Page 76 of A Lick of Flame

“You have no idea,” he growls the words. Then he kisses me softly and carefully, like I might break. It almost feels like a goodbye, which is strange because neither of us is going anywhere.

Orion runs the pad of his thumb across my lower lip, and then he stands, throwing another log onto the fire, which is good because I feel cold at his leaving.

“So, what now?” I ask. “Do we forget this ever happened and—?”

“No chance.” His voice is rough. “I’m not going to forget, and neither are you.”

“It might be awkward between us.”

“Only if you keep watching me bathe.”

I choke out a laugh that sounds as shocked as I feel. “Maybe if you actually bathed instead of…doing…um…that, it wouldn’t be such an issue.”

“You might be right about that,” he says, lifting his brows and grinning at me.

Even though I feel wide awake, with adrenaline still coursing through me, I point at my bedroll. “I think I’m going to get some sleep now.” Otherwise, I might do something stupid like ask him to kiss me again. I might beg. I might ask him for more. I might have regrets.

Orion looks at me for a few long seconds. “That sounds like a good idea. I’ll take the first watch.”

Maya

I am pulled from my slumber when Orion calls me. “Maya. Maya.”

What is it now?

My eyes open, and I sit up, making a sobbing noise. It takes me a few long beats to get my breathing under control. My heart is racing wildly.

Are we under attack?

Is there a creature in the forest?

Is it the fae?

I’m panicking, adrenaline flowing through me. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“I was going to ask you the same thing. Are you okay?” Orion’s voice is deep and rough. He has his arm hooked around my waist. “You were moaning and sobbing in your sleep.”

It comes back to me. “Yes…yes…I um… I had a bad dream.” It’s been a while since it was that bad.

“I’d say. You kept on shouting for George.” He frowns. “I had to wake you.”

My eyes fill with tears. “Yes…um…” I rub my nose and sniff. “It was just a nightmare. Just a—”

“Was it?” His eyes narrow. “Just a nightmare? It seemed like more. You’re upset.” He swipes his thumb under my eye, catching a tear.

No!

I can’t cry. I have to keep it in. I have to be strong. I can do it. I will stay strong.

“I’m shaken, but I’ll be okay.” I force a smile.

“Who is George?”

“George was my brother,” I push out.

Orion takes my hands and squeezes. He looks concerned. “This nightmare, is it of that day? Is it a memory?”

I nod, lost in my own head for a few moments. “The day they all died,” I whisper.

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