Pained

A strange sort of calm pain began to seep into every fiber of his being.

He needed to salvage his hatred. But her words had cut. And she was right. She had a son out there, one in danger. And even that trumped the importance of Disseus’ game of cat and mouse.

He sat rubbing his face and squatted against the tree trying not to think about that warm sensual body being lapped by the ripples of cold water. He shook his head roughly.

Trying so hard not to focus on the sounds of her washing he barely heard the slosh of her rising from the lake. Teeth gritted he stared at the ground. His fingers burrowing into dirt, leaves and moss as he concentrated his control.

A bare expanse of leg moved into his peripheral. He followed that long silky length up into the parted folds of her cloak. She stared down at him knowingly. Lifting her chin slightly, she stared at him chastisingly.

As if she thinks to reprimand me for watching her. When I’d merely been out her to protect her. Blowing out a whooshin