Chapter 9 #2
For a moment, the usual mischievous flicker of light in his eyes dimmed with something darker.
More somber. It made Finley uncomfortable, like a tired back at the end of the night and no position assumed would ease the ache.
“I refuse to believe that. If I ever come to a point in my life where nothing is new and exciting, then maybe it will be time for the end. There really is nothing else you want to experience or see or do?”
His gaze wandered over her face. It flicked to her lips then back to her eyes. Her heart thudded at the look. That of a wolf on the hunt seeking out its prey.
“There is one thing I’m… curious… about.”
Finley opened her mouth to respond, but before the words could form, Rafe’s lips were on hers.
Her gasp at the sudden kiss came out like a soft moan as he curled his fingers through her hair and pressed her mouth against his.
They were two waves crashing into one another, a raging storm that had been building for days.
Oh, Rafe knew how to use his mouth. It made Finley dizzy with the way he moved with her, and she couldn’t help but wonder what else he could do with his tongue. He knew exactly what he was doing.
This was a terrible idea. Which made it even more delicious.
“Quite the productive lesson there I see.”
Finley and Rafe broke apart at the sound of Ai’s voice coming from the doorway. She leaned against the frame with her head tilted to the side, a sly and knowing smile across her face.
“I’d say it’s been worth my time,” Finley said with a smile and took a few steps back.
It took everything in her to act as though the kiss hadn’t left her trembling.
Ai had seen Finley in far more compromising positions than this.
Still. She had to take in a deep breath to calm herself and hope her face wasn’t too flushed.
“Apparently.” Ai sauntered into the room, her sharp eyes darting between the two. Probably reading their relationship lines. Then she put her focus back on Finley. “We’re approaching Garmsby soon. You’re needed at the helm to bring us to shore.”
Sooner than she’d anticipated. Which was good news because they’d be able to move this process along. And she needed to get space away from Rafe. Letting him kiss her like that was a big mistake. And if she wasn’t careful, she was likely to let him do it again. Maybe even more.
“Let’s get this going,” Finley said and swept her way out of the cabin to the deck, leaving Rafe sitting on the desk dumbfounded. Ai followed close behind with a smirk plastered across her delicate face.
“Did you learn something?” Ai asked and tucked her arms innocently behind her back like a pupil following her teacher. “It must have been fascinating.”
“It was a kiss and nothing more,” Finley said. “You know it’s been a long time and I need release now and again. He happens to be the most available at the moment.”
Ai gave her a noncommittal murmur and continued to smile.
“Is there something in our lines I should be aware of?”
Ai thought about this for a moment then shook her head. “I think I’ll let you figure it out on your own this time. I’ll step in if I need to.”
Finley stopped in her tracks almost making Ai bump into her. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Ai had always told her about the nuances and details of her conquests before. It helped to keep things from getting too complicated, and Finley could make her escape before any feelings became involved.
“You don’t need me to analyze every romantic interaction you have. I think in this case it’s best for you to learn by yourself this time. It’s not like it will be happening again. Or are you planning to approach him?”
Finley blinked a few times and opened then closed her mouth. “I hadn’t decided yet.”
Ai raised her eyebrows and gave her that knowing smile again then continued on to climb the ladder to the deck. “I thought so.”
Finley could feel her face flushing again and hurried after her. “Stop being so cryptic. I’m allowed to think about if I want to approach him or not.”
“You always know,” Ai said over her shoulder.
“Either you’re not done with your conquest and pursue, they were a terrible kisser and never want to experience it again, or you’ve had your way and are ready to move on.
You never have to debate about your next move or think about it unless there’s something more complicated going on. It’s a sign you actually like them.”
“That’s not true!” Was it? She shook her head and caught up to Ai once they were at the top then took a few longer paces forward to be ahead again. “And it doesn’t matter anyway. What did you learn while you were with Amelia and Dusan?”
“They don’t trust each other a bit,” Ai answered. “And Amelia seems different somehow. She’s weaker.”
Finley dismissed the fae who was at the helm and took her place. She’d suspected as much. But why and how? And was Amelia aware? Landing at the village would be an opportunity to see what she did.
"If she is, all the better for us," Finley said. She grasped the helm and felt a surge of power come from the ship. She jerked her hand away like it had touched a hot flame. That was...odd. She’d never felt that with the magic of The Mystic before. It was later in the morning and she hadn’t had a nap yet, so exhaustion was beginning to set in. That must have been what it was.
Amelia and Dusan stood side by side near the port bow, their heads tilted toward one another, speaking in what must have been hushed tones.
A shiver ran through Finley, and she suppressed a yawn.
It would take a lot of magic and energy to pull The Mystic up to the surface and bring it to shore. Things that could be dealt with.
Under normal circumstances at least.
Finley placed her hand back on the helm and held it there this time now that she was prepared for the sensation it would give.
The surge of power ran through her then sucked energy right back out again.
Damn it all to Stula’s realm. Ai didn’t have any water magic and power from Diar didn’t assist with transport, so unfortunately that wouldn’t do her any good.
If they were to land on shore and Finley could go rest immediately after, that would be one thing.
But she had a hunch that wouldn’t be the case, and she needed to have her wits about her and not be sound asleep in her bed as appealing as that sounded.
“Go get Rafe,” Finley muttered under her breath.
Ai leaned in toward her. “Get who?”
Finley tapped her fingers on the helm and took in another breath. “Rafe. I… I’m growing tired and Rafe has transport abilities. If I want to remain upright on shore he could be of use.”