Page 31 of Desire

He looked at me, his gaze dipping to where my chest pressed against the edge of the tub.

“Will you kiss me, Snow?” he asked softly, his cheeks coloring brightly.

“A kiss freely given in exchange for your guidance?”

“Yes.”

“Close your eyes, Garron.”

Once I knew he couldn’t see me, I rose to my knees and leaned out of the water to cup his cheeks. The stubble of his emerging beard teased my fingers, and I gave in to the need to caress it. I watched his face as I touched him. His brow moved slightly. Perhaps wonder. Perhaps nerves or anticipation.

I checked that the lid on the well was tightly closed then tried to feel what he felt. It came easily. Adoration. Desire. So much of it.

He wanted my kiss. No, he craved it.

Leaning closer, I brushed my lips lightly over his. They were soft and warm and welcoming. His parted, inviting me to deepen the kiss, allowing me to lead. My heart gave a fluttering beat. Heat pulsed around me. In me.

I tentatively stroked my tongue against his bottom lip and felt his hand settle on my hips. The heat of his touch on my bare skin warmed me from the inside.

The well gave a shudder, and I quickly pulled back.

“I can’t, Garron. It’s too danger?—”

He opened his eyes and darted forward to cover my mouth with his.

I sank into the desire…the feel of his lips…the caress of his hands over my wet sides. When he finally pulled back, I struggled to remember why we needed to stop.

Then I opened my eyes and saw his charm glowing brightly.

“Don’t,” he said the second guilt claimed me. “You didn’t hurt me.”

“Because of the charm. Without it, I would be a monster and hurt what I hold dear. Help me, Garron. I never want to hurt anyone.”

He nodded once, his gaze dipping to my lips.

I decided for him and leaned in to give him one more chaste kiss.

“Thank you, Garron,” I whispered against his lips.

He nodded, and when I pulled away, I saw he’d closed his eyes.

Giving into temptation, I stole another kiss then turned my back on him and sank into the tepid water.

A moment later, I listened to him leave. Alone, I heated the water while I sat in it without any ill effects then looked for the soap to wash. It was out of reach.

Daemon.

I shook my head and debated what to do.

“Are you all right, Trouble?” Edmund asked.

“Yes. No. Daemon is an ass and left the soap out of reach. And no, I don’t want anyone barging in here under the pretense of help. I’ve given as much as I’m willing to give today. Unless one of you is interested in feeling the heel of my hand against your nose, I suggest you all remain outside.”

“Does this mean you won’t join us for dinner, Kitten?”

I knew they were purposely provoking me, but knowing didn’t stop my reaction. I slapped the water with an open palm in frustration. Water splashed upward then stayed where it was. Droplets the size of rain hovered in the air before my eyes.

Focusing inward, I replaced the lid on the well and pushed down everything I was feeling. The droplets fell into the water.

---