Rowan laughed. “Oh, that’s rum. Not water.”
“You could’ve warned me.” I wiped at my mouth. “My throat’s on fire. And my lips. I think I’m dying.”
“Well, most people don’t accept a drink without first knowing what it is. I figured you knew.” He took the flask from me and drank from it. “Put your pants on. We’ll go to the waterfall.”
Putting on pants was pointless. They came off as soon as I reached the water. The water was kind of cold, but I felt grimy and gross and needed to wash off. Rowan sat on the grassy bank and watched me, taking drinks from his flask. He’d referenced my morning hunger, but he was the one who looked ravenous in that moment.
“Don’t look too closely.” I shifted my body to hide my front from him. “The water’s cold.”
He’d just taken a drink, and it shot out his nose as he sputtered.
“Bet that didn’t feel too good coming out,” I said. “Serves you right for tricking me. Karma at work.”
Rowan closed the flask and hopped up from the grass. “I’d watch that mouth if I were you. You’re awfully vulnerable right now.”
“I have muffins of steel. You don’t scare me.”
“Is that so?” He stepped over to the pile of clothes I’d laid out on the bank and grabbed them.
“Hey, what are you doing with those?”
“Why? You scared?”
I scampered through the chilly pool of water and stepped onto the grass, shivering as the morning air hit my wet skin and hair. Luckily, he took mercy on me and didn’t run away with my clothes. He also did something unexpected.
“Come here.” Rowan brought me closer and ran his hand down my arm. His palm felt warm, and as it passed over my skin, the water droplets dried. He then did the same to my hair, drying the wet strands. “Better?”
“You’re like a human hair dryer,” I said, amazed. “I didn’t know you could do that.”
He flashed that adorable snaggle. “I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Most are of little use, but.” He shrugged. “I guess it was useful for this.”
“See?” I lightly bumped our foreheads together. “You can do good with your magic.”
Rowan averted his eyes. “Get dressed.”
I did. Despite being dry, the morning air was still on the chilly side, especially standing so close to the waterfall. My cloak was the final touch. I fastened it over my shoulders.
“That cloak really does suit you,” he said. “Parting with it wasn’t a complete waste.”
“I love it.” I snuggled more into it. “Thanks again for giving it to me.”
He nodded and retrieved his flask from the grass, taking another swig.
“Is that a blush I see, my phantom thief?”
“Phantom thief?” Rowan’s brow wrinkled.
“Yep. Phantom in the sense that you can pop in and out whenever you want, using shadows. And thief because… well, you have a bad habit of stealing everything. Me included.”
The scent of rum wafted from him as he closed the small gap between us and skimmed his lips along my jaw. “Better not let your guard down, little treasure, or I’ll steal you again.”
“You don’t have to steal me.” I rested my head on his shoulder. “I’m already yours.”
“D-Don’t…” Rowan swallowed hard and drew back from me. “Don’t say that.”
“Why not?”
Vulnerability laced in his eyes, like a frayed thread weaving through the traces of gold. “I should take you back before they come looking for you.”
