Page 87 of Halfling
“I don’t want to stay in the dark.”
Holding the lantern a little higher, he held out his hand for her. With a smile, Sorcha took it, a thrill running up her arm to feel her hand engulfed in his. The steady warmth of it banished her lingering unease at being in this dark, dank place.
Together, they quietly crept further into the cave. Even Darrah kept quiet, his black eyes large and glittering as they took in the murk of the cave.
As they ventured further in, it wasn’t long before Sorcha swore it grew warmer. A mineral tang teased the back of her tongue, and the air became heavy and damp.
Around a curve in the cave, they emerged from the tunnel into a large chamber glowing an ethereal blue. Sorcha’s lips parted in awe to behold heavy carpets of moss pulsating with blue pinpricks of light. They lit the cavern in a dim blue haze, reflected in the mirror surfaces of dozens of pools.
Black as pitch save for the blue glimmers, the pools glistened in the quiet, steam rising in thick columns to collect along the ceiling and walls as beads of condensate. Between the pools and glowing blue moss, the whole cavern looked as though they’d stepped into the center of a geode, all sharp angles and translucent color.
“It’s beautiful,” she murmured.
“It’s warm.” He squeezed her hand. “You should warm up from the rain.”
“Let’s make camp first, and then we both can.”
Sorcha followed him back to their packs. The air was too damp by the pools for a fire, and their soaked clothing wouldn’t dry out. Instead, as Orek gathered what kindling he could find just outside the cave, Sorcha made a makeshift firepit and hung their clothing to dry.
They’d become so practiced in setting up camp that it didn’t take long, even in a cave with wood that sputtered and didn’t want to catch. Finally, though, they ate a simple meal warmed over a modest fire.
When Sorcha reminded him of the heated pools, Orek said, “You go first.”
But she shook her head. “You go. I have a few things I need to do before washing.”
He blinked at her and she blinked back. Was it obvious she was trying to get rid of him for a few moments?
Though sleeping in a cave wasn’t her most favorite scenario, she could admit the heated pools were a pleasant surprise, and she was determined to work with what she had. That thrum in her blood had pooled between her legs as they sat by the fire eating their meal, giving her ideas.
Seeing she wouldn’t budge, Orek finally agreed. He pulled his leathers and boots and belt off, arranging them neatly on his side of the fire. Down to just his shirt and braies, he glanced at her again before disappearing deeper into the cave with his homespun bath-sheet.
Grinning to herself, Sorcha began rearranging the bedding.
“I’m feeling quite diabolical tonight,” she whispered to Darrah. The kit yawned at her. “That’s good, go to sleep. Nothing that happens tonight is for baby ears.”
Sorcha had met stallions like Orek, ones that just needed patience and gentleness. And while he certainly did need those things, his kiss and admissions this morning made her realize what she’d been blind to—he needed encouragement.
She’d been right to think he had no experience with women. He’d never known pleasure nor affection, didn’t know how to spot it even when it was right under his nose. And why would he, with how his clan treated him? Why would he expect something he’d never been given before?
It made her heart ache for him. She wanted desperately to give him all those things, but she realized it would take more than a few batted lashes and suggestive looks.
Sorcha was usually one to let her partner lead in affection and sex. She was always so busy with her family and work that it was a relief to come together with someone and not have to think or decide, just let them take care of her needs.
Her first time had been with a boy she’d grown up with, and it was a first foray into sex for both of them. They fumbled as expected but eventually figured out how to find their pleasure. Later, Sorcha had allowed flirtations from one of the stable grooms and a notorious womanizer. She’d known there’d be no attachments, but then, none of the other women he’d lain with had wanted that from him, either. She learned a lot about what she liked in her handful of dalliances with him.
There had been a few others over the years, some more serious than others—none that felt half as terrifying and exhilarating as a few kisses from her shy halfling.
In those partners, she’d been happy to let them take the lead. Preferred it. Would have preferred that Orek did, too. But she realized now that he didn’t know how. And that was all right, she could be brave and lead for as long as he needed. He was worth it.
And, if she was honest, the idea of being the one to show him all that could be between willing, enthusiastic partners gave her another thrill.
Between her bedding and Orek’s collection of blankets and furs, she made a fine nest for them, nearly double in size what he usually slept in. And just the one. She had designs on her handsome halfling, and she wouldn’t be denied tonight.
Kissing Darrah’s head and wishing him sweet dreams, Sorcha unlaced her stays and boots. When she too was down to just her own shirt and braies, she turned for the back of the cave and sucked in a fortifying breath.
You can do this,she told herself.He feels it, too.
With the memory of his kiss lingering on her lips, Sorcha headed into the darkness.
