Forged in Stone - Alyssa Rose Ivy Page 0,64

town square and past a row of beautiful stone houses. He turned past one and walked to a stable.

“We’re riding?”

“Yes, will that be a problem?”

“I probably should have kept the pants on.”

“Wait.” He dropped the reins of the horse and turned to me. “Did you change back into that dress for me?”

“Yes, and I even had to get help with the ties.”

He grinned wickedly. His grin would be the end of me. “I will be more than happy to help you unlace those later.”

My body warmed. “The horse. The springs. Remember?”

“I remember.” He led the horse out of the stables. Once outside he helped me on. “This will not take long.”

23

JAMES

Ainsley fit perfectly in my arms. Whether in my bed or on my horse, she always fit, always fell right into the place she needed to. I had partially hoped my feelings would dull while I was away, but instead they had turned into the same ache they had after I had left her the first time. Only the ache was worse now. The more I touched her, the more I needed her. How was it possible? It could not be. The Source had picked a Guard from the lost world, but that had been set into motion years before he was needed so he could grow into the position. That could not apply to Ainsley. Besides, a Guard only found a kindred for a reason, and very few did. Kevin had one. Liam became the Gerard. What was the chance that I would have one too? I certainly had not asked for it.

Ainsley was quiet as we rode through the grassland. Either she was lost in thought or too tired to speak. Otherwise she was always talking. I was afraid of what thoughts she could be having, but I did not want to break the silence until I could see her eyes. I kept my countless questions to myself.

We heard the waterfall before we saw it. She sat up straighter. “What is that?”

“Running water.”

“Like a waterfall?” She asked excitedly. I had guessed right. This would impress her. I had a nonsensical need to impress her.

“Yes.” I jumped off and helped her down next to me. It was a lot easier now that her ankle was better.

“Beautiful.” She walked toward the protected pool of water that was at the bottom of the cascading water fall that flowed down the side of the mountain wall. “It makes me want to go swimming.”

“We are going swimming.” I left the horse. He knew better than to run, and I pulled off my shirt.

“Wait. What are you doing?” She stared at me.

“We cannot swim in our clothes, can we?” I glanced up at the sun that was starting to set.

She stepped away from me. “I’m not skinny dipping.”

“You can wear what you want, but you already let me see you.”

“But this is outside.”

“And no one comes up here.” I had selected the spot for more than the beauty.

“How do you know?”

“I live here. I swim here often.”

“With girls?”

“No. Alone.” The jealousy was absolutely adorable.

She touched my bandage. “Won’t the water ruin this?”

I laughed. “Now you are just making excuses. Join me.”

“I can’t get out of this dress even if I want to.”

“And I already assured you I would have no problem with those laces.” I moved behind her and slowly untied the laces.

“This is crazy.”

“Any crazier than being in Energo? Or what happened between us last night, and this morning?” I started to slip off the top of her dress.

She made no move to stop me, so I continued. I moved the long dress down her body until it pooled at her feet. She stepped out of it.

I turned her to look at me. “Do you want me to help you finish undressing?”

“I’m keeping these on.” She touched her bra. “If someone shows up, they aren’t catching me naked.”

“Hope you don’t mind if they find me naked.” I stepped out of my pants.

Her eyes widened, and she looked away. “You don’t wear underwear?”

“No. It is unnecessary.”

“I can’t do this.”

“Do what?” I touched her bare arm. The feel of her skin was heavenly.

“Be with you when you are naked.”

“What are you so afraid of?”

She turned to look at me again, but I could tell she was struggling to keep her eyes on my face. “This.” She gestured with her arm.

“You let me see your bare breasts, yet you are nervous to look at me exposed?”

“I am not nervous.”

“You sure?” I pressed.

“Positive.” She bit her lip,