132 Life with you part 7

Her eyes moved from his to the front of his pants the sheepishly back to meet his gaze. "It... It... wasn't... what I expected..." She stuttered. She glanced away nervously before her gaze slowly found his groin again.

Arei chuckled, "If you don't stop staring, I'll be forced to finish."

"Finish?" Her eyes shot back up to meet his.

He shook his head as he smiled down at her. "Your innocence astounds me." He bent down to place a kiss to her lips, but stopped when her eyes widened and she drew in a quick breath. He lifted back to standing. "Get dressed. The maids have already brought our meal. I'm going downstairs to find something stronger. Meet me down there."

Jos frowned as she watched the last of the maids leave the room. She set by the table, fully dressed, her untouched breakfast sitting cold in front of her. Her eyes darted to the door, but when the boy who usually brought up the tub entered to take it away her frown deepened. She stood and walked to the door, making her way slowly down the hall and stairs. Her eyes scanned the room, having no problem locating his broad back. As she neared, his head turned to watch her. He didn't say anything when she stopped beside him, he only turned back to his drink finishing it in one large gulp. "You're mad at me." She whispered feeling the barmaid and other patrons' gazes on her.

Arei turned fully around to face her. He spread his legs wide and pulled her between them. Though he was still seated on the stool, her head only barely reached above his chest. He ran his thumbs across her knuckles as he gazed down at her. "I'm not mad, kitten. That was an honest reaction. One I've gotten on more than one occasion. If you've changed your mind, then don't worry. I'll not push you farther. We can continue as we have in the past." He searched her expression but there were so many emotions battling there he couldn't tell which would win out. Without warning she pulled her hands away and pushed upwards on her tiptoes. Her lips pressed against his as her hands wrapped timidly around his neck. He pulled her closer, wrapping his thick arms around her as he dipped his tongue past her slightly parted lips. He smiled against her mouth. She was now used to his chosen form of kisses and now expected them. He broke their kiss and watched as she slowly lowered her feet back to the ground. He chuckled, "What?"

She furrowed her brows quizzically. "You taste... sweet..." The tip of her tongue darted out and licked her lips.

He nodded toward the empty glass on the bar. "That was the whiskey."

She nodded. "I think I like it."

He chuckled, "I doubt you'd be too fond of it from anywhere but my lips. It has quite the burn." He pushed up from the stool and tossed some coin on the counter. "Are you ready?" When she nodded, he led her from the room of onlookers.

***

"It is." He said, never taking his eyes off her. Her smile widened as something else caught her attention. He caught her hand as she began to dart toward yet another fascinating site. He spun her as he pulled her toward him. He grinned down at her tented brows as she gazed questioningly back up at him. "You move about far too much, Love. You make me tired just watching you." He laughed and began moving about the wide walkway with her in tow. He began humming lightly as he spun them about the area.

She didn't release her grip on him, "What... is this?"

He laughed again stopping to give her a twirl before answering. "Dancing, Love."

She tilted her head. "What is it for?"

He shrugged. "No reason, just something fun to do. Do you not enjoy it?" he asked stopping their movements but not releasing her.

She thought it over. "I... liked it well enough, but how do you know where to go... what to do?"

He laughed, "There are many different types of dance, it typically depends on what part of the world you're in and what music is playing. "I learned this one in France. Would you like to learn more?" When she nodded he spun her once again and began humming louder. He would only break the humming to give her brief directions, information, or simply to compliment her efforts.

By the time they were both tired the sun had already began to set. Jos's troubled eyes met his. "Will we make it to the inn tonight?" She asked.

He shook his head. "Not tonight. Tonight we'll stay at a nearby village and see more of the area in the morning." When she only nodded, he asked. "Are you ready to go there now? I know I could use a meal."

Jos nodded more firmly this time.

"Then let's head that way." He took her hand and guided her back down the steep path to where the horse waited. He lifted her up and climbed on behind her as usual. He smiled as her hands glided along his arms tracing the tattoos as he held the reins. "The majority of those simply mean courage, bravery, and skills related to war. Though their meanings have faded or changed over the years, they still serve their purpose I suppose."

"And what would that be?" She asked.

"To tell a story, a story that is only mine." He answered.

Her tired eyes met his, "When will you tell me your story?" He smiled down at her but even in the faint light she could see some other emotion just below the smile.

He released the reins with one hand and pulled her tighter against his chest. "Soon, Love, soon." He bent and placed a light kiss on her forehead. "We're almost there."

When they stopped in front of an inn, Arei leaped down with her in his arms. She'd fallen asleep once again, and this time he hadn't bothered waking her. He balanced her in one arm and carried the saddlebags in the other. He looked over the inn owner as he walked through the doors. He was a slight, older man. "My bride and I need a room for the night." Arei said, "And I would like a bath sent up." He sat the saddlebags down and tossed some coin on the counter the man stood behind.

The old man eyed them both before saying, "This is a reputable establishment. I'll not be having less than honorable guests. If this be your wife, let her wake and tell it."

Arei frowned but nodded. "Kitten," He gently whispered against her ear. "Wake, Love, we're here." Her eyes flickered open only momentarily before she smiled and nuzzled into his neck, closing her eyes again. He smiled down at her, "Kitten, the owner would like a word."

"Hum?" She moaned, her tiny hand moved up his chest to his neck, but her eyes didn't open.

The inn keeper's lips turned up in a smile and he nodded. He handed Arei a key. "Top floor, last door on your left."

Arei nodded and bent to grab the bag from the floor. He took the steps of the three floors slowly as to not jostle his sleeping bundle. Pushing open the last door on the left, Arei let out a pleased sign. The room was far nicer than the last place they'd stayed. He set the bag down at the door and carried Jos to the larger bed. He pulled back the covers and kissed her forehead before setting her down. He then moved to the fireplace and began building it up to a nice glow.

He was straightening when a light rap at the door sounded and the maids and stable boy came in, one carrying a tub the others carrying steaming water. The last maid that came in brought a plate of dried meat, bread, and cheese. "The master said yer young bride may be hungry when she wakes. His treat." The young girl nodded to the plate that she set on the table closest the door.

She was now naked and stepping into the tub with him.