Page 78 of Slaying the Shadow Prince
Talemir rubbed his neck. ‘The night got darker,’ he said cryptically.
‘What does that mean?’ Drue demanded.
Talemir closed his eyes, exhaling deeply. ‘Nothing.’
Drue clenched her jaw. ‘I have told you that you need not tell me things you’re not ready to tell me, but don’t disrespect me by lying.’
His gaze snapped to hers. ‘You’re right.’ He took her hands in his. ‘I promise, I won’t ever lie to you.’ Talemir pulled her closer to him once more, her body melting into his.
Every part of her responded instantly, crying out for him – his fingers, his mouth, his —
‘I have grand plans for the next time we’re alone, Wildfire,’ he told her. ‘I will not waste them out here on a damp patch of dirt in the dark.’
Drue went molten, her breath catching in her throat, her skin ablaze with the yearning to be touched. She pressed herself against him, her breasts heaving against his chest, her lower half grinding against the hardness of him.
A soft groan escaped him. ‘For all those plans… you’ll need your strength.’ He brushed his lips against hers, a quiet vow of what was to come.
‘I could say the same to you,’ she said at last, using every ounce of willpower left to keep from throwing herself at him.
‘I have no doubt.’ He traced her lips with his once more before pulling away.
A tight breath escaped Drue, and she nearly whimpered as the cold swept in between them.
But he looked at her, his hazel eyes as intense as before. ‘Stolen snatches of time won’t do when it comes to you.’ He collected the flasks he’d brought and started back towards the tavern.
Dazed, Drue stood there. Her whole body had come alive in his presence, at his words, at the brush of his lips. Gods, she had never wanted someone like this before. Never imagined the need could be so great that she would consider throwing all caution to the wind.
And yet he’d remained stoic. He’d managed to keep his desires under control… Did he not feel as she felt? Cursing herself, Drue snatched up the remaining canteens. This was not who she was, some simpering fool who worried about such things. Swearing under her breath, she grabbed the torch and made her way back.
Inside, Adrienne was stretched out on her bedroll several feet away from Wilder and Talemir. Both Warswords were making a show of sleeping, though Drue knew Talemir better than that, at least. Like her, the warrior took a long while to drift off.
‘Nice night-time stroll?’ Adrienne smirked as Drue approached.
Drue tossed her the canteen and elbowed her as soon as she was in range. ‘You’re a gods-damned menace,’ she hissed.
‘You’re welcome,’ Adrienne replied sweetly.
‘Welcome?’ Drue huffed. ‘If I had balls, they’d be bluer than —’
Adrienne snorted loudly and Drue glanced around to see if anyone had heard.
‘You make it too easy,’ Adrienne quipped. ‘It’s an interesting development since I saw you last… You’ve failed to mention —’
‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’
‘Your red face says otherwise, my friend…’
Drue’s cheeks burned hotter in answer. ‘Now’s hardly the time for an interrogation.’
‘And what if I die tomorrow not knowing what’s happened between you and —’
‘Shhh. For fuck’s sake, Adri. I’ll kill you myself if you don’t shut up.’
Adrienne laughed softly. ‘A likely story. Who’d give you all the decent watch shifts? Who’d correct your swordplay form? Who’d serve up a dashing warrior on a platter for you —’
‘Furies save me.’ Could Talemir and Wilder hear all this? The possibility was mortifying, and Adrienne was having far too good a time revelling in her discomfort. ‘What of you?’ she shot back.
‘What about me?’
