Chapter 148: The Loss Of Innocence, Part 14, Bad Weather

JAMES

Rain lashes sideways onto the windows.

Roll on Spring.

Is this blasted weather never going to end?

But I'm warm and comfortable; naked next to my dozing Jade-Eyes, her body heat percolating to me. And beyond her...

Where's Michael?

Got up early...?

The wind howls a complaint, rattling glass and the lashing of the rain turns to a spattering...

Sleet?

Why would he get up early for this?

Much better here...

... but over the blather of the weather, I hear the hiss of the shower in the en-suite.

I consider the tumble of red hair lying next to me.

How is she now?

Over the shock?

Or at least dealing with it?

I try an experimental stroke over the curve of a shoulder. She sighs and stirs.

She does look much better...

Another stroke. This time I follow it through along a smooth, pale arm.

The eyes flicker open, green orbs settling on me. The mouth curves up. "Good morning, Master."

"Good morning. Slept well?"

"I did yes."