Page 153 of Dawn Caravan
“I’m not sure if that was a threat or not,” Ben said quietly.
“Not a threat.” Tenzin nodded at the new terrin. “She was looking for a home. She found one.”
Ben looked around at the celebrating throngs of Poshani humans and vampires. “So, any idea where René got to?”
“Nope. None at all.”
39
Ben woke at nightfall, Tenzin curled into his side. One hand was playing with the hairs on his chest and the other was tucked under his armpit.
“Were you trying to tickle me?”
“Yes. And now you’re awake. It worked perfectly.” She stroked her fingernails along his side, and Ben nearly doubled up in laughter.
“Stop.” He’d always been ticklish, but he’d never slept with anyone who took advantage of it. “Don’t tickle me.”
“You’re much harder to wake now. I have to discover new tactics.”
He stretched up, throwing his arms over his head. “We’re leaving tonight, right?”
“Don’t you like our comfortable cave?”
“I want a proper bed, Tenzin. I’m taller than you and I actually sleep. I want to be comfortable and not cramped.” He slid his hand down her bare back. “And beds have other desirable features we both might enjoy.”
“Hmm.” She propped her chin on his chest. “How about Venice?”
He put his hand on the back of her neck and pulled her in for a kiss. “I love you.”
“We’ll fly to the camp for a couple of hours, just to take proper leave, then we’ll fly straight there. We can be there before daybreak.”
“A few nights in Venice sounds perfect.”
“I agree.”
“Then we should probably go to Rome. I have a feeling Chloe and Gavin are about to send out the National Guard.”
“I don’t think they have any authority to do that in Italy.”
“No?” He tweaked her chin. “Bummer. Did you know you’re very cute?”
“You keep telling me that. Often followed by telling me that I’m irritating.”
“Two things can be true at the same time.”
“Ben.”
“Tiny.”
The corner of her mouth turned up. “I used to hate when you called me that.”
“No, you didn’t.”
“I really did. I often thought about how I could injure you in nonpermanent ways when you called me that.” She laid her head over his heart. “I have become accustomed to it now.”
“Good.” He stroked his hand through her hair and thought about all the nights they’d been apart. “Was it worth it?”
“What?”
