Page 72 of Tears of Gold

I chew on my knuckles, trying not to dwell on that night, but it’s burned in my mind and repeating in my dreams. Her body arching into my touch, water misting her bare skin haunts my second brain relentlessly.

Can I grant her wish to stay by her side without having more?

I risk a glance. Simply looking at her makes me hot under the collar. She’s wearing shorts and an off-the-shoulder silk shirt which drapes over her generous chest and floats around her fair arms. Her legs are on the chunky side, steadily building some tone from running and good to wrap your hands around. Or to be wrapped around your head.

Fucking hell, I have problems! Sure, I’m feeling hot and bothered, but what I miss the most is Ava’s companionship—her easy smile, the jokes, and her way of listening intently, as if when you’re speaking, you’re the most important person in the world to her.

I swallow and walk out the gate before my unruly cock gets more excited. That ship has sailed.

Vanrey disintegrates into thin air, taking our bags with him.

Erritt falls in beside me, and my pulse speeds up. “You’re not up for teleporting?” I rest a hand against my belly to reassure myself my knives are in their harness under my shirt.

He glances at me, and I wonder if I’m annoying him. It’s impossible to tell what he’s thinking behind that impassive face.

His head bobs noncommittally. “I can, but it’s painful. If we get too tired, I will.” He lowers his voice and leans toward me. “Also, my keepers have me on a short leash.”

I fight a smile as Skye calls out, “I heard that!”

“So, where are we headed?” I ask.

“Skye’s place.”

“Will we meet his clan?”

Erritt shakes his head. “I don’t think that’s . . . something any of us want.” He covers a cough. “He’s got a hidden p-place in a different district. I’ve got property . . . but the palace knows about them, and we don’t w-want any uninvited guests showing up. Officially, I’m not leaving the academy for my class break.”

“Yeah, for sure,” I mutter. “Maybe you need to find something of your own on the sly.”

He smiles. “Spoken . . . like a true rogue. But, I’ll take y-your advice.” The sight of his rare smile catches me by surprise. His electric blue eyes light up as much as the white teeth between his open lips. Blinking, I force myself to look away.

“I’m hoping you can c-cook,” Erritt says. “Because I can’t, and I’m a . . . bit hesitant on what a dragon calls . . . good food.”

“Hey!” Skye protests.

I grin. “I totally get that.”

"He doesn’t even like salt in his food,” Ava adds, and I turn in time to see her elbowing Skye. He grins at her and wraps an arm around her shoulders.

“Absolutely no taste,” I say with mock disgust. “Did I ever tell you about the time I watched him eat a giant jungle python? Just swallowed the whole thing down raw and slurped the blood!” I fake a shudder. “Nearly made a couple of elementals hurl.”

Erritt snorts softly. “I like the s-sound of that.” I sneak a glance at him. Every time I’m ready to loathe the guy, he manages to surprise me.

As we cross the steep slope from the school to the village, I fill Erritt and Ava in on the story of how we teleported through the jungle, searching for Ava after the Davinas kidnapped her.

“Actually, I thought it was awesome. I wasn’t grossed out.” I look over my shoulder to reassure Skye, and he grins. “After all, that thing was nearly as big as you! But, the next time you try chewing on rogue, we’ll be having problems,” I warn.

Skye cackles. “But you’re delicious,” he says, eyes sparkling with a wicked gleam that makes me wonder if that statement isn’t too true for comfort.

I look back in time to see Ava shove him, which only makes him grin more.

“Speaking of,” Ava says, “how’s your shoulder?”

I slide one hand under my collar and touch the mark. “It’s fine. Stitches came out early. Don’t think it’ll even scar now, though it’s still a bit tender.”

Erritt eyes me, his mask face hard to read.

“Damn, now I am sorry for marking your handsome skin,” Skye drawls.