Page 71 of Staff of Nightfall

Drez tossed onto his side on the other side of the ash-filled fire pit. More important than Regulus’ discomfort, it seemed wise to get up before Alfred. He eased his hand out of Adelaide’s, but she stirred as he tried to move out from under her.

“Five more minutes,” she mumbled as she wrapped her hands behind his neck.

Regulus chuckled. “You make a compelling argument,” he whispered in her ear, “but—”

“Too cold.” She turned her head, hiding her face in his shoulder, and mumbled something he couldn’t make out.

“Okay, but only to protect you from the cold.”

“Good,” she said, her voice still heavy with sleep.

A sparrow flitted through the air above him, catching insects. No part of him wanted to get up. He wanted to stay like that forever. Sorcerers and immortal creeps be damned. He put his hands on her waist, thinking he would just pick her up and move her over. Instead his hands developed a mind of their own and moved over her waist, tracing up her back and tangling in her hair. She filled his mind, all other thoughts sinking into blurry shadows.

Adelaide shifted, and he sensed her sleepiness fall away. Her love and desire shot through him, mixing with and heightening his own. Regulus closed his eyes and breathed in, trying to calm his racing heartbeat. She turned her head and her breath slid over his neck. His right hand wandered up and over the back of her neck, her skin warm and soft under his fingertips as he brushed his fingers through her hair. He gripped her waist with his other hand. A flare of anxiety and fear edged into his mind as she tensed. Guilt and sorrow squeezed at his chest and he released her waist and opened his eyes.

A dark shape hovered above him as something hard dug into his side opposite Adelaide. He grunted and Adelaide gasped. Regulus squinted against the light as Alfred bent down and pulled his arms off her back. His face burned like he’d been sitting inches from a roaring fire. Alfred’s eyes flashed, his face and neck flushed. Adelaide scrambled off Regulus, her cheeks darkening. Alfred drew his arm back, his hand curled into a white-knuckled fist. But instead of punching him, Alfred reached down, gripped the front of Regulus’ shirt, and pulled him up so his mouth was next to Regulus’ ear.

“You go too far,” Alfred whispered, voice tense. “I won’t have you taking advantage of her weakened state. Even without what she’s been through, show some restraint.” He pulled back so they were eye-to-eye. Regulus’ tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth, his fists pressed into the dirt. It took all his courage not to bow his head in submission at the withering look Alfred gave him.

“I’d give you a proper beating instead of just a boot to your side,” Alfred said, “but I can’t hurt you without hurting her.” He shoved hard against Regulus’ sternum, pushing him backward.

Adelaide stood with her arms wrapped over her stomach. “Father—”

“No.” Alfred pointed at Adelaide. He opened his mouth, shut it again, then dropped his hand. “You’re not married to him yet,” he said as he strode past.

Regulus rubbed his sternum, wondering if Adelaide had felt that, too. She met his eyes apologetically but didn’t look like she felt the throb in his own chest. The dull ache dissipated quickly, however. Points to Adelaide’s magic for ensuring he didn’t have a bruised side or sternum.

Alfred glared every time their paths crossed while they ate some apples and fish for breakfast and prepared to leave. Dresden had awoken just as Alfred landed a swift kick in Regulus’ side, and every time their eyes met, he looked on the brink of laughter.

The sun had breached the horizon when they were ready to depart, their scarce supplies packed up and the horses saddled and bridled. With Zephyr gone, Adelaide headed toward Sieger with Regulus close behind. As she reached for the saddle, Alfred cleared his throat.

“No.” Alfred’s tone left no room for argument, but that didn’t stop Adelaide.

“No, what?”

“You can ride with me, or Regulus can ride with Dresden.”

Dresden wrinkled his nose and lifted an eyebrow.

“Fath—”

“Or someone can remain behind.” Alfred’s glare made Regulus’ blood run cold. Adelaide looked to Regulus.

Regulus glowered. “Respectfully—”

“Respect?” He recoiled at the intensity of Alfred’s voice. “Respectfully, Lord Hargreaves, you push the limits of propriety with my daughter, and I’ve had quite enough.” Alfred held out his hand. “Ad, let’s go.”

After a tense moment, Adelaide spun around and mounted Sieger. “Regulus?”

“Uh...” He looked from her to Alfred’s red face.

Alfred stalked over and snatched Sieger’s reins. “We’re not leaving. Not until I am certain you’re away from his wandering hands.”

Adelaide fidgeted. “Father.”

“I apologize for any impropriety,” Regulus said, “but I promise—”

“Promises are easily broken when opportunity abounds.” Alfred narrowed his eyes. “Your choices are to ride separately, or Regulus can have his hands tied behind his back.”

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