31

I DON’T WANT THIS TO END. THIS cannot be the end of us, she thought, lying in his arms, his forearm circling around so that it pressed against her chest, her back to his front, his entire body covering hers as they curled like spoons. The dark gray of night had become the cool gray of morning.

“You’re awake,” he said, letting his hand wander over her skin, slowly stroking her side, his touch gentle, sending sparks all over.

She turned around to smile at him, feeling the shift in his body. “Again?” she teased. They had hardly slept the night, spending the hours exploring each other, until they knew every secret sound, every source of pleasure. She was sore and fulfilled, and ached from the loss that she would soon bear.

He was going to die today because of her.

“Don’t think about it,” he said, noticing the change in her, the tension in her shoulders. “Don’t think.”

Wes was right. In a few hours they would go to the Gray Tower. If she was successful, she would cast the spell, which meant saying good-bye to him forever.

But he was here now.

She kissed his hand and he rolled her over so that she was on top of him, looking down. As she bent over him, her long dark hair fell on his face, on his chest.

He gazed at her through half-lidded eyes, his brown hair messy and his cheek dotted with stubble. “Nat,” he said, sighing, as she continued to torment him, letting her hair tickle his cheek, driving him to madness, until he was fully awake now, and panting. “My Nat.”

“Good morning,” she whispered, and when she pressed her body down upon his, she was thrilled to find he was as ready and eager as she was.

He grunted, lifted her hips with his strong hands, and when she crashed down, he was there. But he took his time, rocking her gently, his eyes locked on hers, relishing in the moment, until they were breathless.

She dressed slowly, wanting to lengthen the time they had alone together as much as she could. He did the same and together they silently put on each item of clothing they had quickly discarded the night before. One sock after the other. Buttoning shirts. Pulling on pants. Buckling belts. Her sword. His rifle.

She pulled his jacket lapels together, giving it a crisp once-over, brushed the lint off his shoulders.

He smoothed her hair, tucking a stray strand behind her ear.

Outside the door, Brendon was already waiting. The smallman would lead them through the ductwork and hidden tunnels that led to the top of the tower without Avo and his soldiers noticing.

Shakes and Liannan would distract Avo, luring him away from the tower to fight them. If they got in trouble, she would send Mainas to help them, directing its flame.

“You’ll do great,” said Wes. “Let’s do this.”

Nat squared her shoulders, touched the charm around her neck for luck, and kissed him for the last time.