Page 85 of A Warrior's Heart

Kellan brought the ship as close to land as he could before dropping anchor. Those who wished to travel to shore could take the rowboat or swim. Eva and Cain, one of the assassins, took the boat in search of any fruit or other foods to add with our evening meal. They returned shortly with green apples and coconuts, along with plants to restock Eva’s supplies.

As the sun began to sink lower in the sky, a slight chill fell over us. Not as cold as winter, but chilly enough to cause Troy to snuggle against me and push his cold nose to my neck as he sat in my lap.

He played with the back of my hair, running his slender fingers through the short strands as we sat with the others on the deck, a fire lit in front of us.

Fletcher strummed his lute and sang a song about springtime. Kellan softly smiled at his bard, then tipped his mug back to drink more ale.

The evening was calm, as were the waters around us. The ship barely even rocked as the gentle waves lapped at it. Everyone seemed to be taking advantage of the moment, letting themselves relax. The threat of battle hung over our heads, and the need for something—anything—to get lost in for the night was too irresistible, whether it be conversation, drink, or a warm, welcoming body.

Lorcan and Alek had joined us for evening meal, then locked themselves back inside their cabin. Heavy pants and moans could be heard when I had passed their door earlier.

Reif sat with Ervin, and they spoke of past missions, drinking from large mugs of ale.

Cain sat beside Eva. He’d been the one to go with her to the shore earlier. They spoke of medicine and rare herbs used in healing.

“Before becoming a Man of Shadow, I had dreams of opening my own apothecary,” Cain said. His head was shaved to the scalp on both sides, and the longer top was braided and fell down his back. The flame from the fire glowed in his yellow eyes. “Fate had other plans for me.”

“It’s never too late,” Eva said with a smile, tucking her blonde hair behind one ear. She seemed taken by the assassin. “Perhaps one day you can leave the force and follow your apothecary dream.”

Cain’s eyes softened. “If that day ever comes, maybe I’ll seek you out. I’ll need help around the shop.”

Eva beamed at him before clearing her throat and looking away. She narrowed her eyes at me when she caught me smiling.

“Did you always want to be a healer?” Cain asked.

And just like that, Eva’s attention was back on Cain, and they continued their discussion.

Troy shifted in my arms. His violet eyes focused on me, his long lashes kissing the tops of his cheeks as he blinked.

“Do you think the water is too cold for us to swim?” he asked, slanting his lips over mine as his fingers tightened in my hair.

As his meaning became clear, my entire body heated. But my concern won over my desire to be inside of him. “Are you sure you want to… swim?”

“I’m positive.” He kissed me before moving that kiss to my jaw, then my neck. He placed his mouth to my ear and whispered, “I want you to take me, Mal. I’m ready.”

My self-control reached its end. I couldn’t fight it anymore. I picked him up, and he giggled as I walked away from the fire. As I approached the side of the ship, noises came from the stairwell.

Away from the oil lamps, it took my eyes a moment to adjust to the dark.

Within the shadows, I saw Nereus on the deck. He was straddling Shar’s hips and threw his head back with a moan. Shar glided his fingertips up Nereus’ bare torso.

“Ride me harder,” the assassin groaned. His trousers had been tugged down just enough to release his cock. The rest of him remained clothed, as if they’d been in too big of a rush to properly undress first. “Make me yours.”

“You already are mine,” Nereus growled, snatching hold of Shar’s covered jaw. He rolled his hips faster, his body rising and falling as he took Shar deeper into his body. “I dare you to say otherwise.”

Shar’s chuckle transitioned to a deep groan as Nereus quickened his pace, the sound of skin slapping skin echoing from the stairwell.

“Tell me you’re mine,” Nereus said.

Shar shuddered beneath him. “I’m yours. Only yours.”

“Your sword is poking me,” Troy whispered before nipping at my bottom lip. “Does it arouse you to see them go at it?”

“No,” I answered. “It only makes me more eager to get you in that water.”

“Then what are you waiting for?” Troy grinded on me.

With him still in my arms, I jumped overboard.