Warcry

direction of the castle. “I’d also forgotten . . .”
    Atira waited, but Heath just shook his head and knelt down to spread out his bedroll in silence. “Forgotten what?” she asked.
    For a moment she thought he wasn’t going to answer her, but then he sighed. “I’d forgotten that once I was back in the city, I’d be expected to return to my duties. My responsibilities. Serving in the Guard. Aiding my father.” Heath frowned at the blankets in his hands. “There’s something going on in the castle and it’s my job to prevent it.”
    “The Warlord will protect the Warprize from any threat, as will all of his warriors,” Atira pointed out.
    “You’ll protect her from any threat you see,” Heath corrected her. “But it’s a very different world from the Plains, and I can detect unseen threats.”
    “Not so different,” Atira sighed. “The Council is sundered, and warrior fights warrior now.”
    “True enough,” Heath said. “Dangers all around, I fear.”
    “But for this night, we are safe enough,” Atira said. “We are off the path, and the horses will warn of any approach. No need to keep watch.”
    Heath nodded and unbuckled his sword-belt. Atira stepped closer and put her fingers on his. “We’re not within those walls, my city-dweller. And I am here . . . and I want you.”
    “Atira,” Heath’s whisper was a breath on her cheek. “Tomorrow . . .”
    “Who can say what tomorrow will bring?” Atira asked, then pressed her lips to his.
    For a moment, she feared he’d resist her or push her away. But then his lips opened under hers.
    “I want you,” Heath groaned.
    “You have me,” Atira said, pressing as close as armor allowed.
    “No, I don’t,” Heath said. “But if I can’t have you, I can have this night . . . this memory.” He claimed her mouth then, a kiss that seared her soul. Atira gasped against his lips as he crushed her in his arms. “You’ll not forget this night, my lady.”

CHAPTER 9
     
    GODS, HE WANTED TO RESIST HER. HE’D THOUGHT to say no, to refuse to have sex with her. But more than anything, he wanted her to want him. And only him.
    One last time. One chance to make her his. After that . . .
    To hell with ‘after.’ All he really had was now.
    He crushed her in his arms, kissing her, and curled his hand up into her hair, pulling it loose of its bun. As desperate as he was, he forced himself to slow down, easing up on his hold. He concentrated on Atira’s mouth, all its textures and tastes. He felt her sigh, felt her arms go around him, felt her warm hands spread out to caress his upper back.
    Heath moaned softly, drawing her closer, letting his hands drift down to cup her ass. Atira bucked into his groin and groaned into his mouth. “Heath . . .” she whispered.
    Heath broke the kiss and buried his face in her neck. They both breathed deeply, wrapped in each other’s arms.
    Atira broke the silence first. “Want this. So much. Your arms, your mouth. Heath, I just want you.”
    Heath drew a breath. “You have me.”
    “Want more.” Atira reached for the bottom of his chain shirt.
    Armor melted away, weapons carefully placed within reach, as they took their time to stroke and caress each other’s skin. When they were finally naked, Atira lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck, which brought more of her skin in contact with his. She rubbed herself against him like a cat, almost purring.
    Heath hummed in satisfaction and brought his hand up to caress one of her breasts. Her nipple hardened against his palm. Atira melted against him, pressing herself closer, spreading her legs. Heath used his free hand to pull her close and let her feel the extent of his desire.
    Atira gasped at the contact.
    Heath chuckled and pulled back slightly. “Perhaps I should stop?”
    “Skies, no.” Atira tightened her grip on his neck. “Feels so good.” She drew in a ragged breath. “Please, Heath.” She moved closer, trying to rub against him.
    “Not yet,” Heath murmured. He pulled back slightly, letting his hands rest on the upper swell of Atira’s ass, using his thumbs to brush lightly at the base of her spine.
    “Please.” Atira lowered one hand and reached for him, to take him in.
    Heath turned her in his arms and wrapped one strong arm around her chest. With his other hand, he reached down and circled her heat with a gentle touch. Atira moaned and arched back, pushing against Heath’s hardness.
    Heath nuzzled the spot behind