Page 5

He watched me eat, looking pleased with himself.

“Better?”

I looked up and met his eyes, hanging on them for a moment. Arne’s tongue darted out to swipe across his bottom lip.

Stop looking at me like that, Viking, please.

“Yeah, thanks.”

“Can’t let you go to bed hungry.”

Want to help me fill that other hunger I feel when I look at you?

“I would have been okay.”

“I don’t want you to be just ‘okay’.”

There was that soft smile again. “Want to walk back with me? I’m turning in early.”

“Good idea. I’m exhausted. Better get some sleep before we travel tomorrow. I can’t sleep on planes.”

Why are you telling him this?

He waited until I was next to him. Bumping his elbow against mine, he gave me a wink.

“Me neither.”

We made our way back to the hotel.

“Are you okay, Raven?” Arne buried his hands in his pockets and looked at me out of the corners of his eyes.

He means because of the kiss.

“I am. You?”

“Me, too.” A dark strand fell over his brow when he nodded. I longed to reach over and brush it back. Wanted to wrap him in a hug and devour his mouth again.

I bet it’s written all over my face. I suck at masking.

He froze, lips parted and eyes glued to mine. We were still out in the hallway.

Run, Max. Run and don’t come out until tomorrow.

“This is my room.” Arne flinched at my words.

“Oh, yeah. Good night, Max.”

“Good night.”

I disappeared into my room and locked the door behind me. I did not trust myself not to do anything dumb.

It was almost eleven when someone knocked on my door. I opened it in a shirt and boxer shorts. I knew exactly who it was.

With his temple leaned against the doorframe, he looked like he’d tried and failed to sleep, so finally came to see me.

“Hey, Raven. Can we talk for a minute?”

“Sure, come in.” I stepped aside and let him pass.