Free Enchanter by Joanne Wadsworth Page B

before the guards catch me. I don’t need to end up in the cells like my father has. ”
    “ I can’t believe you’re here. You’re as bad as Faith at listening. Second floor. North terrace. ” I shoved back the golden covers and raced to the balcony doors. Holding the thick golden curtain to one side, I found the door handle and pushed it open.
    He shimmered into view, his chest rising and falling with each deep breath. Then he strode toward me and pulled me into his arms. “Don’t ever say that to me again.”
    “Say what?” I mumbled into his chest covered in soft blue cotton.
    “That he’s a protector and you need his aid.”
    Territorial mate was back. “Then you shouldn’t have opened our link.”
    He kicked the door shut and walked me backward. “Nice room. It’s all yours?”
    “Yes, and what are you doing here? This is crazy.”
    “No. What’s crazy is, I’ve gotta kiss you and it can’t wait.” His mouth descended onto mine, hot and heavy as he explored every inch like a man on a mission.
    Oh boy. So good. No. So bad. Where was my focus?
    He tumbled me onto the bed, and I pushed him back to get some space. An inch, but one valuable inch. “You need to go.”
    “After we talk.”
    “On my bed?”
    “It’s a nice bed.” He arched one very cute eyebrow.
    “It’s late.” Great. How was I to enforce some distance when he was like this?
    “I was up working for Donaldo.”
    “So that makes it okay? Sure, why don’t you just make yourself at home then?” I was aiming for sarcastic, but didn’t quite pull it off. Part of me still longed to have him here.
    “Thank you. I will.” He unbuckled his sword belt and propped his blade against the headboard. “I realize I shouldn’t have come.”
    “Totally.” I shuffled to the top of the bed and stuck my feet under the covers.
    “Let’s sort the girls’ dilemma. We’ll make it a top priority.” After toeing off his boots, he rolled into bed.
    “All I know is, I have to figure out a way to stop an impending courtship. I have no idea how to go about it, Guy.”
    “Neither do I, but you’re the key, and I can’t aid you from a distance, no matter what I said.” He eased his head onto my pillow and slid a hand around my waist. With a yank, he toppled me against him.
    “Oomph. You’re getting far too comfortable.”
    “Because I can’t get one fiery redhead out of my mind.” He nuzzled into my hair, inhaling slowly. “You smell delicious.”
    “Then stop smelling me. So, how are you going to aid me?” Oh boy, he smelt good too, of fresh air and sunshine, two things I could never get enough of.
    “In whatever way you need.” He stroked my back.
    “That’s not aiding.” Although, his gentle caress relaxed me further, and I couldn’t hold back a soft sigh.
    “Then let’s brainstorm.”
    “It’s almost midnight. My brain is ready to shut down. It’s certainly not thinking straight.”
    “Then we’ll talk in the morning.”
    “I have school.”
    “What about after school?”
    “I have training, and we’ve already agreed to meet tomorrow evening.”
    “We should meet sooner. You’ve gotta make some time for me.”
    “No, what I’ve gotta do is make some time for sleep.” I rolled to my side, turning away. That’s better. Instill some distance. “We’ll chat tomorrow night. Now go home.”
    “I’ll leave once you’re asleep.”
    “You should leave now.” I tried for a stern tone, but a yawn escaped me. Maybe it was best just to ignore him.
    I drifted as the minutes ticked by, him so deliciously warm behind me. Then he wrapped his arms around me. Oh, blisss.
    My soul-bound one held me, and if only for this small moment in time, I’d never forget. “Goodnight, Guy.”
    “Sweet dreams, my mate.”
    * * * *
    I awoke to warm breath fluttering across my cheek and a man’s arms banded tightly about me.
    Oh my goodness. No way.
    Clearing the sleep from my eyes with my knuckles, I stared at him. Guy still slept