Page 77 of Desire

“I lost my temper,” I said, tears streaming down my cheeks. “I didn’t mean it.” My hands clutched at Garron’s shirt, jostling him. “Garron, please. Open your eyes.”

Brandle hurried over and checked Garron’s head.

Garron groaned and opened his eyes. I threw myself on him, crying uncontrollably.

“Shh,” Garron said. “It’s okay. I’m okay.”

“I threw you.”

“You did,” he said, his voice lacking its usual strength. “Help me sit up, Brandle. I think I might be sick.”

Brandle eased Garron into a sitting position. I held Garron’s hand and watched him breathe deeply as I silently berated myself.

“I’m so sorry, Garron.”

He looked at me then gently wiped the tears from my face. “It’s not like you to cry like this.”

It wasn’t. I checked the lid, but it was firmly in place, which only confused me further.

I didn’t cry, and I didn’t lose my temper. Ever. It was too dangerous. Why did I feel so out of control?

Eadric cleared his throat. “Sparrow, have you, perchance, used what I brought you?”

“Brought me?” I echoed, confused until I recalled the extra supply bundle that he’d told me to open later. So much had happened since then that I’d forgotten about it.

“No, I haven’t.”

“Ah,” Brandle said.

“Ah?” I glanced at the rest, but they said nothing.

Garron broke the silence. “I think we should temporarily suspend your studies.”

“Good,” Liam said. “I’ve been waiting for some Kellen time.” He took my hand and coaxed me to my feet. “What would you like to do? Take a bath? Have your hair brushed? Perhaps something to eat?”

“We’ll haul the water,” Darian said, towing Daemon with him before I could answer.

“We’ll get everything ready inside,” Eadric said, nudging Edmund.

“I’ll brew some tea,” Brandle said as he helped Garron to his feet and led him to the table.

Unsure what was happening, I followed and went to sit beside Garron. However, Liam was quick to sit first and tug me into his lap. Irritation scratched at me, and I flashed him a disapproving look.

“Thoughts of holding you again helped me endure the pain,” he said. “Please allow me this.”

The irritation vanished, replaced by guilt. How could I have forgotten all that he suffered to keep me safe? Edmund too.

I twisted to face Liam and apologize. He darted in, stealing a sweet kiss. The press of his lips, combined with the devotion he felt for me, melted any lingering irritation. Cupping his jaw, I kissed him in return. He groaned and deepened the kiss, teasing me with his tongue as his hands smoothed down my back and gripped my hips.

He lifted me, turning me on his lap. My knees touched the bench on each side of him as my weight settled on his hips. He groaned into my mouth, and I felt his hunger. It wrapped around me and became my own, pressing me to kiss him without reservation. To demand more.

His hands tightened on my hips, and he arched into me. The pleasure it sparked became my focus. I ground against him, chasing the sensation our movements created.

Desire flooded me. His. My own. Then Garron’s.

I lifted my mouth, panting. When I would have looked at Garron, Liam caught my face between his gentle hands.

“Stay with me,” he murmured before kissing me hungrily again.

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