Page 6 of The Darkest Knight (The Cursed Kingdom #3)

Chapter Six

A warm breeze blew through the cottage when Tammie opened the bedroom windows. Glad she’d taken the job of keeping the guest cottages tidied, she picked up the cleaning caddie filled with sponges, cloths, and spray bottles, and went into the other room. This cottage was to be Niall’s when he finally came to live here. She smiled studying the sturdy furnishings. She could see him living here.

There wasn’t much to do, really, since the cottages were currently not being used. Still, the light housekeeping and airing out the four cottages made for busy work.

When the wind slammed the front door shut, she jumped and screamed. Giggling at her reaction, she went to the second bedroom to dust. She stopped short and glanced around when something brushed against her arm.

No one was there. Sure it was just the jumpiness, she ignored the feeling and began to clean.

Padriag had appeared earlier the morning after she’d tried to last summon Niall to inform them they were now living in Atlandia, having sought asylum from attacks. He’d further explained they were not free to come and go at will but had to be granted permission by two royals.

Each time she thought about the beautiful princesses, she wanted to go see them and inform them that the men were to be rescued from there. Had Niall or Liam not explained that to them?

She considered summoning Niall, but reconsidered as she didn’t want to put him in danger or get him in trouble. According to Padriag the royals had not given permission for them to leave until after they fought and defended a village. It wouldn’t be good to summon him when he could be in battle, the distraction could cost him. Two weeks had passed since she’d last seen Niall, and it was much longer than she expected to have patience for.

Huffing, she ran the dusting cloth over the dark wooden surface of a dresser. Sensing a presence, she looked up into the mirror and shrieked.

It was Niall. She swung around and slapped his arm.

“You scared the crap out of me again!” Tammie yelled and hit him again. “Why can’t you pop into another room and let me know you’re here?”

“I can’t control where I appear. I concentrate on you and come to where you are,” He replied, his voice flat.

Tammie took in his appearance. His hair was longer, resting on his shoulders. He had a beard and mustache as well. Judging from the lines around his eyes and brow, the man was exhausted. His clothing was soiled and torn.

“Take your clothes off.” She told him holding her hand out.

Incredulous eyes met hers. “I will not.”

“You stink. I can’t stand it. Go in there.” Tammie pointed to the bathroom. “Take your clothes off, throw them out here. I’ll wash them while you take a hot shower.”

He looked toward the bathroom, longing apparent. “Hot water?”

Tammie lifted an eyebrow and smiled. “As hot as you want it. For a long while too.”

Without hesitation Niall bent and pulled off his thick fur lined boots and hose. He yanked his top off and threw it on the floor next to the boots. He worked the laces to his breeches as he neared the bathroom.

Tammie could not pull her eyes away from his broad back. His skin was perfect, not one blemish or mark. The expanse of his back narrowed to a slender waist. His large biceps bulged as he flexed to remove his pants. The man had a kicking body.

He ducked into the bathroom, and she sighed. Was that disappointment she felt?

The door opened and Niall’s head popped out. “Can you show me how to start the water?”

“Sure,” Tammie replied wondering if he’d removed his pants. She walked straight to the shower, not looking at him. “You turn this knob here for hot water and this one for cold,” she explained as she adjusted the temperature. “Stick your hand in it and tell me if that is comfortable.”

Darn it. His pants were still on.

He eyed the knobs, stuck his hand under the warm water and closed his eyes. “Aye, that is fine.”

“You didn’t have running water in your home in the alter-world?”

“Nay, we heat water in the kitchen and took baths,” he replied. She smiled to see that he kept his hand under the stream.

“Well, throw your pants out before you get in.” She turned and walked out to wait.

When he finally threw the pants out, she picked up the offensive garments and carried them holding them as far from her as she could. She threw them in the washer but didn’t start it, not sure if it would affect the water temperature in the shower.

She snapped her fingers at a thought and hurried back into the bathroom. Gwen had told her they’d shopped and prepared for the men’s return, maybe they’d stocked clothes for Niall here. In the closet, brand new pullovers and several pair of slacks and jeans were hung. She pulled a pair of jeans off the hanger and held them up; they seemed to be the right size. There were several pair of shoes and boots lined up on the floor. A thick jacket hung besides the shirts as well as a black suit. What would Niall look like in a suit? His beautiful midnight hair and grey eyes would surely stand out.

