Page 29 of Desire

He ducked down just like I’d hoped he would. With his focus on my mouth, he never saw me reach for the new pitcher beside him. As I stood on my toes, I lifted it over his head. My aim was true, and the cold water drenched him.

I watched it cascade down his face and drip from his nose.

Laughter echoed from outside.

He blinked at me as he slowly straightened. Several seconds passed before he began to smile.

“Does this mean I don’t get a kiss?”

“No kiss and no helping me bathe. I’m quite capable on my own.”

He shook his head, sending water flying. He didn’t leave, though. His gaze swept over my face again. Considering. Devious.

“I need to check something,” he said softly before pulling me against his damp chest and pressing his lips to mine. The kiss was sweet and too short.

When he pulled back, he watched me warily.

“Either leave on your own, or I will ask Darian to help you. I believe he would be willing.”

“Very willing!” Darian yelled from outside.

Daemon smirked at me, darted in to kiss my forehead, then strode out the door, closing it behind him.

I listened to the low murmur of their conversation as I glanced at the window, then removed my shift to bathe.

The steaming water melted away my tension as I leaned my head against the tub.

Daemon and Darian both liked to play and cause trouble. Daemon did so to avoid work, and Darian did so for fun. Was that why Daemon kissed me? Was it simply a playful thing to do? What had he been checking?

“Do you need any help with your hair, Lamb?” Daemon called through the door. “Edmund is willing.”

“I’ve entertained you enough for today, Daemon,” I said. “Leave me in peace.”

“Was he bothering you, Princess? Should I have Garron cuff him?”

Deciding to ignore them all, I closed my eyes and focused on the feel of the water around me. The heat of it. Its comforting embrace.

In my mind, I could see it—a glowing mass surrounding me.

The energy in the plank boards of the floor appeared next. Then, the bound clumps of grass that made up the thatching. I could feel its energy in its brightness. The water glowed vividly,the floor more mutely, and the thatching fainter yet, except for the place they patched.

And outside, seven men shone like the sun.

“Kellen, love…are you angry?” Liam asked

“No.”

“Are you casting, Trouble?” Edmund asked, worry lacing his words.

My eyes snapped open, and I saw it in the air around me—energy. It moved like mist, slowly circling and curling around me.

“I…don’t know. Something happened.”

The door banged open behind me. With a gasp, I sank lower into the water as I glanced over my shoulder.

Edmund stormed in like an enraged bull. Garron was only a pace behind him. His eyes widened as his gaze swept the room.

“Do you see it?” I asked.

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