Page 193 of The Call of Crimson
“You think it’s safe to stop here?” Elijah challenges.
“Safe is a relative term. I think if I keep going in this state, I’m of no use to anyone if we’re attacked.”
Cillian pushes through the door, doing a sweep of the first floor to ensure safety. He motions for Elijah to check the second floor as he moves towards a long hallway of doors, presumably guest rooms.
Elijah draws his sword, taking the stairs to the upper floor. I find the kitchen, searching for food that may have been left behind. Every canister is overturned, the pantry stripped bare, and I sigh. The oven is intact, but it means nothing without food to cook.
“I guess it’s another night of hard bread and dried meat,” I mumble, turning back for the foyer.
Elijah returns, taking the stairs down two by two. “The upper floors are clear, but most of the rooms have been destroyed, so I’m not sure they’ll be of much use.”
“There’s no food.”
“But I found a bottle of whiskey and one intact bed on the first floor,” Cillian adds as he returns, cracking open the bottle of liquor and taking a swig.
My brows shoot up, mouth hanging slightly ajar. “Should you really be drinking right now?”
“Relax, sweetheart. One drink won’t impair me more than what the sleep deprivation is already doing.” Cillian offers me the bottle, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. “Have a taste. It’ll help warm you.”
Pushing it away, I say, “No, thank you. The only thing I want right now is a warm bath and a bed.”
“Last door at the end of the hall,” Cillian says. “But you’re not going to find a hot bath here.”
“I’d even settle for a cold bath if it meant I got to wash the grime off.” I push the door open, taking in the only available room. There’s a bed, a fireplace, and not much else. Not even a bathtub in sight.
Sighing, I drop the pack to the floor. Elijah and Cillian file in behind me.
“There’s only one bed,” I yawn.
“It’s a big bed, though,” Cillian adds, dropping his own pack next to mine. His cloak drops next, followed by his boots.
“W-What are you doing?” I stammer.
Cillian’s scarred brow raises, “Uh, getting ready for bed. You didn’t expect me to sleep fully clothed, did you?”
“You’ve slept fully clothed for the last three days?—”
“I was sleeping on the ground, so, yeah. But now there’s a bed.” His tone is so matter-of-fact, like he can’t see why this would be an issue. His shirt comes off next, leaving him in only his leather pants.
Goddess help me.
The muscles of his abdomen are expertly crafted, no doubt honed from years of training. He’s no more impressive than Elijah, so why can’t I look away?
Cillian catches me staring, his full lips smirking as he shoots me a wink. “Don’t worry. I’ve been told I’m a great cuddler.”
Elijah grunts, taking off his own shirt and boots, before pulling me into his chest and slanting his lips over mine. The kiss is a show of pure possession and devotion. I melt into him, letting his tongue explore every part of my mouth.
Cillian clears his throat, breaking the spell between us. “This isn’t having the effect you think it is.” His tone is heated, eyes molten as he stares at us.
“Ugh,” I groan, shoving away from Elijah. I drop my cloak, but decide it’s probably best if I remain in my leathers tonight. “I take it you expect us all to share that bed?”
“There’s not exactly room on the floor, sweetheart.” Cillain slides into bed, patting the empty space beside him.
Elijah smirks, sliding into the middle of the bed. “Do you prefer big or little spoon,sweetheart?”
Without missing a beat, Cillian replies, “I’m always big spoon.” He throws his arm around Elijah’s waist.
I don’t hide the giggle that spills out as I join them in bed, curling into Elijah’s side. In our exhausted state, it takes us minutes to find sleep.