She pulled a drawer open to find it was stocked with undershirts, briefs, boxers and socks. Would Niall be a briefs man or go commando? Soon she’d find out. She took one of each and a pair of thick socks. Then pulled a long sleeve pullover from another drawer and put all the clothing on the bed. She studied the clothing and wondered what his reaction would be.

The man was hard to figure out.

If he refused to wear the modern clothing, she’d go ahead and start the washer as soon as he finished his shower.

Tammie made two ham and cheese sandwiches along with a quick tossed salad. She heard Niall opening the bathroom door and she held her breath. He didn’t make any noise, and she assumed he was dressing.

Just in case he refused to dress, she started the washer. When she turned, he stood in the kitchen, a towel wrapped around his waist. Words vanished and with her ability to think with them. She opened her mouth and then closed it.

He frowned looking past her to the washer and dryer and cocked his head to the side at the sounds coming from it. “Is my clothing ready?”

The ripples of a washboard stomach kept her gaze captive. Slowly she forced her eyes up to his well-formed pecks. Then slowly, oh so slowly, did she work herself over to the light feathering of hair between them.

Did he say something?

“Tamara Where are my clothes?”

“Oh,” she a hysterical giggle escaped her. “I left clothes on the bed for you.”

“I want the clothes I was wearing,” he told her, lifting his hand to rake his fingers through his hair.

Biceps were not supposed to be so captivating, yet his lulled her back to muteness.

She blinked and pointed to the bedroom. “Your stinky clothes are in the washing machine, and then they will go in the dry….er the drying machine. So you’ll have to stay in the towel.” Thank the lord for this gift. “For at least an hour.”

“I want them now.”

“They are wet. You can’t get them out, the machine locks up until it’s finished.” She glared at him. “Why don’t you put on the clothes that I put out for you.”

He glanced toward the bedroom. “No.”

“What is up with you anyway,” Tammie snapped, losing her temper at his stubbornness. “They are sturdier than the rags you were wearing and probably more comfortable and warmer too.”

“I don’t want anything from this world,” he replied, glaring back. “I will wait.”

“Suit yourself,” Tammie told him and moved closer to him. “You’re an asshole.”

He remained silent, his hand moving to his towel when it slipped just a bit. Tammie bit her lip; even the anger didn’t stop her from a slight pang of disappointment when it didn’t fall.

“You know what your problem is Niall? You are selfish. You are so wrapped up in your bitterness that you don’t care if it affects or hurts other.”

The muscle in his jaw jumped. “You do not know what you speak of.”

“I know that your friends love you and spend endless hours trying to figure out how to help you. They worry about you and Padriag so much that neither Tristan nor Gavin sleep well.”

Tammie wanted to slap the bland expression off his face. But she continued instead. “Tell us what the terms of breaking your enchantment are. Stop being such a jerk.”

“It cannot be broken. I am certain,” he replied turning away from her and looking out the window.

“If you tell me what it is, then we can all brainstorm and perhaps come up with a way around it. At least give us that much.” Tammie hated the pleading sound of her voice and bit back the urge to groan.

“Stop asking me to tell you. I am only here because I gave you my word I would return, nothing more.” He turned to her tucking the end of his town into the top, so it stayed in place.

He actually didn’t care; he wasn’t going to help them . “Augh!” Fury filled her and without thinking she grabbed his arms and tried to shake him.

Niall pulled her hands off his arms and held them. His eyes widened and Tammie realized angry tears streamed down her face. She tried to pull away, but he held fast.

“Do not cry.” The hoarseness in his voice caught her by surprise. His words had the reverse effect, and she began to cry harder.

“Oh shut up,” she snapped between sniffs and tried to pull away, but he didn’t release his hold.

“Let me go, Niall. Just forget everything. I will go back to the house and tell them you’re being a selfish ass who refuses to help.”

When a sob escaped her, he let out a long breath. It broke her heart to think that he doomed himself to remain alone in that other world.

“Please tell me, we’ll figure out a way together,” she pleaded.

“Together,” he repeated the word and then shook his head. There was a tremble where he held her, it was slight, but Tammie was sure she felt it. When Niall let out a quick sharp breath, Tammie stared up at him. It was as if he fought an inner battle, his thoughts reflected in his eyes as they scanned her face. Whatever inner turmoil he fought, he seemed to be losing.

