Page 97 of Dark Rebel's Fortune

Max watched her explorations with a warmth spreading through his chest. "Let's check out the rest," he suggested, taking her hand.

They checked out the guest bedroom next and then moved on to the master bedroom with its king-sized bed, seating area, generously sized bathroom, and walk-in closet. It was already filled with their clothing, with Kyra's meager wardrobe on one side and his own clothes on the other.

"Jasmine even had my things brought over from my house. I'm impressed."

Kyra laughed. "Presumptuous of her, wasn't it?"

"Perceptive," Max corrected with a grin. "Though I doubt she anticipated how quickly things would develop between us."

A folded piece of paper rested on top of a neat stack of T-shirts, and as Max picked it up and read it, his smile widened.

"What is it?" Kyra asked.

"A note from my roommate." He handed it to her.

Kyra took the paper and read it aloud: "Congratulations on finding your truelove mate. May your forever be filled with happiness. —Thomas." She looked up at Max with amusement dancing in her eyes. "That was nice of him."

"It was," he agreed, pulling out his phone. "I shouldtext him to say thanks and to apologize for the short notice. He wasn't expecting me to leave him quite so suddenly."

His fingers flew over the screen, composing a message:Thanks for the note and for helping Jasmine with my things. Sorry about the abrupt move. Drinks on me next time we are at the Hobbit.

The response came almost immediately,No worries. Happy for you. Any chance you could introduce me to one of your girlfriend's sisters? I hear there are four of them, and they are all single.

Max laughed, drawing a curious look from Kyra, who had moved to inspect the bathroom.

"What's so funny?" she asked.

"Thomas," Max said, showing her the message. "I should have warned you that gossip runs at the speed of light through the village. The hounds have heard about four new ladies in the village, so your sisters are going to become very popular very fast."

Kyra rolled her eyes. "My sisters need time to adjust first. I should talk to them about where they stand on faith and relationships. I have a feeling they're not particularly religious and would prefer a secular life, but I need to check with them to confirm." She smiled. "When I know their feelings on the matter, point me in the direction of the biggest gossip so I can have their wishes known."

"I know just the guy."

Max set the phone aside and pulled her into hisarms, relishing the way she fit against him. "But all of that can wait until tomorrow," he murmured, brushing his lips against her temple. "Right now, I believe you have a promise to deliver on."

Her amber eyes darkened with acknowledgement. "I do, don't I?"

"Mmm," he confirmed, his hands sliding down to her waist. "That's all I have been thinking of since you announced your plans for me."

"Me too," she admitted. "Well, it wasn't all I've been thinking about, but it did occupy a large chunk of my cognition."

"Perhaps we should start with a joint shower? It has been a long twenty-four hours."

"More like thirty-six," she whispered, her fingers playing with the hem of his shirt. "After so many days of travel and combat, I could use a thorough cleansing."

Max felt his body responding to her teasing tone, to the promise in her eyes. "Allow me," he said, reaching for the buttons of her shirt with deliberate slowness. Each one revealed another inch of skin that he wanted to worship, to memorize with his fingertips and lips.

Kyra stood perfectly still, only the quickening of her breath betraying her anticipation as he worked his way down. When the last button gave way, he pushed the fabric from her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor. She stood in front of him in her sports bra, lean and yet round in all the right places.

"Your turn," she whispered, tugging at his shirt until he raised his arms, allowing her to pull it over his head.

She placed her palms on his chest, her fingers tracing every ridge and valley. "You are like a golden god," she whispered.

He chuckled. "I'm a descendant of gods, so I guess the compliment's fitting."

Kyra laughed. "I love how modest you are."

"Modesty is overrated." He pulled her cargo pants down, and when all that covered her body was a bra and a pair of modest underwear, he took a moment to marvel at her strong, lithe warrior's body.

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