pants. It was driving him insane.
He wanted more than those innocent touches. What really sent desire spiking through him was when she rested her head against his thigh. She’d nuzzle against him as if she’d found a really comfortable place to rest. He knew it wasn’t because she was tired. She’d occasionally glance at him from the corner of her eyes. He saw sheer determination and wicked intent in those beautiful gold eyes. Her plan was to provoke.
She’d definitely drawn a reaction and his teasing wasn’t going to be as subtle as hers. He took heart in the fact that she was pushing them when they were in such close quarters. She knew they could order everyone out at a moment’s notice even if she thought they probably wouldn’t. Her trust in them had grown. She wouldn’t have done this before. She’d have fumed and waited until they were in public again before chancing angering them.
At one point, her palm slipped up to his knee. Her fingers traced the seam of his pants. He didn’t take the time to wonder if she’d decide to get bolder. He took the opportunity to snag her wrist. He pulled her arm, forcing her to straighten.
Once she did sit up against the chairs again, he didn’t take the chance of even loosening his hold. She leaned over and nipped at him, obviously trying to startle him into releasing her hand, but the thick cloth of his pants blunted the sting. He gave a soft growl just to let her know he’d felt it and that he didn’t want it happening again.
She turned her head and met his eyes. Her lips pulled back in a snarl. He bit back a smile. She showed her anger openly. She was definitely moving past the fear that had ruled her at first. That thrilled and aroused him. She’d never be able to accept them if she feared them.
As the last man stepped up to tell his side of the story, Colm stroked his finger over the back of her hand. He kept his eyes on the man in front of them, but also kept his attention on the woman sitting in front of them. She hadn’t given up her mission to torment them. She simply couldn’t do it effectively while he had her hand. It was the major reason he wasn’t releasing her until this was over and they could talk without interruption.
To the man’s credit, he didn’t make excuses. He simply told the story, nodded to them and then stepped back among the other men to wait for their decision. If they hadn’t found out that this was almost a regular practice, it might have given them some cause to mitigate the punishment. Unfortunately, the man had been using his nightly duty on the wall as a time to have sex with a woman for weeks.
“It’s obvious that the failure of our defenses that night was not only from the absence of one man on the wall. If any of the other men present had stepped forward and said something or even told him that they would, it would have stopped.” Linc stood from his chair.
Colm rose as well, but he kept his hold on Cami’s hand. He expected her to do something, but surprisingly, she stayed still between them. Her hand was relaxed in his now, when before she’d constantly tried to pull it free.
Colm turned his eyes to the man who had been in charge of the night guard duty on the wall. “Two humans got into the Thent. There are two Santir out there who would love such an opportunity. You had a responsibility to lead these men and you didn’t do it. Before you are given such a position again, you’re going to have to prove you can handle it.”
“The entire group of you will be broken up and will not be working together,” Linc said with a hard look at all of the men. “As for you, Densel, you will work your way up again through the ranks. You have to prove that we can rely on you. It’s not going to be easy to earn back the trust that’s been lost.”
“You may go.” Colm dismissed them all and waited until the last of the men left the room. Finally, they were alone with Cami.
Releasing her arm, Colm stepped forward and then turned to face her. She rose to her feet. Her hands landed on her hips and her chin lifted to