Beauty and the Assassin

But…

I’ve never worried about anybody’s safety when I fight.

I’ve never felt this way about anybody before, either. And I’ve never been around someone who doesn’t mind risking his life to show how much he cares. Initially, Tolyan just wanted me to lure Roy in, but his feelings changed during the time we stayed together. He could’ve left me with the trio, but didn’t. Nobody bleeds for bait, especially after he got the prey he wanted.

After a moment, I raise my head. Tolyan’s holding out a white Kleenex right in my face.

I pluck it from his hand. “I’m not crying.”

“Consider it backup.”

“Next time you pull something this stupid, I’m going to strangle you.”

“It was…an elegant solution. You’re too nice to abandon a man who got injured rescuing you.”

Why must he be so extreme? “There’s a better and easier way.”

He raises his eyebrow expectantly.

“You could’ve simply said, ‘I love you.’”

He frowns. “And you would’ve believed me?”

“I would have.” Sort of. I don’t know. Hard to say because I was pretty mad at him… “After a while.” I should give him honesty as well.

He grunts. “Would have taken too long. My way is more efficient.”

Man. He’s not going to admit I’m right. He’s too stubborn and set in his own ways. And since he’s refusing to take the prescribed medicine, the pain must be muddying his thought process. “You should just focus on getting better.”

“I’ll feel much better, probably immediately, if…”

“Yes? I’m listening.”

“…we have sex right now.”

I gasp, then laugh. “And rip the stitches? I don’t think so.”

“Just be gentle. I won’t mind.” He pulls me toward his lap.

“No!” I wriggle to get off him. “You’re going to mess up the stitches!”

“If you struggle, they’ll really rip.”

I stay still.

He carries me to his bedroom, then lays me on the bed. He places his hands on either side of my face, then looks down at me, his eyes tender.

My heart gallops. I’ve missed being with him so much. And I’m worried about his injury, annoyed at his cavalier attitude toward it and buzzing with anticipation that he’s going to do something that’s going to change my life forever.

He brushes the tip of his nose against mine, the gesture loving and playful. “I love you, little fawn.”

A thick lump clogs my throat. The skin around my eyes grows hot with springing tears.

My crazy knight in shining armor, my high-handed angel of retribution and justice, my stubborn lover. He isn’t just an unrotten lemon from the universe. He’s the other half of my soul.

A lump sticks in my throat, and I can’t speak. So I cradle his gorgeous face between my hands, then bring him down for a kiss. We kiss like it’s the first time and the last time. Regardless of what Tolyan claims, I can’t ever erase the memory of him getting injured, fighting for me. Our tongues tangle, and I unbutton his shirt then run my hands all over his torso. His flesh is taut against my palms. It reminds me we’re both alive.

Very carefully, I wrap my legs around his waist. My fingertips brush the bandage on his side, and I realize intercourse is out of the question, no matter what he said earlier.