Page 16 of Three Scorched Kingdoms

“That part I can do,” I say, heading for the connected washroom. I start the hot water running and toss some oils and salts into it before returning to the bedroom.

“Your bath is running,” I tell her. “As for the night clothes, I’ll have to call for a maid.”

“Why?”

“I’m afraid the wardrobe in this room doesn’t have a proper lady’s nightclothes.”

“Good thing I’m not a proper lady,” she snorts.

I shake my head. “You need something to sleep in,” I counter.

She manages to arch a brow. “So my clothes were good enough for you, but I can’t wear yours?”

I chuckle, recalling the gray sweatpants she sewed for me the night we met. They had been rather snug, and they never did hide my erections around her, which I think she approved of greatly.

With two long strides, I cross over to the wardrobe and remove one of my extra tunics. She doesn’t need pants, and they wouldn’t fit her anyway.

“I think this will make us even,” I say. “Come on.”

I lead her into the bathroom where she stares hungrily at the large tub already filled with hot water. “This bathroom puts mine to shame.”

I smirk. “Finally, you’re impressed.”

She runs her gaze over my body. “Oh, I was already impressed, believe me.”

I smirk. As much as her teasing turns me on, I know she’ll appreciate a moment to clean up. “In that case, enjoy.”

I leave the tunic next to her towel and return to the bedroom to wait.

A few minutes later, Paige re-emerges in nothing but a towel. My body reacts instantly, and she doesn’t miss the evidence, her gaze dipping to where my erection presses against my pants.

“Bath is all yours,” she says.

With a groan, I stride into the bathroom and run fresh water—cold.

When I emerge a few minutes later, Paige has tossed the towel aside and is sliding the tunic over her head. I pause in the doorway, my gaze roving over her body. The lush curves of her breasts, the perfect shape of her hips. Thighs that clench when I send her soaring. She shrugs into the clothing and turns, noticing me at last.

Before my thoughts can betray me, I tear my gaze away and cross to my armoire to pull on clothes of my own. Finally, I climb into bed with her. Immediately, she curls beside me, resting her head on my chest.

“Paige, I can’t thank you enough for bringing me home.”

“That was our original plan,” she reminds me, lifting her head so she can grin down at me. “Before you-know-who ruined it.”

The mood plummets at the reminder.

She’s quiet, and I wonder if she’s thinking of Hoc. His death is the reason she was promoted to Head Librarian and forcedto stay in the library instead of returning here with me sooner. I don’t blame her, though. I chose to stay too. And I wouldn’t change it. She needed me. But I can’t deny the relief I feel at being back here—together.

“We’re safe here,” I say though that’s not exactly true with the horde at our borders.

“Yes,” she murmurs. “For now…”

“I will handle the orcs. Now that we’re here?—”

“We will win the war. I’m certain of it,” she agrees sleepily. “But…”

I wait, trying to understand why I sense so much fear through our bond.

Fear and anger.

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