Torn Between Two

Chapter 24

Murtagh had stayed motionless on his little section of the bed, listening to the others sleep. When he felt movement he looked over through slit eyelids. Reilyn had moved and was staring at him, a look of pain on her face. He had remained still and faked sleep even as he felt the girl move closer, hoping this wasn't another attempt on his life.

The teen felt a finger trace a scar on his bare chest and curled his toes to keep still. He wasn't able to stop his skin from breaking into gooseflesh and smiled to himself when he heard Reilyn utter a hushed laugh. He noticed the girl's hands grew more steady and she grew braver, moving closer to him

As she grew braver, so did he. He slowly opened his eyes to watch what she was doing. She was sitting on her knees beside him, red hair hanging in her face, and her head hung low in focus. The way her hands touched his skin, lingering on certain scars, was almost driving him mad. He itched to sit up, push her hair back, and kiss her again and again, but fought hard and won, repressing the urge.

Eragon hasn't ever been allowed to touch my scars this much, he thought. I hate when he does. . .

"Is this from your father's whip?" Reilyn asked quietly.

Murtagh didn't answer, thinking she hadn't really directed the question to him, but continued looking at her. He jumped when her brown eyes met his, making her jump in return, but she didn't pull away.

"Is it?" she whispered, tracing a scar on his collarbone.

"Yes," he breathed, "you stopped him before I earned any more."

The beautiful teen pulled her hands back, looking away and biting her lip nervously. She shrank back when he sat up, leaning himself against the headboard, but didn't move from her place.

"You don't remember much about being here, do you?" he whispered, fighting the urge to hold her to him.

"Just what I dream," she smiled painfully, "and that doesn't really tell me much."

"I can tell you what I remember," he let out an emotionless laugh, "but it's not much either."

She shook her head, "No, I think it's best we remember on our own."

God, she' so innocent looking! I just want to. . .kiss her. . Again.

"Trust me," Murtagh said, slightly stern.

"What?" she shrank back, fear consuming her.

Murtagh moved quick, sitting on his knees and carefully put his hand on the back of her neck. Her brown eyes darted around in search of an escape route, but he stopped that when he brushed her hair from her face gently.

Murtagh? Thorn questioned his Rider's intentions.

"Just trust me," he whispered, "I'm not going to hurt you."

He gently pulled closer, watching her face the entire time, and lightly kissed her mouth. When she didn't resist, her brown eyes slipping shut, he kissed again. He smiled when she carefully kissed back and ran his hands through her hair. The girl obviously had no clue what she was doing, but Murtagh didn't care; he was a splendid teacher, he showed Eragon most of what the brunette knew. He slowly licked her lips, asking her permission to deepen it.

Damn! Too far! he cursed when the pale girl shoved him away.

She moved back towards Eragon, watching him the whole time. He hung his head, running his hands in his hair, and looked at her apologetically.

Murtagh, Thorn said.

I know, Thorn. Believe me, I know.

No, his dragon whispered, I'm proud of you. You handled things very well.

Yeah, so well that she's pissed and scared of me again. . .

Look again, Murtagh.

Murtagh looked at Reilyn from the corner of his eye. The girl was smiling and had her fingers pressed lightly to her lips, then she stopped abruptly and snuggled into Eragon. Carefully, Murtagh slid closer to them, leaving a foot between them and lay down.

Murtagh!

I'm just seeing something, Thorn.

You have to push it, don't you?

Reilyn opened her eyes and gave him a wary look, shrinking back. Murtagh shook his head and slid away another foot, waiting to see if she'd relax. She did and he smiled faintly, feeling warm all over. He cuddled up in his blankets and closed his eyes.

See? he asked his dragon proudly.

I do, but be careful! You've noticed how your self control vanishes when she's involved. . .

Somehow, I don't think that's any longer an issue, Thorn.

A smile spread on the boys pale face and he drifted off to sleep.

-----------------------------

Reilyn's heart was racing, stealing her ability to breathe, and sleep was near impossible.

Why? Why?! she yelled at herself. What possessed me to trust him, let him do that?

She uttered a frustrated growl and rolled over, facing Eragon. She studied the sleeping brunette's features, envying the peace he seemed to have. Gently, she traced his tan jaw letting her hands brush over his cheeks and lips. Guilt began to root itself within her.

How could I do that? Knowing what he feels. . .Why didn't I stop him? Why did I. . .kiss back?

A tear fell silently and she wiped it away absently, losing herself in conversation with logic.

You felt safe, Logic whispered. When he put his hand on your neck, you felt safe. Didn't it feel familiar?

She curled closer to Eragon, burying her face in his warm chest.

No! Eragon is one who makes me feel safe! Not Murtagh! He's betrayed us, kidnapped us, and tried to kill us. He's not trustworthy, he's violent, unpredictable. . .

As are you, Logic retorted sharply. Or does beheading a man not count as violent?

Reilyn growled loudly, shaking her head, and crawled out of the bed. She crept to the window, watching the clouds race past the moon, and leaned against the cool stone wall.

I wish I could speak with Saphira. . .

"Rei?" a sleep slurred voice asked.

She refused to turn around, even when she heard the boy get our of the bed. Arms gently enfolded her and she jumped, but relaxed into the tan skin quickly.

"Are you okay?" Eragon whispered.

"I don't know," she exhaled, leaning into him.

"You need sleep," he gently pulled on her, "come on."

"Eragon. . .I-."

"Shhh," he pressed his lips to her ear. "I know. Sleep."

"What?" she turned and gazed into the sweet caramel eyes.

"You're not the only one here who can fake sleep, Rei," he smiled. "It's okay. . .I've thought about this long and hard."

"Er," she whispered, hanging her head.

"Things are complicated between you two," he gently ran his hand on her face. "And those things go way back. . ."

"But-."

"Shhhh," he bent and kissed her cheek. "Things will work themselves out. Now, bed."

She followed him in silence, the internal feud raging on, and slipped into the blankets. She jumped when he curled to her, cursing herself, and suddenly didn't want anyone near her.

Murtagh will have to pick one of us, she told herself, feeling sleep close in.

Or will he? Logic piped up. He doesn't seem the type to just take half of what he wants. . .

Reilyn shoved the thought away, letting sleep carry her away.