Chapter 17

We arrive home laden with goods. I bought a second horse at the market, a pale silver creature she couldn't take her eyes from. I began to teach her to ride, and she proved a quick student.

I immediately regretted the idea, missing the press of her body against my back, her hands at my waist. But I want her to acclimate to this world, I want her to feel comfortable here. I want her to stay.

My throat closes as I help her dismount. I want her to choose me, to forget the foolishness of opening the portals and returning to her home. It's more than the sex, though every inch of me wants that too.

It's the way she carries herself, curious and brave. The way she looks around like everything has a story to tell or a mystery to solve. It's her funny way of speaking, and the way she questions everything and then comes up with an explanation herself. She's kind to me, a quick study, and easy to talk with. Last night was a gift, and I will treasure it always. I only hope to treasure her here, in my world, too.

I'm falling fast, as stars above and below intended, and still, she wants to find the gates. Research tests, she said, twisting her hands as though she's ready to begin immediately.

So, test them we shall.

I sling the packs from the horses, lost in thought.

"You okay?" she asks, taking another pack.

"There is much to do," I say. It's an evasion, and she narrows her eyes at me.

"Uh-huh."

"We must put the food and clothes away, feed and water the horses, and then you can get your sack and we can head back to the gates in the cave, as you wish."

"As you wish…" she says, tilting her head as though considering the words. Her hair cascades around her face, and I set a pack down, brushing it from her face. I can't help myself. I run my thumbs over the curve of her cheekbones, and when she looks up at me, I press a kiss to her lips. The kiss intensifies, and her nails dig into my back, the same way they did last night, when she cried out my name as she came.

I am lost for this woman.

When we come up for air, we're both breathless, and satisfaction winds through me.

Perhaps, when she leaves, it will be with happy memories of me.

The thought sours my mood once more, and I cluck at the horses, leading them to the barn that's been unoccupied for several years. My mount can graze loose, inside the wards, and comes at my signal, but this new horse might spook and hurt itself at the border. Like my Danielle. I glance back. Her hips sway as she carries the packs inside, and it makes my heart ache, to see her here, doing a task that she might always do, if she were only to choose me.

At least she knows the truth now. The ache loosens just a bit, and I lead the horses into their stalls, feeding and watering each.

This is easy. This I can do.

Convincing Danielle to stay, to give up her life and love me?

All I can do is try.