Page 9 of Of Shadow and Moon

I huff out a laugh, despite myself. Damn him. “Fine,” I say, folding my arms. “But only because I’m thirsty.”

“Of course,” he says with mock solemnity. “Wouldn’t want to leave a lady parched.”

We make our way to the bar, weaving through the crowd and dimly lit tavern. The wooden floor creaks beneath our steps and the barstools look like they’ve seen better days, like some of the patrons slumped over them right now.

Rafael signals the bartender, who nods and places two mugs of ale in front of us. I take a sip, savoring the smooth bitterness and let the warmth of it settle in my chest.

“So, Gabriella.” Rafael starts, leaning his forearm on the bar and turning the rest of his body toward me. His proximity is close enough to be intimate, but not overbearing. “What brings you to this fine establishment tonight?”

I smirk over the rim of my mug. “Just a pit stop on the way,” I say vaguely while swirling the ale in my mug.

He chuckles, the sound low and gravelly, sending heat straight to my core. “Ah, the classic tale of escape. Let me guess, you’ve got a long list of people you’re avoiding?”

“Something like that,” I reply, setting my mug downand meeting his gaze head on. “What about you? What’s your excuse for skulking around taverns?”

His lips twitch into a grin. “Skulking, is it? I happen to just be passing through, as well. You meet the most interesting people in places like these.” He gestures vaguely to the room, but his eyes remain locked on me. “Present company included.”

I roll my eyes, fighting back a smile. “You don’t even know me.” I laugh. “I could quite literally be a serial killer.”

“Then kill me now, knowing I’ve met the most beautiful woman in existence.” He counters, raising his mug in a mock toast while looking towards the sky.

I clutch my stomach as I throw my head back and laugh. It’s a sound I haven’t heard from my own lips in far too long. “You’re too much.” I barely get out.

The conversation flows easily. Rafael tells me stories of his travels. He has my complete attention. I’ve been to the same places he’s been, but hearing it through what he has seen…it’s mesmerizing. He doesn’t ever talk about visiting near the inner cities, which makes me like him even more. He’s a nomad, on a journey to explore the realm. I can’t help the contented sight that leaves my mouth as I rest my chin on my hand.

As the night wears on, our conversation doesn’t slow, but the crowd starts to thin. The tavern feels much quieter now. The bartender casts us a knowing glance as he polishes glasses behind the counter. I ignore him, focusing instead on the man seated next to me. Rafael’s eyes glint in the dim light. They’re full of mischief and lust.

“Another round?” he asks, tentative, like he knows I am going to say no. I bite my lip.

I glance toward the window and catch the glow of the sun creeping over the horizon. The pale lightfilters through the grime streaked glass, signaling that it is the end of the night. Shaking my head, I set my mug down. “Not today,” I say, the corner of my lips curving into a smile. “Looks like we’ve run out of time.”

Rafael follows my gaze to the window and sighs, the sound a testament to my own disappointment. “Looks like we did,” he says, leaning back slightly. Then, with that same infuriating grin, he adds, “How about we finish this conversation somewhere a little more private before the sun fully comes out?”

I hesitate, because I really should get going. I need to buy food, healing salve, and a few other things for my journey before it gets dark again. I don’t want to enter the forest at night.

My pulse quickens, and I can’t tell if it’s from excitement or annoyance, or maybe both. I raise a brow, letting the silence stretch just long enough to make him shift slightly. I might be stupid, but I nod, unable to resist the urge I feel to feel him inside me. This is exactly why I came to this tavern.

He stands, offering me his hand with a slight bow, the gesture almost mockingly gallant. “Shall we?”

I slip my hand into his firm but gentle grip, letting him lead me through the tavern towards the back. The wooden floor creaks, yet again, beneath our steps, the sounds of the room fading into the background as we weave through the remaining patrons.

“I knew you were trouble the moment I caught you,” he says, his tone teasing but edged with something darker.

I glance up at him, my smirk returning. “Then you’d better make it worth my while.”

The stupid grin that spreads across his face is dangerous.

We slip into a dimly lit storage closet at the back, the scent of spices and old wood filling the small space. Rafael closes the door behind us, and the air grows thick with tension. He steps closer, his hand cupping my cheek as his thumb brushes my lower lip.

“I’m sorry this isn’t…nicer.” He suddenly looks sheepish, unsure.

I pull him by the collar of his shirt before whispering in his ear, “I’m not the type of girl you take home to your mama, Rafael. This is perfectly fine.” I pull back and look up at his face. His brows pinch and I see immense sadness reach his eyes, before he blinks and his flirty mask is back on.

“You're beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice a low whisper that sends heat coursing through me.

Before I can respond, his lips capture mine in a searing kiss. It's hungry and urgent, a clash of desire that leaves me breathless. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer as he presses me against the wall.

Our movements become frantic, hands roaming and exploring. Rafael's fingers work deftly to undo the buttons of my top, his touch igniting a fire within me. I fumble with his shirt, eager to feel his skin against mine.

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