She slipped past me and headed back toward camp, leaving me alone in the woods with a painful erection and the taste of her still on my lips. But I’d kissed her, and I couldn’t be happier.
***
The next morning came too soon.
I’d barely slept, my mind racing with thoughts of the day ahead and memories of Simone’s mouth on mine. When I finally gave up on resting and emerged from my sleeping bag, I found her already awake, methodically checking her bag.
“Ready for this?” I asked.
She looked up at me, and for a moment I saw vulnerability in her eyes before she masked it with determination. “As ready as I can be.”
The plan was simple in theory. I’d walk her to the castle gates, claiming I’d captured her while she was spying on Aerith territory. Kellan would be pleased to have his prize, a
