Page 129 of Anywhere

Outside Rook and Rhys’s room, I wiped my hand on the bottom of my shirt before twisting the heavy metal handle. The latch clicked. I pushed open the door and poked my head inside. I was shocked to see Rhys still sitting up in bed. He lifted his head from the wall, those intense eyes finding mine. They seemed haunted in the soft glow of the single candle burning on the night table.

“I’z be tinkin’ dat it may be okay ta sleep in ‘ere if ya still be havin’ me.”

“Aye, yer always welcome,” Rhys said quietly and held out his hand.

My heart pounded hard in my chest as the nervous little wings once more took flight in my stomach, as I closed the door. Each step brought a spark of the connection magic to life. I nibbled on my lip to keep from rubbing my arms as it licked over my skin.

“I’ma gonna say yer nervous ta be in ‘ere,” Rhys voice was soft as my hand slipped into his.

He was warm to the touch, and my body warmed from the gentle contact. A small charge lingered under each finger, like his touch created a tiny storm throughout my body.

“Jus’ a wee bit,” I said, not wanting to admit that my heart was pounding as hard as a drum. The nervousness told me I should be running from the room, not crawling into bed with him.

Rhys turned my hand in his and ran his thumb over my wrist.

“Do ya tink I’ma goin’ ta hurt ya?” he gave my hand a gentle tug.

I licked my parched lips to get moisture back into my suddenly dry mouth.

“Naw,” I said.

His eyes traced down my body and up again. “Yer beautiful,” he said, and the compliment made me flush hot.

“Rook said da same ting.”

Rhys smiled and drew me closer. “He no be wrong. Dinnie be tellin’ him I said dat, it will go ta his head.” Rhys glanced down at Rook, still peacefully sleeping. “I’ma thinkin’ his ego be big enough.” I covered my mouth as I laughed softly.

Barry took that moment to jump off my shoulder. Rhys watched as he scampered up the bed and across the pillows to curl up by Rook’s neck.

Rhys smirked. “Seems me cuddlin’ job has been takin care of.”

He rolled onto his side and lifted the blankets. I could feel the warmth from the man holding them like a hand reaching out to grab me. I was drawn to Rhys and quickly got under the covers. Despite the immense heat, I shivered as my body came into contact with his chest. He lowered the blankets, and I was trapped against his large frame.

“Tank ya, by da way. I been meanin’ ta say dat.”

I turned to him. He looked so relaxed with his head resting on his hand while I felt like I could jump out of my skin.

“For?”

“For bein’ so kind. Ya came here wit no knowledge other than bad tings about us and ya gave us a chance when many would no’ have bothered. Den ya comforted me about me pub and friend, and yer jus’ very carin’.”

“Oh, dat was notin’, just bein’ a decent person,” I fiddled with the edge of the heavy blanket. Rhys lowered his head to my hair, and I bit my lip.

“Ya smell like honey and lemon tea.”

“Dat a bad ting?”

“Naw, it be makin’ me mouth water,” he said, making me squirm. “Ya wantin’ me ta touch ya, or ya preferrin’ fir me ta keep me distance?” His breath fanned my ear, but he made no other move.

I longed to feel his hands on my skin. The urge to touch him was as strong as it was with Rook. And now that my guard slipped, his proximity was pushing on the rest of the crumbling wall.

“I dinnie know,” I said honestly.

Out on the trail, I was sure of myself. I would hunt, forage and challenge anyone who tried to hurt me or an innocent. But put me in this bed with Rhys and Rook, and I became a scared kitten. I hated that. If I’d been a cat then I didn’t know if I wanted him to scratch behind my ear or if I should be hissing and swatting at him. It was an awkward way to feel. My one night with Rook was all my experience, and my insecurity about what I wanted was glaring.

“Dat’s fine. Do ya wanna talk? Tell me about yer coven and who all ya want ta come ‘ere.” Rhys said.

I rolled onto my left side and stared into his eyes. Not sure that was a good idea as my blood sang hotter and felt like it was dancing in my veins.