That makes me smile. I cup her beautiful face in my hands and kiss her wet cheeks. She makes a little noise, and turns her face to find my mouth. Our lips part and her tongue curls with mine. She tastes like salt and tears, and with every beat of my heart emotion rolls through my veins. I pull her to me again, holding her so close.
“My Zelda,” I whisper. “I’m going to make up for everything that happened to you here, I promise. No one will ever hurt you again.”
23
Princess
Zelda
Cal is above deck talking to Reggie, and I strip out of my transformed denim dress into the most amazing shower of my life. It’s a tiny, cramped boat shower, but I have soap and shampoo and hot water. I stand and luxuriate under the spray with my eyes closed until I hear Cal back in the room.
“I don’t want to be a tyrant, but we have a limited supply of water onboard.” A smile is in his voice, and fresh tears flood my eyes.
Reaching forward, I shut off the water and rest my forehead against the white wall a moment as I let the realization I’ve been rescued wash over me. Taking a deep breath, I open the frosted-glass door, and he’s waiting there looking like the most amazing dream come true, holding a fluffy, white towel for me.
“A towel,” I sigh, as he wraps it around me and pulls me to his chest.
Warm lips are on my temple. My arms are pinned against my chest, and he’s holding me in those strong arms so safe and warm. My stomach is tight, my insides vibrating with pure joy.
Lifting my chin, I catch his gaze. “Was Logan able to get them?”
“They’re right outside at the table,” he says softly. “I gave them food, and they seem a bit overwhelmed.”
“We’re probably all going to need time to adjust to being free.”
“Take as much time as you need. I’m eternally grateful to them for taking care of you.”
“You have no idea how much they did for me.”
Our eyes meet again, and he cups my cheeks. His are so warm, I feel like I’ll be lost gazing into them. It’s like a dream.
“More good news,” he says, and my brows quirk in a question. “Ximena said the bleeding stopped. She said you were asleep for a long time after… your finger,” his lips tighten, “but she thinks the baby is okay.”
I’m relieved but still worried. “I’ll be glad when I’m able to see a doctor. I’ve been so afraid ever since we found out.”
Another simmering kiss, and his strong arms return to hold me. “I’m so relieved we found you. I feel certain you’re going to be okay.”
“Only…” my chin drops, and I look down at my bandaged hand.
Cal follows my eyes, and I see the muscle in his jaw move. I remember not so long ago when it was directed at me. “I’m going to find that animal. Wade Paxton is next.”
Terror hits me like a medicine ball. “You know where he is?”
“Reggie is trying to lure him out of hiding. He has reason to believe he’s in the area.”
“He’s a monster, Cal. Don’t go near him.”
Fury flashes in his eyes. “I’m going near him. I intend to be very near him, and when I’m done, he’ll regret the day he was born.”
Turning away, I use the towel to finish drying my body. I can’t think about Cal confronting Wade Paxton right now. My head is aching again, and I need to speak to Ximena and Selena. I need to explain what’s happening to them. Pausing at the door, I hesitate a moment. Cal’s body is warm at my back, and his face moves to my bare shoulder and soft lips close over the skin of my neck.
“Oh,” I gasp.
Electric tingles snake through my limbs and I reach back to hold his head, the back of his neck as he devours the skin of my shoulder, moving up into my hairline.
“I’ve wanted to taste your skin, smell your hair, feel you in my arms for so long. I thought I would go mad from wanting you.”
“Cal,” I whisper, unable to move.