Page 93 of The Healer

That sounded ominous. Rhys opened his mouth to ask then snapped it shut. “Right.”

Navigating morning traffic was on automatic as he pondered what Noah had meant. Rhys replayed the possibilities, sifting and tossing ideas until he slumped. Patience was all he needed.

Driving along a freshly scraped dirt road, he slowed the Jeep, hoping not to hit each bump. Turning left, he headed to the cabin, his retreat. Noah choosing this one for her was perfect. The exterior was darker and stank of bitumen, reaching him through the windows of the Jeep.

He switched off the engine and rubbed Ilona’s hip, succumbed, and squeezed it. “Lona-love, we’re home.”

She stirred, twisting in the seat so his hand brushed from her hip to her belly. His breath hitched at the hiked-up shirt exposing her skin.

“What?” she grumbled, then sat up, rubbing her eyes and flicking hair off her face to peer through the window at the glistening silver lake before her. Forests lined the banks with Echon Mountain in the distance.

“This…?” She gaped, faced him, and a slow smile spread. Clambering out, she ran to the edge of the lake, where the water lapped the muddy bank. “Are you kidding me?” Squealing, she tugged off her shoes and sank her feet in the water. Mud stained the edge of her skirt, but she didn’t care, dancing on the spot.

He chuckled and climbed out, circling the tinkling hood to rest his ass against the fender.

Gathering her skirts in one hand, and her sodden shoes in the other, she skipped to him, a breathtaking smile gracing lips he longed to kiss.

“It’s beautiful, Rhys.”

He wanted to spout she was more so. Instead, he said, “Noah moved a few of my things in until we can go shopping.”

She arched a brow, but her lips still curled in amusement. “And when did he tell you this?”

Rhys tugged her into his arms, unable to resist a moment longer. “About an hour ago.”

She flattened her palms across his chest and rose on her toes to kiss him. When he made to deepen it, she retreated with a shake of her head. “Shower first.”

He grinned, captured her hand on his chest, and ushered her to the cabin. After opening the door, the sight before him left him slack-jawed. Where there had been an old kitchen, now stainless steel appliances gleamed, solid wood counters lined the window wall with pot and normal drawers beneath. A farm sink was placed with the best views of the lake, and in the middle was a long island housing the gas oven and electric stove.

The floors had been sanded, restained, and polished with a matt finish. Three doors led off the empty lounge, but before he ventured there, he studied Lona’s face, eager for her reaction.

Her shimmering gaze was on him. “Is this…for me?”

He yanked her into his arms, needing to gather her softness against him. “Yes.”

She sucked in a shuddering breath and returned the hug. Then bouncing on her toes, she squealed. “I can’t wait to shop. Something leather for the living room, and we’ll need a colorful rug. Oh, show me the rest.”

Chuckling, he looped his arm across her shoulders and opened the guest bathroom. It reeked of new tile and grout, but when she gasped, he planned to thank Noah. What had once been dingy was now bright with white subway tiles and dark gray detailing. The finishes were new along with the sanitary fixtures. Even a towel hung on the copper rail.

To the back of the cabin were two bedrooms, a main and a guest, although, he had never used the latter, hadn’t even furnished it. The wood flooring continued into it, built-in cupboards lined one wall, with mirrors as their doors. It had a fresh coat of paint in beige. He took a deep breath, loving the smell of paint.

In the main bedroom, his bed sat centerstage, perfect for his height, and dominated the spacious room. It faced the windows lining two walls. Built-in cupboards filled the one wall, with a door leading to an en suite. It used to be a shower and a toilet, but now a massive bath looked out reframed windows, a shower big enough for the two of them sat in the far corner, with the toilet shielded by a low-height wall. It too was retiled in subway white, with checkered tiles on the floor. Copper fixtures finished the look.

“Anything you don’t like, we can change.” He settled his gaze on her and found her staring at his bed.

“Yours?”

He nodded. “Take a shower, and I’ll fetch our bags. We can unpack…afterward.” Bolting, he didn’t wait for her response. But when the shower switched on, he grinned, doubling his pace, eager to join her.

Returning, he dumped their bags in the corner, then stripped off his boots and socks. He peeled off his shirt as he stepped into the bathroom and paused. A new toothbrush still in the wrapper rested on the his-and-hers vanity. He tossed his shirt on top of her strewn clothes and brushed his teeth while watching her soap and rinse. Each rivulet snagged his gaze, hardened him until the only image he could hold onto was fucking her pinned to the wall.

She watched him with a hooded gaze, slowing her hands when they soaped her breasts, her sex.

“You’re playing with fire, sweetheart.” Unbuttoning his jeans, he dumped them on top of his shirt, and stepped into the shower, crowding her with his chest.

As soon as she placed her hands on his biceps, he growled and lunged, pinning her to the wall. The shower drenched him, and he flicked his head to clear his vision.

She laughed. “Little old me too much for you to handle?”

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