Read Online Tapestries 04 - Threads of Destiny by N. J. Walters - Free Book Online Page A

for Kathryn.” She patted Kathryn’s arm. “We’ll talk in the morning. I’m sure you must have dozens of questions.”
    “Hundreds.” Her voice slurred and she yawned. “Sorry.” Christina laughed. “Rest. There’s plenty of time to get your answers. Tomorrow.”
    “Tomorrow,” she agreed as Marc carried her out of the room.
    As they left, she heard Jarek talking to Logan. “What was that move you used to disarm Mennoc?”
    37

Chapter Five
    Marc carried his precious bundle down the hallway. Kathryn’s head rested against his shoulder, her hand touching his chest. He was amazed at what he’d just witnessed.
    She’d stood there for hours, meticulously working to remove the chunk of metal, along with pieces of cloth and even bone from her friend. She’d never wavered, never flinched. Never mind that she’d been in the midst of a battle and then jumped to another world, she’d put her head down and done what needed to be done.
    He was in awe of her courage.
    He was also hard as a rock and desperate to claim her. For now, however, he was content to take care of her, doing what he needed to do. Once she was clean, fed and rested, he planned to seduce her. The corners of his lips turned upward at the thought of such a pleasant task.
    “What are you smiling about?” Her words were slow and slurred, her eyes sleepy.
    He shouldered his way into the guest room and kicked the door shut. Carrying her through the bedroom, he entered the small bathing chamber that was connected to it.
    Sure enough, steam rose from the water in the tub, a bar of soap sat ready on a low shelf and thick towels rested on a stool. Candles flicked, lending their glow to the room.
    “You need a bath.”
    “I must stink to the high heavens.”
    He frowned, seeing the self-conscious look in her eyes. Inhaling, he could still smell the light fragrance of flowers but it was overlaid by the stench of blood and sweat and the metallic tang of fear. “I thought it would relax you and make you feel better.”
    “It looks heavenly,” she added as he released her legs, holding her steady as her feet touched the floor. “I’m okay.” She stepped away, glancing over her shoulder at him.
    He knew she expected him to leave but he wasn’t going anywhere. Ignoring her disgruntled gaze, he studied the white garment binding her breasts. The bra seemed to close with hooks in the back. Reaching out, he slipped his fingers beneath the stretchy band and flicked the hooks. The garment parted easily. Marc smiled.
    “Hey!” Kathryn whirled around, slapping her hands over her breasts. “What the heck do you think you’re doing?”
    “Helping you undress for your bath.” He tried to hide his smile but he couldn’t help himself. Even dirty and disheveled, she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
    Her hair hung halfway down her back. Part of it was still pinned up but most of it had escaped and tumbled down long ago. There was a smudge of dirt on her cheek and 38
    blood stained the edges of her fingernails. His eyes narrowed as he noted the bruises on her upper arms. How had he missed those?
    He held out his hand, gently stroking the dark blotches on one arm. “How did this happen?”
    “It’s not important.” She glanced down at her feet and then raised her head to look him square in the face. “Look, I can’t deal with all this now. I want a bath, some food and a bed.”
    “I agree.” He dropped his hand and took a step closer. She took a step backward, the backs of her knees hitting the edge of the tub. “But I will know the truth.” He glanced at the bruises on her arms and began to study the rest of her body. She was slender, almost too slender.
    She held up one of her hands. “I can handle my own bath.” He took her fingers in his and brought them to his lips, kissing each individual knuckle. Her breath caught in her throat and he could feel the pulse in her wrist quicken. “I can help.” He paused. “It’s not as if I