A sound—more a squeak than a sigh—escaped her, and his lips tightened against hers in a half smile. What was awkward only seconds ago became natural, and she didn’t even have to think about surrendering to the gentle pressure of his mouth. Her second sigh was softer and on purpose, and he echoed it. They both smiled a little before coming back for more.
Her third sigh was as unplanned as the first, but his reaction was everything she could’ve hoped for. Ash’s kisses became deeper, more insistent. His strong arms tightened around her as he lifted her completely off her feet. Sage’s fingers slackened their grip on his shirt, and every muscle in her body relaxed against him. Without his support at the small of her back, she would’ve slid into a puddle at his feet.
Nothing in her imagination had ever come close to this.
Ash pulled back, and her eyes fluttered open. He was still too close to see clearly, his breath mingling with hers. “I … I have to go.”
Sage nodded, brushing her nose along his. She felt her body sliding down his as he lowered her back to her feet. From the unchanged light in the cramped room, barely two minutes had passed, though she could’ve sworn it had been an hour.
He bent down and pressed his forehead to hers, and for another minute they remained melted against each other. She rested her hands on his chest, matching her shaky breaths to his. “You need to go,” she managed to say.
He nodded and pulled his hand around to her jawline to trace his thumb over her bottom lip before leaning lower again. “You are so beautiful,” he whispered against her mouth, finishing with the softest of kisses.
He gradually loosened his embrace, dragging his fingers across her cheek and waist like he couldn’t bear to let go, stepped back, and tugged his vest straight. Then he was gone.
52
THE OFFICERS WERE only just stirring, but within five minutes they were dressed and assembled in the meeting room. A patrol was already scheduled for that morning; now they’d leave as soon as possible without inviting D’Amiran’s guards along, which would likely offend their host. The four men would now include Robert and ride hard for the north gap in the ring of Kimisar, which they prayed was still open. They’d return with one of the picket scouts there and leave the prince to escape on foot with the other. If luck was with them, by the time anyone realized he was missing, he’d be far away.
There was no time to waste. Supplies had to be gathered and horses readied. Quinn dismissed them, and Rob and Gramwell dashed out of the room, but Casseck remained. When the door was shut, he seated himself across from Quinn and leaned on the table. “Why didn’t Mouse bring Starling into the circle after overhearing this? She knows almost everything.”
Quinn focused on the map. “It was the right decision to wait. Once she’s in, it can’t be undone.”
“Alex.” Casseck stared hard at him. “What are you leaving out?”
Quinn closed his eyes and massaged his temples with the fingers and thumb of his right hand. “He kissed her.”
“I see.” When Quinn didn’t respond for several seconds, Casseck cleared his throat to cover what sounded suspiciously like laughter. “Well, it’s about time.”
Quinn looked up sharply. “You think this is funny?”
“Not at all. It’s a tough thing to be jealous.”
“You think I’m jealous?” Quinn slammed his hand down on the table.
Casseck deftly caught the ink pot as it bounced over the edge and set it back on the table. “It’s not you she’s falling in love with,” he said quietly. “She needs to be protected, yes, but that’s not the real reason you haven’t brought her into the circle.”
Quinn exhaled slowly, choosing not to respond to that point. “It’s too early. We still have to get Rob out, and if we fail, the last thing we want is her involved. If we succeed, everything changes, and Mouse needs to teach her something while she still trusts him. But very soon. I promise.”
“As soon as possible after that. Tomorrow.”
Quinn closed his eyes and nodded. “Tomorrow.”
53
D’AMIRAN KNEW OVERCONFIDENCE could be deadly, but right now, things were going well. Better than well: he had Robert.
He smiled as another lord signed his name to the list of committed allies. They’d all readily pledged their resources to his cause once he had all of the women in his possession, though he hadn’t informed any of them of his pact with Kimisara. It was a minor detail, and the fewer aware, the better, especially since most hated the Kimisar after years of fending off raiding parties.
Lord Fashell approached and bowed low. “Your Grace,” he said. “I’ve brought the latest provisions, some news, and a humble request.” D’Amiran nodded, and the man continued, “Everything you wanted is being carried into your storerooms. My estate has been accommodating travelers bound for Tegann, and we’re proud to provide these services to your cause.”
“I’ve been pleased to count on them,” the duke said graciously. “Your loyalty is noted and appreciated.”
Dashell bowed again in thanks. “As for news, Your Grace, there will be a delay in some arrivals. An illness has been affecting many travelers in the area, and several cannot continue their journey at present.”
“An illness?” Concern was etched along D’Amiran’s brow. “How long before they can be expected to recover?”
“Only a day or two, Your Grace,” Fashell rushed to assure him. “You might not have even noticed with all the activity and arrivals, but I felt you’d like to be informed.”
Somewhat relieved, D’Amiran smiled. “Yes, once more I appreciate your attention to my needs. If that’s your only news, I would hear your request.”
“A minor item, Your Grace, concerning one of the ladies who arrived here two days ago.” Fashell cleared his throat. “My son Bartholomew was quite captivated by Lady Broadmoor, and it was my impression she wasn’t promised to anyone yet.”
The duke frowned thoughtfully. “Broadmoor…” He recalled her—a rather plain little thing, freckled and thin with eyes that avoided his but observed everything else. “Yes, of course. I’m not sure what property she brings. Probably not much, as I’d never heard of her before.”
“Property is not a concern for us, Your Grace, thanks to your generosity. We shan’t object if you find it advantageous to give her to another, but if you had no use for her, I felt there was no harm in asking.”
“Absolutely no harm, Lord Fashell.” D’Amiran folded his hands. “I will consider your request, factoring in the service you’ve done me.” He would leave it at that; he couldn’t promise her to anyone just yet. If she’d caught the attention of Bartholomew Fashell, he needed to see for himself why.
Fashell bowed one last time. “That’s all I hoped for, Your Grace.”
Captain Geddes squeezed past Fashell at the door. “Your Grace,” he said with a breathless bow. “The escort’s patrol hasn’t returned, and we haven’t been able to find”—he glanced around at the others present and scratched his half ear—“them,” he finished, trying to convey meaning with his eyes. “Though I wouldn’t consider them late just yet.”