Page 97 of Forsaken Secrets

He shook his head and jostled the reigns a bit. "I know how to talk to the horses, though, so that will have to work."

And then we were moving. I watched, jaw agape, as Eli steered the horses adeptly. "Gods, you are a strange man."

"I try," he said, a smug grin on his face.

"So, Lord Westin, where are we going this morning?"

"You'll have to find out when we get there.” He winked. "It'll be fun, though. I promise."

I leaned back in my seat, watching as the forest sped by and tried not to think about the fact that we were alone … again.

We bounced over a hump and Eli threw his arm out in front of me. It pressed into my chest and I gasped. He pulled it back quickly, but the heat was burnt into my skin.

Desperately, I searched for something to distract myself from these odd feelings. Beyond the bluff was the ocean. It was barely visible between the trees, and we were too far away to make out any details, but I wanted to imagine I could see Renhara and Lunei frolicking with their pod in the water.

"Do you think Solyn is okay?" I asked, chest tight at the thought of her in that cage still.

Eli looked over at me. "I have to think so. The Overseeker said he'd take care of her, and she's survived all this time without us."

I bit my lip. He was right. It just felt so strange to be moving through my life as though everything was normal while she was still trapped in that cage …

The carriage turned a corner, and a tall man with a familiar head of chestnut hair strode out of the forest to our left. He had a bounce to his step and turned to face us with what could almost pass as a smile. He held up a silver flask and waved. Oh gods. Was Lynk drunk?

"Gods be damned. That man's timing," Eli muttered, slowing the horses.

I looked over at him, surprised. "Are we inviting him along?"

"Unless you've got a better idea. We can't just ride past and pretend we didn't see him!"

I grimaced, but nodded. He was right.

We drew to a halt, and Lynk hopped up, squishing in next to me. The scent of herbs and rain filled my nostrils as his arm and leg pressed into my own, pushing me harder into Eli. I looked straight ahead, but my body was on fire. It had been bad enough being so close to Eli, but now I had Lynk, too?

Gods give me strength! My body just wasn’t used to so much close contact …

Lynk lifted that flask to his lips and took a large swig. I stared as a drop escaped his lips. It slid slowly down his chin, and I gripped my skirt tightly to stop myself from touching it. His hand beat me to it, strong thumb catching the drop and bringing it to his lips.

My tongue flitted out, moistening my lips in response.

No. No! I pinched my eyes closed and turned away.

This was all wrong. We were friends. And I was flirting and almost-kissing Eli the night before! My mind had no business thinking these thoughts!

I forced my heart and breath to slow and my thoughts to calm.

"Where are you kids headed?" Lynk's voice rumbled against my shoulder.

Eli chuckled, the motion sending a vibration down my other arm.

Heat blossomed in my core as I was assaulted by sensations from both sides, and I shifted in my seat, pressing my legs together. I was on edge after the night before, and now this?

Fuck. I was so fucked.

"It's a surprise," I muttered, desperately trying to keep my thoughts in line. "Eli showed up at my house this morning and said we were leaving, but won't tell me anything."

"I see. Well I hope you don't mind me tagging along?"

Eli shook his head. "Of course not. The more the merrier."

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