Page 95 of Path of the Dark
32
Hold Back Tomorrow
RYANA STIRRED, SNUGGLING into Elias’s shoulder. “I think we should find a bed,” she murmured. “This table isn’t too comfortable.”
Soft laughter rumbled in Elias’s chest. “Aye … let’s get our clothes back on.”
Reluctantly, Ryana slid from the table and reached for her abandoned clothing. She had just pulled on her leggings when she glanced up to see Elias’s staring at her. His gaze was luminous, his expression tender. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered.
Suddenly shy, Ryana smiled and looked away.
“It’s true,” he continued, stepping close and hooking a finger under her chin. She raised her gaze, meeting his eye once more. “I never say anything I don’t mean.”
Ryana swallowed, her smile fading. These moments were magical, yet already she could feel time passing, traveling with frightening swiftness toward dawn. “I wish we had longer together,” she murmured back.
His mouth quirked, and he stroked her neck in a sensual gesture that made Ryana’s breathing quicken. “So do I,” he replied, “Never has time seemed so precious to me … but we will have to make the most of these hours we have left.” He stepped back from her then and reached for his breeches. “Fortunately, most of the night still lies ahead of us.”
They finished dressing in silence and left the library. The servant, Isla, was nowhere in sight so they retraced their steps back to the courtyard garden
Mysandra was still there. The High Enchanter sat quietly, staring into the flames of the brazier. She glanced up when they entered, a knowing smile curving her mouth.
“I was wondering when you two would reappear.”
Ryana felt heat stain her cheeks. She knew they’d both been noisy, and wouldn’t have been surprised if Mysandra understood exactly what had happened in the library. “Can Elias stay here overnight?” she asked casually.
Mysandra nodded, her smile widening. “I’ve already had Isla make up a room for you upstairs. She’ll take you to it.”
Ryana hesitated. “Did you want to go over our plans for tomorrow?”
The High Enchanter shook her head, waving them away. “They can wait till morning.”
When they left the garden, Isla was there waiting for them.
The servant led them up to the third floor. Mysandra had given them a large room that looked as if it had seen better days. The whitewashed walls were stained and peeling, yet it sat on the corner of the building with a wrought-iron, wrap-around balcony that looked out over the building’s inner courtyard. It was a warm evening so Isla hadn’t bothered to light a fire in the hearth. However, she’d set two glowing lanterns either side of a large bed that was covered in a soft white woolen coverlet.
Ryana thanked Isla, and the servant let herself out, bidding them both a good night.
When they were alone, Elias and Ryana merely stared at each other. Ryana drank him in. Her fingers itched to tear his clothes off him, to explore his powerful body once more, but she prevented herself.
Ryana forced herself to slow down her breathing. She wanted to savor this moment.
Elias broke the spell, moving toward Ryana with a hungry look that made excitement rear up within her. Throwing any lingering caution aside, she rushed forward and threw herself into his arms.
Elias fell back on the bed, breathing hard. Stretching out next to him, Ryana placed a hand upon his chest. His heart pounded against her palm. A thrill went through her; she loved being able to shatter this man’s self-control.
“Shadows, woman,” he gasped. “Any more of that and I won’t be able to walk at dawn.”
Ryana gave a soft laugh, her hand splaying out across his chest. “Showing your age, Elias?”
“I’m only thirty-four,” he huffed.
She leaned forward and kissed the scattering of dark hair upon his chest, before she curled herself against him. “Still in your prime then.”
“Cheeky wench.”
She felt his hand curl through her hair, gently untangling the heavy waves. He’d done that after the first time they’d lain together. She liked the gesture; it relaxed her.
“I’m exhausted,” Elias admitted after a pause. “I feel like I could lie here for a week.”
