Page 78 of The Dark Mage

“Just the bill,” Fael said without taking his eyes off Ren’wyn.

He left a generous tip and stood, offering her his hand.She hesitated between a shiver and a smile and settled forboth.

Fael led her out of the shop at a pace that barely qualified as walking.Ren’wyn had to jog to keep up as they wove through the streets.

When she saw the sign for the inn, her stomach flipped over.Fael slowed at the steps, straightening his shirt and running a hand through his tousledhair.

He walked through the doors confidently, her hand still inhis.

“My wife and I need a room for the evening,” Fael said to the innkeeper.“If you have a corner room available, I’ll pay double—and rent the one next to it.”

Ren’wyn’s eyes widened in surprise.

The innkeeper blinked, startled.“Of course.You’re welcome to the back corner room.”His gaze lingered on Fael’s face, and something in his expression shifted.He winked.“Have fun.If you get hungry, supper’s in two hours.”

Fael nodded, unfazed, and passed over the money.

The innkeeper handed him a brass key marked12.Fael led Ren’wyn up the stairs, walking slowly as they passed another guest.But the moment they turned the last corner, he pulled her forward urgently.

Ren’wyn noticed his hands trembling as he unlocked thedoor.

He paused, his hand resting on the knob, and took a long, deep breath—one that settled him.A breath she felt in every corner of herbody.

Behind the door was a cozy room with soft yellow walls and white curtains that fluttered in the late afternoon breeze.

Letting go of her hand, Fael crossed the room to the window, closed it, and drew the curtainsshut.

Ren’wyn remained in the doorway, suddenly insecure—unsure where to move or what to say, feeling a little bit like an idiot.

“Close the door, Ren’wyn,” Fael said, his voice rough.

The sound of it made her kneesweak.

She swung the door shut slowly, turning the lock with still-trembling fingers.

When she turned back, Fael had crossed the room silently, and he covered her shoulders with his large palms.

“I didn’t know it then,” he said, his scent and warmth sweeping over her, his voice gravelly.“But I’ve wanted you since that day on the riverbank—since my power flowed through you to devour those guards.The way your magic called to mine.Your darkness.Your strength.Since then, my desire for you has only grown—with every breath, every second of everyday.”

Ren’wyn’s breath faltered, the air around her suddenly too thin to properly fill her lungs.

“I didn’t know it then either,” she whispered, her voice shallow.“But I’ve wanted you since you shielded me in the Dark Forest.Your magic drew mine from the earth—as if our powers already knew what we were supposed to be.”She inhaled shakily.“It’s only grown for me, too, Fael.Into something deep andtrue.”

For a moment, they simply regarded each other, unspoken truths passing betweenthem.

Then, as though they really were two halves of one whole, he slipped his hands around her waist as hers wound around his neck, and their mouthsmet.

Ren’wyn thought their first kiss would be hungry andwild.

But it was soft.Sweet.

They kissed slowly, thoroughly, learning each other’s taste, exploring with tongue and teeth and lips.When they finally broke apart, breathless, their lips swollen, she whispered, “Make love to me,Fael.”

His strength delighted her.Firm hands on her backside, he lifted her up around his waist.The room was small, and he carried her to the bed in three strides, laying her down before standing overher.

She beckoned to him, and he followed, lowering himself over her until their bodies pressed together, heat radiating between them.Even fully clothed, she could feel his need, his desire, and every place their bodies touched seemed to burn tolife.

Ren’wyn arched her hips against him and couldn’t help the small whimper that escaped.