Chapter 11
CHAPTER 11
S carlett’s eyes fluttered open, her lips curved in a lingering smile from a dream that slipped away like morning mist. All she remembered was feeling safe. Content. Warmth filled her body, but then reality came crashing back and she bolted upright on the bench. Damn. She’d meant to escape during the night, to slip away while Finnar slept.
Early morning sunlight spilled through the round windows, painting patterns across the newly cleaned floor. Her gaze darted to the bed alcove. The curtains hung partially open, revealing Finnar’s massive form sprawled across the furs. His chest rose and fell in the deep, steady rhythm of sleep.
Her clothes. She needed her clothes first. Heat crept into her cheeks as she looked down at his oversized shirt draped over her body. The hem brushed her thighs as she swung her legs off the bench, careful not to disturb the furs.
The floorboards might creak. She’d noticed a few loose ones yesterday while cleaning. She held her breath and placed one bare foot on the floor, then the other. The wood felt cool beneath her feet as she rose, testing each step before putting her full weight down.
A bird called outside and she froze, but Finnar didn’t stir. She crept closer to the bed alcove, drawn despite herself to the sight of him in repose. His powerful form lay sprawled across the furs, one arm flung wide as if reaching for something, and she had the brief, foolish impulse to snuggle under that powerful arm. The morning light softened his fierce features, and her heart gave an unexpected squeeze. She’d glimpsed something in him yesterday, beneath that hard exterior—a loneliness that matched her own.
No. She shook her head sharply. Whatever vulnerability he’d shown, whatever connection she’d imagined while they worked together, he’d still kidnapped her. She couldn’t let herself forget that.
Backing carefully away from the alcove, she scanned the room for any sign of her dress or cloak. Nothing. The hem of his shirt brushed against her thighs as she walked, making her all too aware of how exposed she felt.
A cool breeze drifted through the window, raising goosebumps on her bare legs, but the shirt would have to do—she couldn’t waste more precious minutes searching when he might wake at any moment.
The wooden floor felt cool beneath her bare feet as she crept toward the door. Her basket waited where she’d left it. At least she’d have something to carry, even if she had to make her way through the forest in nothing but his shirt.
She cast one final glance at his sleeping body. At least the shirt would serve as a reminder of their strange day together—not that she was likely to forget him. The thought sent an odd pang through her chest, but she pushed it aside. It was time to leave.
Her fingers trembled as she reached for the door latch. The metal felt cool against her skin, morning light spilling through the gap beneath the door, painting a golden path to escape.
“And where do you think you’re going, little red?”
Her heart lurched at the sound of that deep, mocking voice, but she forced herself not to flinch. Drawing on every ounce of composure she possessed, she turned to face him. He was leaning on one elbow, the predatory gleam in those ice-blue eyes a startling contrast to the apparently relaxed pose.
She lifted her chin, willing her voice to remain steady.
“I noticed some wild berries growing in the garden yesterday. I thought they’d make a nice breakfast.” The lie rolled off her tongue with surprising ease as she gestured toward the overgrown courtyard. “Unless you’d prefer something else?”
“You were going out dressed like that?”
His skeptical gaze traveled down her body, lingering on her bare legs. Heat bloomed across her skin, her heart skipping at the intensity of his stare. She tugged at the hem of the borrowed shirt, desperately wishing it was longer.
“I-I can’t find my clothes.” The words came out more breathless than she’d hoped. She cleared her throat, trying to sound more dignified despite her burning cheeks. “I’d planned to change first, but…”
A knowing smirk curved his lips as he reached beneath his furs. With an exaggerated flourish, he pulled out her neatly folded dress and cloak.
“Had to keep them safe.” His voice held a mocking note that made her pulse quicken. “Couldn’t have you running off in the night, could I?”
She stared at her clothes tucked in his large hands, trying to process the fact that he’d actually slept with them. In his bed. Where she wasn’t. The thought sent an unexpected thrill through her body, followed by a wave of confusion at her own reaction.
She swallowed hard, fighting to keep her voice steady. “You… slept with my clothes?”
His smirk widened, but something flickered in his eyes—an emotion she couldn’t quite read.
“Just a precaution,” he said as he rose from the bed, and her mouth went dry at the sight of his naked body, all rippling muscle and raw power.
She and Tessa had dared each other into spying on some of the village boys at the swimming hole one summer but other than that, she’d never seen a naked man. Those brief glimpses certainly hadn’t prepared her for the sight of him. She knew she should look away, but her eyes traced the lines of his broad shoulders, traveled down his chest to his narrow waist. The morning light played across his silvery-grey skin, highlighting the subtle shift of muscles as he moved. She’d never seen anything so beautiful, so dangerous
“We Vultor don’t share human foolishness about nudity.”
His voice held that familiar mocking tone, but something darker lurked beneath it. He stood there, completely at ease in his nakedness, radiating a predatory confidence that made her pulse race.
Her gaze drifted lower before she could stop herself. Heat pooled low in her stomach as she took in every magnificent inch of him. He wasn’t erect but his cock was still huge, a long thick column hanging halfway down his thigh, a shade darker than the rest of his skin with a darker band around the base.
Her fingers twitched at her side. What would it feel like beneath her hands?
The air grew thick between them, and her breath came faster. Time stretched like honey, sweet and slow. His own breathing changed, grew heavier.
Then he turned away abruptly, but not before she glimpsed his body’s response to her attention. The sight sent a jolt of electricity through her core.
He tossed her clothes to her over his shoulder, then muttered something about needing a shower, his broad back still turned to her as he strode into the bathroom. The door closed with a decisive click, followed by the sound of running water.
Her heart still racing, she glanced over at the cottage door—this might be her best chance to slip away. But the memory of his supernatural speed made her pause. He’d catch her before she made it halfway down the mountain.
The sound of splashing water drifted from the bathroom. She pressed her lips together, considering her options. Better to wait, to make him lower his guard. Tonight would be better—darkness would give her cover, and she’d have time to prepare.
She slipped into her clothes, the fabric cool against her heated skin. Her fingers trembled slightly as she did up the buttons, still affected by the sight of his magnificent body, and she shook her head sharply, trying to clear it. She couldn’t let attraction cloud her judgment, no matter how compelling he was.
The bathroom door remained firmly closed, steam curling beneath it. She smoothed down her skirt and moved to the kitchen area. She’d make breakfast, play the dutiful servant. Let him think she’d accepted her captivity. The more comfortable he became with her presence, the better her chances of escape would be.