Page 90 of The Death King
“What time is it?”
“Almost dark.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
He studied me. “You feel better?”
I nodded. “I’m not shivering anymore.”
“I didn’t realize you were so cold.”
“Well, I’ve lived the last seven years in the desert. My body isn’t used to it.”
He moved out of the bedroll and started to dress. “Hungry? Khazmuda caught you something.”
“It’s not bear, is it?”
He grinned. “No.”
“Then I’ll take it.”
“I’ll be back.” He left and closed the tent flap to keep it warm. Then I heard his voice as he spoke to Khazmuda out loud. “It’s too cold. She won’t be able to survive out here…” There was a pause, and then he spoke again. “I can’t do that. You know I can’t.”
I’d give anything to be a part of that conversation.
Talon returned minutes later with a plate of food. “Here.”
I sat up and took it, eating with the fork he’d packed.
He sat on the other side of the tent, his arms on his knees.
“So, what happened with Khazmuda?”
“He thinks he’s narrowed down the location of Inferno’s mind. First thing in the morning, we’ll travel to his location and make camp there. We’ll approach on foot and home in on his exact spot. He’s probably in a cave, somewhere warm.”
“You think he’d let me stay in that cave?”
He smirked. “Maybe—if he likes you.”
“Well, you don’t like me…”
“But Khazmuda does,” he said. “And you know I like you.” His smile faded, and his stare hardened.
I held his stare, feeling the same warmth he gave when he pressed up against me. When the look became too much, I stared at my food instead. “I’m sorry I’m not cut out for this adventure.”
“Most people aren’t.”
“So, what are we going to do about tonight?” If I slept in that tent alone, the same thing would happen.
“You’re going to sleep with Khazmuda. He’ll wrap his body around you and heat his scales with the fire in his belly. That’ll definitely keep you warm.”
I stilled at the statement, no longer thinking about the food he’d prepared for me. “You really don’t want to sleep with me that badly?”
Whatever affection he had in his eyes died away. “I already told you it’s not personal.”
“What do you think’s going to happen?” I asked. “That I’ll cut your throat in your sleep? Tie me up if you want.”
He looked at his hands as his eyes hardened. “That doesn’t worry me.”