out of the water, grabbed her around the waist and plunged them beneath the surface.
