Page 84 of A Lick of Flame

“I like that idea. Goodnight, Orion.”

“Goodnight, love.” I wince inwardly. I can’t call her that again. It won’t do.

Maya snuggles against me, a smile playing on her lush lips. Within minutes, her breathing changes as she drifts off to sleep. It’s going to be a long night because I intend on savoring every moment. It’s the first and the last time this woman will ever be in my arms, and I don’t plan on missing out on a single second.

29

Maya

I finish the last sip of tea while Orion stows more of the cassiara root and yarrow leaves in my saddlebag.

“It’s enough for a whole month, just to be safe.”

I nod. “I will drink two cups a day,” I assure him.

I wish we didn’t have to go. I wish that we could stay in this clearing forever. We could stay right here and live our lives. I wouldn’t have to drink this bitter tea. We could have children and raise a family.

Of course, it’s all a pipe dream that isn’t remotely possible. I am me, and Orion is a king. He is made for greater things than being a husband and a father. I am being selfish just thinking it.

“Are you ready?” he asks me as he takes Copper’s reins from me.

I nod. For a moment, it seems like he might lean in and kiss me, but he doesn’t. Kissing him felt as natural as breathing. Him not kissing me feels wrong. I’m not sure how that is possible. How things could have changed so quickly and yet not changed at all. The mark is gone. Our night is over.

Orion wasn’t in bed with me when I woke up this morning. He was catching us breakfast in the form of a fat trout, but I suspect that his not being there was also on purpose.

Although things have been…easy between us, it is clear that we are over. That last night was last night, and that it is done with. It doesn’t matter that we will be traveling together in the coming days. That we could still be together if we wanted to. A line has been drawn, and it is for the best.

I already have feelings for this man. Feelings that could turn into something more. Something I will struggle to move on from. What am I saying? I am already struggling. I miss Orion already, and he is right in front of me.

He mounts up, and I follow suit.

“Are you sure you want to come with me?” I ask him. “There is still a bounty on your head. You might get caught, and then what?”

“I might know someone who can get me out of it. Someone very resourceful.”

I laugh. “Do you, now?”

“I do.” He nods, smiling. His green eyes glint with mischief. He turns serious. “I will see you home. It is the right thing to do.” We start at a steady walk. Orion is riding Copper; he leads the horse we took from Bard. A gelding called Toto.

I want to argue, but in truth, I am grateful. Also, I will take whatever time with Orion I can get. If that makes me pitiful, then so be it.

“There is something very important I need you to remember.” The side of his mouth quirks up.

“What would that be?” I level him with a look.

“If we are surrounded, with no hope of escape, it is of the utmost importance that you tell them that I am your captor and that you are my prisoner.”

I snort-laugh. “I will do nothing of the sort.”

“I’m holding you against your will. I’m evil. You need to tell them that.”

“Shouldn’t you tie me up and throw me over my saddle like a sack of potatoes?” I giggle. “That way, they will not have to even ask.”

“Now, there is a thought. I should gag you, too, so that you can’t tell them otherwise.”

I throw out a laugh. “You’re right, because I would tell them that I would follow you anywhere.” My voice hitches a little, showing my inner turmoil for just a moment. One moment too long.

We both sober in an instant. I should never have said it, even though it is true.

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