Page 38 of Grounded By Love
“Well, thank you for standing up to him for me.” Claira drew away from his arms. She didn't need to be comforted anymore. Distance was key. She needed to keep everything professional between them.
Kaeldar grunted, as he continued to get undressed for the night.
One moment he was comforting her and the next he seemed distant, and it made her worry that he might grow bored of her. Maybe she shouldn’t put anymore distance between them, if he was already doing it for her.
Claira wasn't sure she had the courage to sleep next to him, while he wasn’t injured and in need of her help. She just stood there and watched, as he took off his pants. Then she turned away, a blush rising to heat her cheeks. It was hard to believe she was a healer, when the thought of a naked man made her feel so shy and uncertain.
After she heard the fur covers rustle, she turned back to find Kaeldar resting under them. Taking a deep breath, she headed over to the furs. She needed to get some sleep as well, and she didn't plan on sleeping on the ground without any furs.
She slipped between the covers, with her clothing on. Claira had no desire to show off her body to him. A barrier between them would keep any wandering hands to themselves.
As soon as her head hit the soft fur, she fell fast asleep. The day had taken a lot out of her, and she was ready for a good night's rest.
Kaeldar felt Claira climb under the covers, and then heard her instantly fall asleep. Some rest would do her good. She was bound to have some more draining days ahead of her, with being the only female among so many restless males.
She was also different, in an interesting way. He could see her attracting a lot of attention, with her wheat hair and sea green eyes. There was no way they could ignore her, when she stuck out like a sore thumb. Only problem was that she stuck out like a beautiful sore thumb.
Kaeldar would be surprised if he was the only one in camp having to suppress a boner, when she was around.
He had to protect her better. He thought having her by his side would deter any of the men from making a move, but that had been proven wrong. The warrior still thought Kaeldar wouldn't object, and he’d thought wrong.
They almost came to blows over her tonight.
He had to lay a clearer claim on Claira, even though he was sure she wasn't going to like it. He had a promise to fulfill.
The rock giant from this night wouldn’t be the last to approach her, so Kaeldar had to make sure that none would dare try again. There was no way he could be with her all day and all night. If someone wished her ill, they would find an opportunity to get her and that freaked him out.
He was willing to admit he feared for her life. She was his responsibility now, and he took it seriously. He wasn’t the kind of man to go back on his promises. He had too much honor instilled within him.
Chapter 12
The tent was lit up with the morning sunlight, when Claira woke. She felt like it was way too soon to be waking up, and she wanted more time under the warm furs, but reality came rushing back to her.
She was in a tent set up within a rock giant camp. Her eyes cracked open to see she was alone. Raising her arms above her head she gave a stretch and a noisy yawn.
“Glad to hear you’re awake.” Kaeldar's voice came from somewhere within the tent.
She froze, and then lifted her chin to look behind her. There he was, dressed, and ready for the day. A frown formed on her face. He’d been so quiet. She hadn't even guessed he was still inside the tent with her.
“How long have you been awake?”
“A few hours now. Thought I would let you rest.”
“Thank you. I was in dire need of some sleep.”
“I’ll be back soon. Don't leave the tent. Understand?”
Claira nodded. After last night, there was no way she was going to leave the tent without Kaeldar beside her. Even with him beside her, she was nervous to go out.
“If you need me, I won't be too far away.” With that last statement, he left the tent.
Sitting up she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Sounds came from outside the tent, lots of growling and deep voices. A shiver ran up over her spine. Claira shook her head and rose from under the covers, pushing them off.
She wandered around the perimeter of the tent, twiddling her thumbs yet again. It seemed something she was going to do a lot, while she was with Kaeldar.
As the minutes passed by her eyes landed on the trunk. She found herself wanting to take another look. There might be something in there, which she could use to keep her mind occupied.
She was sure Kaeldar was going to take a while longer and boring to death was not in her agenda for today.
