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When Elizabeth woke, it was nearly dark. She was still tired, hungry—and plastered against Kane, pressed into his hard, throbbing erection.
She glanced over her shoulder, and found him waiting for her, a smile tugging at his lips. “Sleep well, love?”
She heard the tension in his voice, felt it in the arm wrapped around her waist.
“I’m sorry—I didn’t—oh, God—” She eased out of his embrace and slipped off the sleeping couch, before she turned in his arms and jumped him. “Hungry?”
He winked at her. “Starving.”
A blush heated her face, and she moved to the table, lighting the lamp before she picked up the tray. It felt odd, serving him from a tray that looked brand new now, but would be thousands of years old in her time.
As they ate, she watched him. Every move was stiff, and he flinched if he lifted his arm too high.
“Okay,” she said, after he stifled a groan by stuffing a piece of bread in his mouth. “Time for you to get some actual sleep.”
“I am—”
“Exhausted, and sore. Don’t lie, Kane. I can see it when you move. Are you done eating?”
“Apparently.”
She bit her lip at the irritable tone.
“You can finish. But we are both going to our separate beds once you’re done. It’s dark, and Marius already dismissed us from dinner.”
“Fine.”
He started eating again, and looked like a little boy who had his favorite toy taken away. Elizabeth poured a cup of water for him and handed it over before pouring one for herself. Once she finished, she stood, and moved to him.
“Can I ask for a goodnight kiss?”
“You can ask.”
She laughed, and kissed his cheek. “Goodnight, Kane.”
His arm wrapped around her before she could step back, and hauled her against his chest.
“I did not say no.”
He captured her lips in a kiss that scorched her. By the time he finally let her go, she had trouble walking.
“Goodnight, Beth.”
She mumbled, and used every piece of furniture available to get herself to the other side of the room. When she glanced back, he was grinning at her. She managed to crawl on to the bed without falling over, and lay back, smiling at the ceiling like a lovesick fool.
God help her, she loved him like crazy.
Voices echoed outside the window, then in the hall, coming closer. Elizabeth sat, grabbing the transport off the small side table just as Appia appeared in the doorway.
“I am sorry to wake you.”
“It’s fine. We weren’t sleeping yet. What is it?” She knew it had to be bad—Appia looked shaken.
“Word came from the barracks. Villius is dead.”