Page 194 of Bitten & Burned

I looked around. The cave should be cool, but it wasn’t. Not sweltering either, just warm.

“Why’s it so warm in here?” I asked.

“Hot springs in the back.”

Hot springs? That sounded lovely. I could already feel the heat easing into my aching joints.

“How hot?”

“Not enough to burn you. Do you want to get in?”

I nodded, maybe too quickly. “Yes, please. Everything hurts. That would feel so good.”

He smiled and stood, offering me his hand. It took me three tries, but I finally got up. My legs were weaker than I’d expected, and the walk was a struggle. I didn’t want him to carry me everywhere, though.

Once I reached the springs, I stuck my arm in to feel the temperature, perfect. Just this side of too hot. I sighed happily and began to undress.

Quil was doing his best to be a gentleman, gaze fixed somewhere near-but-not-on me — but I needed help, not chivalry.

“I could use some help…”

He looked like he wanted to cry. “What kind of help?”

“Getting undressed. Getting in. Staying upright once I’m in.”

“Yeah, I figured as much,” he admitted, “but I didn’t want topresume…”

“Presume away, Quil.”

Hehelped me out of my clothing — all of it likely ruined now — without letting his gaze linger.

I stopped mid-motion. “Wait…” I turned to him. “What about Fig?”

“Fig?”

“My cat. Small fellow, brown fur that glows?”

He rolled his eyes. “I know who he is. What about him?”

“Did you leave him alone?”

“Of course not, Rowena. Vael was there. I’m sure he is taking care of him.”

“What if he’s not? What if Fig’s hungry and starves to death?”

“Gods, he’s not going to starve. There’s cat food there. And Vael won’t leave him. You worry about the most weirdly specific things, Rowena.”

“I wanted to go get him some fish.”

“He loves fish, but he doesn’tneedfish.”

“I know, but…” I bit my lip. “What if something happens?”

“He’sfine, baby.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.”