Chapter 27: Chapter 27

Raven

He was a wild sleeper.

Dhol, usually so composed, was a different person in sleep. His hair was a mess, flying up with each deep breath he took. His limbs were spread out, but he still managed to keep her close.

Raven gently moved the hair from his face. She hadn’t realized before how soft his skin was, even with the scars that marked him as a general. His peaceful expression made her heart flutter.

She found herself caressing his cheek and hair, taking in the scent that seemed to intensify with her touch. A loud knock echoed in the room. Raven jumped, quickly pulling her hand away.

“This better be important,” Dhol grumbled, guiding Raven’s hand back to his face.

The door creaked open. “It’s time,” a deep voice announced.

Dhol finally opened his eyes and glanced out the window. “We’ll be ready in an hour.”

“How long have you been awake?” Raven asked.

“Long enough to enjoy your tender touch,” he replied, standing up and smoothing his hair back.

His hair looked like he’d been in a brawl. His joints popped as he stretched.

She couldn’t help but admire the way his muscles moved, a testament to years of hard work and dedication. He caught her looking and smirked.

She jumped out of bed. “Feeling pretty full of yourself this morning, aren’t you? I’ll get ready and meet you downstairs.”

“Is it really arrogance if you’re looking at me like a man dying of thirst in the desert?”

“It is; I’m not thirsty.”

He walked over and examined her bandages. Raven’s heart started racing. She tried to calm it down, but it had a mind of its own.

Raven took control of her arms and heart as she left the room.

“Come back here when you’re done, and I’ll redo your bandages,” he called after her.

As he asked, she returned after getting ready. She sat at the table and watched Dhol struggle with his hair. After his second failed attempt, she took his hand and led him to a chair.

“I can do it myself. It’ll just take me a bit longer,” Dhol grumbled.

After losing their staring contest, he sat down. She handed him the book from the windowsill and decided to try a different hairstyle.

Instead of his usual single braid, she divided them into two French braids. Dhol inspected the style and nodded.

“Thank you. Now it’s your turn,” he said, pulling out the roll of cloth.

***

“Another set, then you can rest,” Dhol instructed, lounging in his shaded spot.

Raven shed another layer of clothing to combat the heat. The water was calling to her, promising cool relief.

She had thought this would be fun, but it felt like basic training all over again. Raven performed the move set he’d shown her, but with less energy.

“Terrible. Do it again,” he said, flipping a page in his book.

“How would you know? You weren’t even watching,” she retorted, collapsing on the ground.

“Again.”

She could feel his gaze on her, and she didn’t care.

“You said you were the worst. We’re here so you can gain confidence in your abilities without your crutch. Get up and do it right.”

“Why do you care? You’ve been fixated on me. Why?”

At the sound of rustling grass, she opened her eyes. Dhol had left his shady spot and was lying next to her.

He looked into her eyes. “When I saw you that day in the store, you seemed so happy.”

He smiled. “Anyone passing by would have thought you were on vacation. Our appearance can be intimidating, but you looked right at me and gave me a smile, one that I didn’t want to live another day without.”

Raven felt a blush creeping up her cheeks, and it wasn’t from the sun. Dhol slowly moved his hand over and placed it on hers. She found it hard to breathe.

“Y-You can’t just say things like that,” she stammered.

He chuckled. “Why not?”

“People might get the wrong idea.”

“It doesn’t matter what others think, only you,” he said, pulling her closer.

The closer she got, the more she could smell the storm brewing within him. Those butterflies in her stomach were back. She had to be strong and resist. Their faces were only a breath apart.

His hand slid down to her lower back, and her gaze drifted to his lips.

Dhol leaned back. “I don’t do that.”

“Oh, I’m sorr—”

His hand moved up to the nape of her neck, and he pressed his forehead to hers. The touch was gentle and warm. As he pulled away, his eyes seemed to glow.

“I prefer the traditional way,” he said.

Dhol buried his nose into her neck and inhaled. Her body ignited as she gripped his biceps. His hold tightened, leaving no space between them. Raven ground against his growing erection.

A low rumble came from his chest. Dhol’s hand traveled back down but stopped at the top of her shorts.

“You still have one more set to do,” he said, breaking the contact.

Dhol extended his hand and pulled her up. How was she supposed to concentrate now?

“It’s hot. Can we swim first?” she asked, giving him her best innocent look.

“That puppy-dog look doesn’t work on me. Work first, play later.”

“I could pass out from heat exhaustion,” she said, pressing herself against him.

Dhol made a sucking sound. “Fine. Just to cool off, then ba—”

Raven was already splashing in the water. Her swimming skills were basic; she knew how to keep from drowning. The cold water helped with the sun, but not with the main source of her discomfort.

After a while, Dhol came to the edge.

“You should be okay to continue now.”

“No, I think I need a little longer,” she said, paddling away from him.

“Don’t make me come in after you,” he warned.

Raven slipped into the waterfall, letting the cool water envelop her. The rocky ledge above provided a welcome respite from the sun. She decided to just float, letting the water carry her along. Suddenly, bubbles began to pop up around her, breaking the serene surface. Then, out of nowhere, something latched onto her ankle.