The room seemed to fade, until all she could see was him. Was he fighting the urge to tell her everything... or was it that he felt what she did. A pull tugged and her body demanded closeness between them. Tammie let out a breath, her parted lips getting his attention.

“Tell me what you want Niall.” Tammie’s voice trembled.

What seemed like a flicker of confusion crossed his gaze. With a deep growl he leaned forward and covered her mouth with his.

Kissed many times, Tammie was not new to the sensation of a man’s lips upon hers, but never had a kiss engulfed her like Niall’s did. His mouth ravished hers with an almost savage hunger. His tongue pressed her lips apart and she moaned when he began to explore her fully.

He released her hands, freeing his to travel down her back. She held on to his shoulders sure she would collapse in a heap on the floor if she let go of him.

When her legs faltered, he picked her up. Their mouths fused, he managed to carry her to the bedroom.

They tumbled onto the bed, his large body covered hers entirely, and she relished the warm hard muscles.

“I cannot stop,” He murmured in short breaths into her ear. “I swear to you, I cannot stop now.”

“Then don’t.” She turned his face to her and took his mouth again. His kisses were intoxicating. All Tammie knew was that she could not stop kissing him—did not want his lips to ever leave hers.

The sound of her sundress tearing barely registered.

“Oh God,” Tammie exclaimed when his mouth moved to her breast, and he took its peak into his mouth to suckle. She raked her nails across his back arching to give him better access while tugging the towel from around him.

He moved back up to kiss her at the same time he drove his hardness into her. They both screamed at the sensation of their bodies joining. Tammie wrapped her legs around his waist urging him to move deeper.

They made love in the way of two people finding each other, of two lost lovers who never expected to be together again finally being able to touch, to kiss, to caress.

At a slow leisurely pace, as if savoring each movement, Niall took his time, his body taking hers in such an exquisite way that each moment pulled her into a place where only he and she existed. Their bodies moved in sync, giving and taking from one another, continuing on and on, the pull of falling over an edge just out of reach.

“You feel so damn good,” Tammie gasped and threaded her hands through his still damp hair, pulling his face closer so she could take his lips.

The kiss deepened quickly to become almost savage, neither seeming to get enough. A flame grew and traveled up and down her body as Tammie soared higher and higher. Somehow she knew he did the same, especially when he reached under her bottom and lifted her so that he could delve deeper.

Stars burst as Tammie lost control, release slamming into her so hard she cried out. Niall lowered her onto the bed and continued the wonderful assault of her body, his husky moans so breathtakingly sensual. Finally, he trembled, letting go.

Niall collapsed over her, his harsh breaths in her ear. Tammie wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him tightly against her, not wanting to lose the connection.

She felt a strong sense that a tie had formed between them. A bond that would not be easily broken.

The cottage was silent, the only sounds were their breathing and the wind outside. Tammie dared not speak. afraid of breaking the spell of the moment.

Niall on the other hand had a different point of view. He thrust himself away from her. Dark, tormented eyes met hers.

“What have I done?” He grabbed the stack of clothes off the bed and practically ran into the bathroom slamming the door behind him.

“Niall, don’t be an idiot!” Tammie screamed after him. “Come back here and talk to me.”

The sound of him moving in the bathroom was her only reply. She jumped from the bed and pounded on the door. “Damn it Niall, open the fucking door.”

“So much for afterglow.” Tammie grumbled, going to the dresser to grab a T-shirt since her dress was ruined.

“You can’t stay in there forever,” she told the closed door.

He could dematerialize. “Niall? Don’t forget you gave me your word, you’d help free Padriag.”

A thump told he was still in the bathroom.

She walked out of the bedroom without a clear destination in mind, just knowing she needed to clear her head.

The brightness of the kitchen made her come to a stop, and Tammie covered her face with her hands.

“Oh my god.” Her body hummed from Niall’s touch, it was so strange, how it had felt as if it recognized him. She let out a long breath.

What had she just done?

She’d cheated on her boyfriend. “Oh my god.” Tammie covered her face with both hands. “I am a cheater. A ho.”

First thing, after Niall left, she would call Gerard and confess. Or maybe not confess and just break things off. She’d never done something like this before. What was she supposed to do?

Guilt should have overshadowed everything, but she couldn’t keep from looking to the doorway.