Page 77 of Visions & Shadows

Raighne looks deep into my eyes, and his features soften.

“I’ll always take care of you. Your needs and safety come first.”

I nod, and just needing to be close to him, I wrap my arms around him and press my face into the crook of his neck.

“Thank you,”I send the words to him.

He presses a kiss to the side of my head.“Feeling better?”

“Yes.”

I pull back a little, and when I realize how close Raighne’s face is to mine, I freeze like a deer in oncoming traffic.

His breath skims over my skin, and as our eyes lock, there’s one hell of an intense fluttering in my stomach.

The droplets running down his tanned skin make him look next-level hot, and I swallow hard on the attraction I feel for him.

Lord, have mercy on my ovaries.

The second the thought crosses my mind, I shove away from Raighne and free myself from his hold.

Ducking beneath the water, I swim in the direction of the embankment while I consider drowning myself right here, right now.

I come up for air and make my way out of the pool. Not caring that my feet are wet, I struggle to put on my boots, but before I can make a run for it, Raighne steps out of the water.

I make a huge mistake when I glance at him, and seeing the leather clinging to his muscled body like a second skin, my abdomen clenches hard.

Shit. Don’t look.

“What happened?” Raighne asks, his tone tense again.

Feigning ignorance, I shake my head. “What do you mean?”

“You’re blocking me from your mind.”

“I am?” My head snaps up. “You can’t read my mind right now?”

“No.” He shakes his head, and I let out a breath of relief.

Thank you, sweet baby Jesus.

Raighne narrows his eyes on me. “Is something wrong?”

I quickly shake my head. “Not at all. I just needed privacy.” His eyes search mine, and I add, “Really, besides the vision from hell, I’m fine. Thank you for bringing me to the waterfall.”

He seems to be satisfied with my explanation, and once we have our boots on, he says, “Let’s return to the group.”

I nod, and falling into step beside him, I’m grateful when he doesn’t try to make conversation, because I’m too focused on hiding my attraction from him.

Chapter 15

Alchera

When we get back tothe campsite, everyone stares at me as if I’m the weirdest thing they’ve ever seen.

“They’re not looking at you like you’re weird. What you’re seeing is a group of people concerned for your welfare.”Raighne’s voice sounds in my mind.

“Uh-huh,” I mumble.

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