Page 27 of To No End

Swim naked in the moonslight

Say my goodbyes

Trace’s note requested that I meet him this afternoon, meaning there wasn’t any time to hang about the manor since I’d be making the hours-long ride north again. Though Rain galloped confidently, as if he knew the way to the Doorlae Tavern & Inn, I still focused intently on trying to successfully memorize the way back.

I couldn’t imagine anything worse than getting lost, him thinking I had spurned him and disappearing before my arrival. I had to admit, I was a bit nervous that he wanted to meet in daylight; after all, the activities I was seeking out were more suited for after hours.

As Rain traveled on through the forest, crystal clear thoughts of Gris came to mind; like him shutting the curtains to shield us from the harsh light of day. My cheeks were warmed by those memories. I allowed myself to revisit them in detail—for educational purposes.

Replaying my body intertwined with his, the intentional breath whispered in his ear, my yearning, stifled at first, but turning to reckless abandon beneath our writhing bodies. I concentrated on what to do differently, do better, once I finally ensnared Trace. If his words were any indication of experience, then I was certain I was no match for him; I was going to have to pull off another impeccable acting job.

If I had to guess, we had been on our journey back to the tavern about an hour, and this should have been around where we encountered Aster’s house. But it was nowhere in sight as I glanced around in all directions, trying to establish if I hadgotten us lost somehow. Come to think of it, I didn’t recall seeing that house on the return ride either. Had I set us on an entirely different path?

I was keeping Rain at a slow pace while I continued to search for familiar signs when I saw the startling sight of the charred dead tree sitting in complete isolation. No picket fence, no dilapidated house or signage. Was my memory untrustworthy? I could have sworn that it was the very same tree that loomed over Aster’s house, but it was surrounded by nothing but more forest. It had to have been the very same one I witnessed just yesterday.

Rain and I passed the tree with trepidation. I urged Rain onward quickly, working to put distance between us and that eerily familiar place. Was it possible that the rumors were true?

For the remainder of the ride, I tried to distract myself with thoughts of Trace and the exciting game of what was to come. Our limited words and short time together could be described as nothing more than sparring. Each reply a jab, every unenthusiastic retort an effort to conceal. I was going to break him down bit by bit; he just didn’t know it yet.

When I could finally see the tavern, I approached nervously on horseback, scanning the area for any sign of Trace—as if he’d be waiting for me. Trace did not seem like the type to fawn over anyone. I walked Rain into the stable looking for the largest stall to give him plenty of room for the evening when I suddenly felt a hand wrap around my waist. I jumped in surprise, turning quickly with my hand already curled into a tight fist.

To my chagrin, I found Trace towering over me, a smirk plastered across his face. He took his hand and cupped my raised fist, pushing it down to my side.

“You don’t want to try that.”

I stepped back from the overwhelming presence of his stature. “Do you always go around grabbing people by surprise like that?”

He nonchalantly began tying up his horse next to Rain.

“Only the ones that try to bed me on the first night.”

He turned and winked at me.

Before I could point out that I had claimed this stall, he eyed me and said, “You don’t mind if Alcar shares? You do share, don’t you?”

He was even more attractive than I remembered from the night before, and I was no match for this kind of banter, so I replied sweetly, “Of course, be my guest.”

The dappled gray of Rain was a stunning compliment next to Alcar’s crisp white body and solidly black mane. After situating the horses, we stood there like two strangers, silence filling the void between us...

“You should eat.” He sounded bossy, but I had to admit that skipping breakfast along with the long ride had built up my appetite.

We made our way back to the tavern, the place feeling both familiar and unknown.

This time I had arrived with someone, I knew my surroundings, the bartender, and I had no intention of sparing even one drop of sobriety as Trace’s words echoed through my memory.“Sober...and nothing to dull your senses.”

Trace led us to the very same booth from the night prior, where he had intervened on my behalf. A barmaid quickly appeared, and from the looks she was giving Trace, it was clear she would love to sink her claws into him too. I did not like her eyeing my target and I made a sour face at her when she greeted him but not me.

She was short, big-busted, and showing off her assets with a low-cut blouse. Trace didn’t seem to pay any attention when she leaned further into him asking, “What can I get you, handsome?”

“We’ll take one braggot, one water, and two bowls of the stew with bread.” His dry reply gave her no indication that hereturned the same affections. She flitted away in disappointment to fulfill his request.

“Ale?” I questioned. “What happened to not dulling the senses?”

“I never said a damn thing about myself, Cress. You’re the one who hasn’t proven you can drink responsibly.”

I clenched my teeth in annoyance that he continued to treat me like a child by ordering my meal.

“And don’t think I can’t read that look on your face. The stew is the only edible thing on the menu; consider that before you decide to hold a grudge.”

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