Page 92 of Between Wrath and Mercy

Thenextmorning,Iwoke up pressed to Rainier’s chest, his heartbeat and breathing slow and steady. It was still dark since our tents were in the cave, but I could hear the soft sounds of the camp waking up. I had the slightest ache behind my eyes, but nothing worth mentioning. The blanket had slid down around our hips, but considering how warm we were, there was no reason to pull it back up. In fact, it was almost too warm. I gently rolled over, keeping his arm around my waist as I turned. He gave a low rumble and pulled me back against him.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you,” I whispered as I wiggled playfully against him.

“I wouldn’t do that unless you want my tongue inside you again.” His voice was a low growl as he began nuzzling my neck and ear, and I clenched my thighs together tightly, feeling my body flush. His hand on my waist slid up and cupped my breast, and what he’d said started to sound less and less like a threat. I felt him harden against my backside, and I inhaled a sharp breath.

“Who says I don’t want that?” I felt brazen, the confidence of the night before still there, but it felt almost dirty talking like that. He groaned quietly and adjusted his body, the arm underneath me coming up to cup my other breast, gently pinching and rolling my nipple, and I let out a soft moan.

A throat cleared, and it wasn’t Rainier’s.

I shrieked as I opened my eyes and saw Dewalt standing at the entrance of the tent, staring down at us. I dimly realized he was standing only in his undergarments as the blanket was thrown higher, covering me. I rolled over quickly, pressing my chest against Rainier, who shook with silent laughter. I smacked his chest in frustration. I was thankful the light was low, the brazier barely embers, and the sunlight hadn’t reached too far back into the cave.

“Why aren’t you wearing pants?” Rainier called out to his friend, talking to him as if he weren’t just touching me that way in front of the man.

“Things got a little intense last night. My pants did not survive.” Dewalt replied as I heard him rustling around on his side of the tent. “Sorry, I didn’t hear anything, so I thought you were both still asleep. Evidently, I was wrong.” I could hear the smirk in his voice, and I cringed, feeling my face flush. It was bad enough he had witnessed anything, and now he was apologizing for it. I wished he’d just stop talking altogether and leave.

“She was much louder last night.” Rainier chuckled deviously, and I smacked him on the chest before I pinched his nipple. “Ow!” He laughed as he grabbed my hand in his, pulling it to his lips.

“I know.” Dewalt’s voice told me exactly what he meant.

“Divine hell, getout!” I shouted as Rainier started laughing again.

“Alright, alright. Let me pull my pants up, woman.” A moment later, I heard the tent flap open and shut. I bolted upright, still naked, and looked around for my shirt, irritation flooding through me and into my voice.

“Did you know he was standing there?”

“No, I was focused elsewhere.”

“Well, I know you both used to—to do things in the same room as each other, so I feel I should make it clear I am not interested in that.”

“Nor am I. Did you not feel me throw the blanket over you?” I found my shirt and tugged it over my head, shooting a glare at him over my shoulder when he sat up.

“Hey, come here.” His voice was soft as he put a hand on my jaw, turning me toward him, a smile playing across his lips. “I’m just happy we don’t have to hide with them. I don’t want you to be a secret. I know we have to be discreet for now, but after I talk to Keeva, no more secrets.” I felt my face soften as something in my chest tightened. I needed to talk to Mairin, so I could tell him what she’d told me. I didn’t like keeping secrets either. He leaned forward and kissed me gently, moving his hand to splay across my back, and I felt my breath catch again. It was all too good to be true. I pulled away, knowing a smile lit my face.

I searched the room and spotted the rest of my clothing. Rainier got up and walked to his pack, and I froze, watching every muscle, every divot and harsh curve of his body. I didn’t move as he stepped into undershorts, a form-fitting garment that only went part-way down his thigh. I didn’t stop staring as he stepped into his pants or as he shrugged on a shirt. When he turned around and started doing his buttons, I was still staring. He glanced down at me, and his eyebrows raised, watching me sitting there, still half-naked, enraptured.

“I need my pack.” I blurted out dumbly. He chuckled and finished buttoning his shirt as he walked over, leaning down to kiss my forehead.

“I’ll get it.”

A few moments later, he came back, setting down what I needed in front of me, with my cloak laying across it. “As much as I want to stay here and watch you get dressed, I have to make my rounds. Ride next to me today?” I nodded, an easy smile on my face despite the tightening in my chest. I wondered when the ache would stop or if I’d always feel this way. Would I always ache for the missing time? Would his smile and affection for me always make my heart sore?

He tidied up the corner where he stored various items, and I couldn’t miss the shudder when he picked up the bottle of liquor from last night. I felt the same, though the heat and taste of it helped push me to take what I wanted. I didn’t regret it.

He left a moment later, sending a small smile my way. I put on fresh undergarments and the breeches from yesterday before I started pulling a brush through my hair. I was braiding it, trying to imitate the ones Thyra wore, when I heard my name from outside the tent.

“Come in.” Mairin and Lavenia entered, both wearing grins that irritated me more than they should have.

“Have fun last night?” Lavenia winked, and the smirk on her face was more than enough to annoy me.

“I don’t know, didyou?” Two could play that game.

“Don’t tease her, Ven.” It was strange to hear Mairin use her nickname, but shouldn’t have been surprising. “We heard how much fun she had—no need to ask her.” I leveled a glare at the two of them as they grinned back.

“Did you two need something?” Lavenia threw her head back and laughed while Mairin gave me an apologetic smile. I narrowed my eyes on her. “Actually, I need to talk to you.” Mairin nodded, and when I turned and gave a look to Lavenia, she took the hint.

“I’ll go grab some food for us.” And she was gone.

“Tell me everything.” I stood up, crossing my arms over my chest as I started to pace.

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