Page 82 of Vengeance Becomes Her

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Kyra trailed behind them, keeping some distance between them. Rhiannon could appreciate her need to observe them first, it was safer for them all to be cautious with one another for now.

Tristain and Rhiannon conversed amongst themselves as they walked back to the inn.

“You and Samara seem to be hitting it off. I think you have a new friend.”Tristain’s voice was light with optimism.

“I think so too. She’s my kind of woman.”

“I’m glad. I just hope she might warmup to me more.”

“She will, in her own time.”

“You think?”

“Yes. You have to remember, you’re the brother of the man who tried to kill her, and it takes time to get over that fact. But, at the end of the day, it’s hard not to like you.” The minute the words left her lips she knew he would give her hell for it.

“Is that so? You sure tried your best.” He came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her off the ground slightly. She kicked her legs trying to find purchase, but she was too high up.

“You’re making me regret being nice to you, put me down.” She struggled against him to no avail, his wide arms flexing tightly around her. Only when she relaxed against him did he put her back down. “I hate you.”

He scoffed. “Tell yourself that all you want, we both know that’s the biggest lie you’ve ever told.”

She rolled her eyes before resuming her stride. Her legs were already burning from the torture he’d made her endure. “I’m sotired, you were too hard on us. I can’t believe we still have to walk home.” She moaned, stomping her feet slightly for emphasis.

He shook his head at her, then turned around, tapping his back. “You’re kind of a pain when you’re tired. Did you know that?” He stopped his stride, motioning to his back. “Jump on.”

“You can’t be serious. I’m way too heavy for that. I’ll throw out your back, and that’s the last thing we need.” She lost it in laughter at the confused and slightly offended look on his face.

“I’ll have you know I’m quite strong. Are you calling me weak right now?” His mouth hung open in protest.

“No, I’m calling myself heavy. I can’t afford for you to pull your back or something. We need you.” She threw her arms in the air. “Don’t be such a fragile man. I’m not trying to hurt your ego.” She wrapped her arms around him leaning into his side. “Now come on, I’m ready to be back at the inn so Ican lay down.”

She looked back to check in on Kyra. She’d been silent but for her footsteps. Rhiannon was greeted with a tense smile which she returned before turning back around.

Tristain grumbled behind her. “Fine. I could have carried you though, so no complaining.”

“No promises. Oh, and by the way, I’m going to need you to do that nice thing you do when you bring me up food. I desperately need a bath immediately.” She shot him a smile over her shoulder.

“As if I’d deny you anything.”She could hear the smile in his voice.

That earned a small laugh from Kyra.

When they arrived back at the inn, the sun had set and they were all eager to get to their rooms.

After bathing and eating, Tristain and Rhiannon fell right to sleep, no energy for flirting.

When she woke up a few hours later, she rolled over to find Tristain awake. He was staring at the ceiling deep in thought, not noticing that she was now staring at him.

His thick brows were furrowed in concentration, his dark lashes blinking slowly every now and again, and his full lips were parted just slightly. She rarely had the opportunity to admire how handsome he was, so she took her time soaking in his perfect profile. Before she realized what she was doing, her fingers brushed gently across the line of his wide jaw. He turned his head slowly, his gaze drifting to hers.

A faint smile appeared as they made eye contact. “You’re awake.” His voice was heavy with emotion.

“Quite the astute observation.” She wanted to disrupt the intimacy of the moment, but it had no bite. She went to remove her hand from his face, but he held her wrist, gently forcing her palm to open and flattened it against the side of his face. He leaned against it as he turned the rest of his body toward her so her hand was a barrier between his cheek and the pillow. The warmth anchored her there and she didn’t fight it. They sat like that in silence for a while, looking at each other. It was comfortable though, as if this was where theyboth belonged.

“Rhiannon…”

“Don’t.”

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