"Saving your ass from hypothermia. You're welcome."
I kept a few careful inches between us, not wanting to push my luck too far, too fast. This was a delicate balance—close enough to share warmth, far enough to maintain the illusion of propriety.
"Look, I'm not going to jump you or try anything stupid. Just trying to keep us both alive until morning. Scout's honor."
She studied my face for a long, searching moment, those pale blue eyes scanning for any hint of deception or ulterior motive. Then, slowly, like ice beginning to thaw, she relaxed her rigid posture. "Fine. But only because it's necessary."
"Whatever helps you sleep at night, Princess."
I carefully put my arm around her shoulders, and predictably, she tensed all over again, her whole body going stiff like I'd touched her with a live wire before gradually leaning into my side.
Her skin was cool to the touch, almost cold, but impossibly smooth beneath my palm. Silk wrapped around steel.
