Traitor's Moon

one, beautiful Tír,” he murmured against her ear.
    â€œDon’t.” She tensed and took a step back. Other lovers had used such blandishments and she’d let them pass; from Nyal they were unbearable.
    â€œWhat is it?” he asked, concerned by the sudden shift. “Are you a virgin, or do you distrust me?”
    Beka laughed in spite of the hot, resentful ache in her belly—or perhaps because of it. “I’m no virgin. But I’m not beautiful either, and don’t need to fancy myself so. I’d rather we just be honest with each other, if it’s all the same to you.”
    He stared at her in amazement. “Anyone who claims you are not beautiful is a fool. The first time I looked into your eyes I saw it, yet you have been denying it since we met.”
    He took her hand again. “I apologize for the clumsiness of my persistence, but I swear I will continue to say so until you believe me. You’re unlike any woman I’ve ever met.”
    Trapped between doubt and arousal, Beka froze, unable to reply.
    Misreading her hesitation, he brought her hand to his lips. “At least allow me to call you ‘friend.’ I promised your almost-brother I would never bring dishonor on you. I keep my word.”
    Perhaps he’d meant the gesture to be a chaste one; the warmth of his lips on her palm sent a wave of raw desire spiraling through her. Suddenly the light brush of her shirt against her skin was too much to bear. Freeing one hand, she pulled the shirt off, letting it drop to the dusty floor at her feet. Nyal’s lips parted in a sigh as he traced the scars on her arms, chest, and side. “A true warrior.”
    â€œAll my wounds are in the front,” Beka managed, trying to sound flippant but shivering at the hot-and-cold touch of his fingers across her skin. By the time he reached her shoulders and breasts she was trembling.
    â€œI like your spots,” he murmured, bending to kiss her shoulder.
    â€œFreckles,” she corrected breathlessly, tugging up his tunic.
    â€œAh, yes. Freckles.” He paused long enough to help her with his clothes, then pulled her close again. “So exotic.”
    That’s a first
, she thought, too far gone in the feel of his body warm against hers to care. His fingers traced burning patterns across her skin wherever he touched her, the sensation unlike anything she’d ever felt. Pulling back a little, she asked in wonder, “Are you using magic on me, Ra’basi?”
    The hazel eyes widened, then tilted up at the corners as he laughed. The rich vibration of it against her chest and belly was a new and unprecedented pleasure.
    â€œMagic?” he exclaimed, shaking his head. “By the Light, what sort of dolts have you let make love to you?”
    Beka’s laughter echoed around the ruined room as she pulled him closer. “Educate me!”
    Nyal’s expert tutelage lasted well over an hour, Beka guessed, seeing how the shadows had crept closer to where they lay. When it was over she was a good deal wiser, and happier than she’d been in recent memory.
    The bed had proved too rickety, so they’d made do with a pallet of clothing on the floor. Unsnarling her breeches from the tangled mass, she reluctantly pulled them on, then leaned down to give her new lover a lingering kiss. Outside, thunder rumbled heavily in the distance.
    Nyal’s flushed face reflected her own elation. “Beautiful Tír,” he said, gazing up at her.
    â€œBeautiful Aurënfaie,” she replied in his own language, no longer contesting his opinion.
    â€œI did not think you would have me. Do all Tír hold back so?”
    Beka considered this. “I have duties. What my heart and body want aren’t what my head thinks I should do. And—”
    â€œAnd?” he asked when she looked away.
    â€œAnd I’m a little afraid of what you make me feel, afraid because I know it won’t last. I lost someone, too. He died. Was killed.” Beka closed her eyes against sorrow long denied. “He was a warrior, an officer in my regiment. I didn’t have long with him, but we cared a great deal for each other. The pain I felt when he died was …” She stopped again, searching for words that wouldn’t sound too cold but not finding them. “It was adistraction. I can’t allow that sort of thing, not when I have people depending on me to lead