Page 80 of Esperance

Carver had told her what the would-be assassin’s note had said, and she fought a shiver.

The lines on his face deepened. “How are you feeling?”

Had he asked her a moment ago, she could have answered blithely. Now, she fought to slow her pulse. “Fine.” She swallowed, and her throat was so dry, she fought a grimace.

Concern flared in Carver, a second before his fingers brushed her throat.

Her heart tripped.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, the calloused pads of his fingers warming her skin.

She barely registered his words. He hadn’t touched her like this since he’d applied the salve to her sunburn. Her body came alive in an alarming way, and she found herself staring at his mouth, which hovered so close to hers. What would it feel like to kiss him?

The sudden thought made her knees weak.

Attraction flared, and she realized Carver was now focused onhermouth. His desire mixed with her own, creating a heady mix that held her immobile.

Carver’s chin lowered. “Amryn—”

“Not exactly what the clerics had in mind when they built these shelves, I’d imagine,” Argent called from the end of the row, his amusement strong.

Heat slammed Amryn’s face and she ducked her head, but not before she saw that Argent wasn’t alone. Samuel and Darrin were with him, all of them looking on.

While Argent was quite pleased to have found them in this position, Samuel felt discomfort, and he was quick to shift his gaze. Darrin looked on with lewd interest, which only made Amryn’s cheeks burn hotter.

Carver’s arm dropped and he took a small step back, but his hand touched Amryn’s arm, a quiet reassurance, as ifhewere the empath and could feel her flash of embarrassment. “I can’t think of a better use for a bookshelf,” he tossed back, taking the brunt of their attention.

Argent chuckled. “I don’t think I can argue that. But perhaps you can save this for later? I don’t think Trevill will appreciate us being late.” He sent Amryn a wink, then clapped a hand on Darrin’s shoulder, moving them all along.

Carver looked down at her, even as he eased back a step. “Sorry about that. Sometimes Argent can’t seem to help himself.”

“It’s fine,” she said. “What were you going to say?”

He bit his lower lip, which only brought her attention back to his mouth. “It can wait,” he finally said. “Shall we?” He offered his arm, and Amryn slowly took it.

Curiosity hummed inside her, but she didn’t press him as they walked through the maze of shelves.

“Can I ask you something?” Amryn asked.

“Of course.”

“Have you heard anything about Trevill’s investigation?”

“No.” He glanced down at her. “Why do you ask?”

She shrugged, not quite able to meet his gaze. “I just didn’t know if maybe Argent received separate reports from the rest of us.”

“If Trevill learns anything, I’m sure we’ll all be told.”

That wasn’t exactly a denial, was it?

“So Argentdoesknow more than the rest of us?” she pressed.

“Heisthe empirical prince.” Carver surprised her when he laid a hand over hers, which pressed her palm more firmly against his arm. “If I learn anything concrete, I’ll share it with you. All right?”

She nodded, distracted by the comforting weight of his calloused hand against hers.

It wasn’t long before they entered the council chamber, and Carver pulled out her chair, then sat beside her.