Chapter 84. Desire and Denial

Hycinth

Standing side-by-side, I clutched the beautiful blanket draped over our shoulders, my eyes drifting over the interior of the quaint cottage bathed in the moon's glow, taking in the details.

Several dozen candles, grouped together in clusters, provided the only light. Their flames flickered and pirouetted, undulating in a sensual dance with the shadows. My sensitive Wolf nose twitched. The heavenly aroma of fresh cut hardwood, earthy and sweet, filled the air, but I noticed the glowing firelights lacked scent.

My attention flickered to the wall of curtains, the breathtaking view of the lake now hidden by the closed gauzy fabrics, light and airy, gently swaying with the wind. I was thankful for the northeastern breeze, ricocheting off the water to help cool my overheated skin.

The sheer barrier provided minimal visual privacy, but what it didn't conceal was sound.

But I expected that already.

A strange dichotomy whispered to my senses -absol