Page 53 of Sanctuary

She stares at me for a long time. Cuts her gaze over to Aidan and then returns it to me. Her mouth twitches slightly, like she’s laughing inside. “All right. It’s a deal. We can work out a fair trade for the wine, and if you check in from time to time, I’ll probably have some more jobs for you.” She shakes her head. “You’re still young. If you’re having a good time with him, then have at it. But don’t give him your power. And you’d be wise to temper your faith.”

Aidan doesn’t make a sound, but he stiffens beside me.

“I can handle my own situation,” I tell her.

“I can see that. And with another man, I’d say you could have what you want and still be in control.” She leans forward and says in a low murmur that’s still audible throughout the room. “But this is not a man you can tame.”

I bite back a retort since getting into a fight would be ridiculous when we just came to a work agreement, but I flash her an angry glare.

It only makes her laugh.

“It’s fine, love,” Aidan says, putting a hand on my back. “It doesn’t matter.”

I glance up. He doesn’t look offended or annoyed. Mostly resigned. And he’s not going to be happy if we miss out on this partnership because I lose my temper.

So I swallow down my annoyance and nod. Manage a smile in Agatha’s direction. “You’re assuming I want to tame him.”

She chuckles again and moves back behind her desk. “We all want to tame them, girl. We all do.”

I don’t know what to say to that, so I don’t say anything.

Agatha lets us spend the afternoon and night at the compound so we can restock our supplies, have a hot meal, a bath, and sleep in a real bed.

Since we don’t have to interact with Agatha herself any further, we gratefully accept the invitation.

We don’t talk about what Agatha said that afternoon—not until we get in bed and turn off the lantern.

Aidan pulls me into his arms, and I relax my body against his, feeling safe. Cared for. More affectionate than I ever knew I could be.

“Are you still upset about what Agatha said?” he asks, nuzzling my loose hair.

“No. I’m okay.” I run my hands up and down his bare back. His body is lean and strong and very warm. “Kind of annoyed with her when I think about it, but otherwise fine.”

“In her worldview, men either have to be fought or be tamed. I can only imagine what she went through as part of a militia group. She probably has good reason for thinking the way she does.

“Yeah. I get it. I don’t know why I let her get to me. I’m not usually so prickly.”

He’s stroking my body now too. Rubbing my thighs and then sliding his hands up under the short cotton gown I pickedout from their stock of extra clothes this afternoon. “You’re sometimes prickly.” He sounds fond and teasing.

It makes me smile. “I’m only prickly when certain people purposefully provoke the quills.”

He chuckles against my mouth. Kisses me gentle and slow.

I arch my neck with pleasure, enjoying the gradual sensual build. I’ve never felt soft like this before. I’ve felt weak. Powerless. Terrified. And I’ve felt tough—with internal armor I would never take off.

But I’ve never felt soft. Vulnerable in a good way, knowing it was safe.

Not like I do with Aidan.

It’s a gift. A blessing. I revel in it as my body responds to his tender advances.

He kisses and caresses me for a long time, until I’m hot and pliant and flushed and trying not to squirm. He’s pushed my gown up above my breasts and has his mouth on one of my nipples, teasing and tugging as I arch and writhe beneath him. Then his hand explores beneath my legs.

I part my thighs, bending my legs at the knee to expose myself to him more fully.

He mumbles in approval against my breast.

The feel of his fingers in my pussy makes me gasp.

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