Grounded By Love (The Giant Wars #2)(62)

She’d save anyone, no matter who they were. She might not know it, but she held a lot of courage and passion in that tiny body of hers.

“If you need a place to store the human female, I’m sure I can find it room in the stables.”

“I’m not going to stick her in the stables, mother.” Kaeldar rolled his eyes. Claira wasn’t an animal.

“You can’t keep her in your rooms.” His mother whispered harshly. “What will people think of you? Bed a giant female, my dear, they will get your mind away from this human.”

“She is my prize, and I plan on enjoying her.”

“Do as your mother wishes.” His father chimed in.

Kaeldar shook his head. He didn’t need this right now, he had enough to worry about without his father jumping in.

There’d never been a good relationship between them. Everytime Kaeldar had fallen in love with something his father had killed it, to break any weakness in his future heir. He just wanted his son to be an exact model of him, which meant hating everything.

All it had done was create animosity between them.

He wouldn’t let his father touch Claira though. He would do anything he had to for her safety.





Chapter 17


Eventually, the evening meal ended, to her great relief.

Kaeldar came to her table to speak to her for the first time in the night. "I was thinking of heading back up to my room. I assume you will want to return with me, rather than stay down here in the hall."

Claira sputtered. "Of course, I want to return to your rooms with you."

Had he truly thought she would want to stay down here by herself? She was sure if she ever left his sight she would be torn to pieces by the other rock giants. Claira could feel the target on her back, and she was sure it was only a matter of time.

Following closely on his heels, she followed, as he led the way from the table and back to the stair well that led to his room.

Once they reached his chamber, Kaeldar opened the door and politely let her enter before him.

Claira gave a twinkle of a smile, as she walked through the doorway, and her eyes landed on the brass tub before her. The large tub was filled with hot water. Her gaze eagerly took in the swirling tendrils of steam coming off the surface.

This was something she would be willing to give anything for. Oh, how she wanted to feel the water flow over her skin, as she sank deep into the tub.

Kaeldar must’ve ordered one to be ready by the time he finished with eating, and she was glad he had. She only hoped he was going to allow her to use it as well. It’d be borderline cruel, if he didn’t let her bathe.

Or maybe he ordered it for her and her alone. She could only hope. Then again it could be a subtle hint she was stinking up the air around her. A frown replaced the smile that had been on her lips.

She sat down on the edge of the bed, as she watched him take off some of the layers of his clothing. If there was one thing she wished she could have for the rest of her life, he would be it.

Turning towards her he asked, "Would you enjoy a bath?"

"Yes, of course, I would enjoy a bath. I would never deny an opportunity for a bath."

He returned her smile. "I’m glad you are pleased. Please." He motioned her forward with a hand.

She stood to undress. Stripping her clothing she did her best to not show any trembles in her fingers. She’d never bathed in front of another before. Bathing had always been a private matter for her, but there were also trembles of excitement. Claira wouldn’t mind, if Kaeldar wanted to make love.

Seeming to sense her uncertainty Kaeldar took off his final layer of clothing, until he was standing in front of her in his masculine nakedness. Those hard muscles called out to her. She wanted to be wrapped up in them and to have them make her feel like nothing in the world would be able to touch her.

Claira shed her clothing within seconds, her shyness forgotten. Even if they couldn’t have a future, at least, they could be lovers for the meantime. She wasn’t the one with power, but she could enjoy her time here.

Before she even looked up at Kaeldar to see his reaction, she felt his gaze roaming up and over her body. It made her skin tingle and made her feel clean. He didn't seem to find any faults with her appearance.

She blushed. It felt empowering to be the apple of his eye. Such a strong man was interested in her, and she enjoyed it.

"I was thinking you would want to be the one to take a bath first."

Or maybe she was just as dirty as she thought she was. "I would, indeed, like to take a bath. I feel like I need one with all the dust and horses."

Kaeldar stepped around the tub to offer her his hand. Slipping her hand into his, he helped her into the hot soothing water. Baths felt sacred to her. Hot water could wash away any worries a person held. It was true magic.

A sigh slipped from between her lips, as she stuck her second leg into the tub. Kaeldar then helped her sink down, as she submerged her bottom half into the steaming water of the tub.

Kaeldar bent down beside the tub edge. She glanced over at him with a half hooded gaze. The hot water just felt so good, and she felt her muscles finally relax, since meeting Kaeldar. Being surrounded by so many rock giants could make one extremely tense around the shoulders.

Claira let her head fall back against the edge of the tub and watched as Kaeldar leaned over to grab a cloth.