She nodded, the effects of the drought already settling over her like a warm glow. He released her from the rest of the bonds. He slid his arms under her legs and around her waist and carried her from the chair to the bed. Her nose rested right against his neck, and she couldn’t resist the temptation to take a large inhale. Spearmint, fresh-cut grass, and parchment. The lingering notes of his cologne were still there, too. A musky leather. Spicy. She closed her eyes and relaxed against the rhythmic steps he took around his room.