Page 44 of When the Wicked Sing
“You wouldn’t have.” His hands moved to rub soap over her back. His palms against her sensitive skin sent a shiver through her body. She bit her bottom lip to keep from making a sound.
“You won’t find it on a map,” he continued. “This place … it’s special. You were dying, and I knew you could heal here.”
He rinsed her back with handfuls of water, the warm cascade soothing and intoxicating. She fought every instinct to turn and kiss him.
Mariana’s mouth tightened.
Dax leaned forward, gripping the edge of the tub. His hands settled beside hers, caging her in. “I need you to do something for me,” he murmured, his voice so close, she could feel his breath against her ear.
Her pulse quickened as his bare chest brushed against her damp back. She turned her head, realizing how close his face was to hers. “What?”
He lowered his lips to her ear. “I need you to keep this place a secret. You can’t tell anyone about it. Kythera has to remain hidden.”
She blinked in confusion. “Why?”
His thumb brushed lightly over her hand, and she ached to lace her fingers with his. “So, history doesn’t repeat itself.”
The words sparked something in her mind. “This is your home, isn’t it?”
Dax hesitated, then gave a small nod, his chin brushing against her forehead.
Storing the valuable information away, she turned between the arms that trapped her. His green eyes were deep wells of emotion that she couldn’t read. She needed him to trust her, so she placed her hands on his chest.
“Homes are the sacred places we hold closest to our hearts,” she said softly. “I understand your need to keep it safe. You saved my life, and in return, I’ll keep your secret.”
His chest rose and fell only inches from hers, and for a fleeting moment, she wondered if he could feel the erratic rhythm of her heartbeat. His green eyes dipped to her lips, and her breath caught.
When he leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers, her mouth parted involuntarily. Their breaths mingled, the air between them taut and electric.
It would be so easy to close the space. So simple.
But she didn’t.
And neither did he.
She could feel it: the tension, the desire twisting and pulling between them, the cord stretched too tight. But she refused togive in and cross the invisible line between them. Not when so much was at stake.
He’s the enemy.
Dax sighed, pulling back just enough to let the moment pass. But before he stepped away completely, his thumb brushed her bottom lip, a touch so gentle it made her shiver.
“C’mon, you’re starting to prune. It’s time to get out.”
Mariana’s brows lifted. “I’m what?”
“You’ve been in the water too long,” he answered, the statement confusing her.
Disappointment tightened her chest as she watched him step out of the tub, dripping water all over the hardwood floor. He grabbed a thick, dark robe and held it out for her.
Mariana stared at him for a moment, needing to hate him, to feel nothing but anger toward him. But as his gaze softened, she knew she couldn’t.
He was still the enemy. That much hadn’t changed.
But the connection between them was something she couldn’t explain—something her heart refused to ignore. It was like a wire wrapped around her ribs, pulling tighter and tighter every time he looked at her like that.
She hated how it made her feel. How it made her want him.
Clearing her throat, she stepped out of the tub slowly, the heat of his hands steadying her as he helped her into the robe. He lingered for just a moment longer than necessary, his fingers brushing the edge of her collar as he held the lapels together.
