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He nods and takes a bite of his dried meat.
“When this is all over, have you considered going back and changing things?”
Fort cocks his head to the side. “What?”
“Women are being bred like animals and men fought for sport. You could make a difference.”
“By killing my father,” he says.
“Who killed your mother. Is there no part of you who has ever wanted to put him down for good?”
He grunts. “I’ve fantasized about murdering my father more times than I can count. But even if I were to topple the entire thing, unless we put an end to the Tenebris altogether, I don’t see things changing in Nemoregno. The people there are so conditioned to believe something is one way that they will reject any alternatives.”
“I think you’d be surprised. And when we put the last Tenebris in the ground, you’ll see what I mean.”
He looks to me. “Planning on burying me?”
“What—Fort. Seriously?”
He grins. “You said the last Tenebris. That would be me, I’m assuming, right?”
Rolling my eyes, I look back out at the horizon. “You know what I meant.”
“I do. Now, come on and get some sleep.”
“No, it’s your night,” I tell him. “I stay awake and keep watch.”
“Carle—”
“No. I slept last night; it’s your turn. We had a deal. Besides, I can sleep on Shadow, remember? But there’s no way you will trust me to hold you up there.”
“Wake me if there’s trouble.”
“Always,” I reply, only slightly amused that it’s the same thing he tells me every single night he goes to sleep, as though I’d let him sleep if we were attacked. “Here.” I sit down and press my back against a tree then tap my lap.
Fort arches a brow. “You want me to sit on your lap?”
“Lay your head on my lap,” I tell him.
Amusement in his gaze, he reaches down to pull me to my feet then presses his lips to my temple. “If you want me to bury my face between your legs, all you have to do is ask.”
My breath catches, and lust sends heat rushing to the area he just mentioned. “You need sleep.”
“I need you.” His hand cups the side of my neck.
“You had me last night.”
“Fast. Tonight, I want you slow. I want to take my time loving you out here beside the water before we have to face whatever awaits us tomorrow.” His hand drifts down my arm, stopping only when he grips my hip. “Do you want me, Carleah?”
“Always,” I reply, my voice little more than a whisper.
“Then let us not think of Nemoregno or this damned war.” He undoes the leather strapping my sword at my back, setting it aside before moving to the belt around my waist. Once it joins my sword on the ground, Fort grips the bottom of my tunic and raises it over my head. Cool air brushes over my nipples, and they pebble beneath the moonlight.
Fort cradles one in his large palm, his thumb brushing over the taut peak as he drops his head and draws my other nipple into his mouth. He teases.
Sucking.
Tasting.
