Page 36 of Bosse
He’d figure that out when he got to it. Holding the bag in one hand, he placed his free hand on her shoulder. “I don’t know how I could be so fortunate for someone like you to help me with food, water, and healing. Your cookies turned me back to a ten-year-old pup with excitement. No gift has ever meant as much.”
Her lips curved, and her eyes smiled as if a new day of promise had just dawned in this ugly place. She lifted a hand to his face.
He sighed at how the sizzle had changed to content energy pouring through him.
What was it about this woman who confused and comforted him at the same time?
All he had to give her in return for taking a huge risk were words. “Thank you for being nice to a monster.”
“Don’t say that. You’re not a monster.” Her irritation on his behalf touched a place deep inside him no one had reached, even when he lived a decent existence.
She was wrong on one point. He was every bit a monster—one who would never have anything as precious as her.
Because of that, and after years of living on the edge of death, he wanted one more thing from this sweet woman. He didn’t deserve it but had nothing to lose by asking. “I will cross the ocean to this other country, but I have one request before I go.”
That broke the spell of her eyes fixed on his. “What now?” She sounded grumpy.
He chuckled out loud, so taken by her quick temper. “I wish for a way to remember a precious and courageous woman.” Then he leaned his lips slowly toward hers. If she showed any sign of hesitation, he would stop, but she didn’t resist a bit. She even closed her eyes, looking as if she’d anticipated the kiss when he hadn’t known he would want one.
He kept the kiss gentle, careful not to scare her. He felt a lightheaded sensation down to his toes.
She clutched at the ragged shirt he wore, pulling him close.
His control slipped, but he dragged it back in time to prevent ruining one more generosity from her by going too far. Lifting his head, he murmured, “You are truly an angel. Thank you.”
If she didn’t stop staring at him with that look of wanting more, he might never leave. He could die on the run and never have this opportunity again.
He finally accepted he had to go.
Shoving a hand over his unkempt hair, he tried to say goodbye. He’d been through gut-wrenching situations in this place, but none as difficult as leaving without this woman who had put her life at risk for his freedom.
Then he realized he didn’t even know a critical piece of information.
She glanced around. “I must return to my room under the stairs soon.”
Bosse caught her arm gently, pleased when she didn’t flinch this time. “What is your name? I have only heard them call yousluha.” The guards used that Slovakian word for a servant when addressing all the women.
She looked around as if making sure no one could hear her and spoke so low he had to bend his head close, even with his shifter hearing. He drew in a deep breath, wishing to smell her unique mix of spices one last time, but she did not even have that tonight.
Fidgeting, she chewed on the corner of her lip, deliberating on something. “We are both taking risks. I trust you to protect my true name, which is Alifair.”
I trust you.Three simple but powerful words.
He had trusted no one.
Until now.
“Alifair.” He whispered her name to feel it flow over his tongue. He recalled a story he’d read as a child about Romanian gypsies with a character of that name and thought it meant elf warrior. Fitting.
He would hold what she had shared safely as a cherished prize. “Two gifts in one day. I have treasures which no king can match.”
Her gaze flashed with surprise, but her parted lips said she’d liked the compliment.
It felt good to give her something to smile about.
Releasing a slow stream of air, she shook her head. “I had not figured you for a charmer.”
“I’m not.” Pulling her to him, he dropped his head to hers. “Know this as carved in stone. If you do not show up in Mississippi, I will come back here to find you.”
