Winter's Heat: A Nemesis Unlimited Holiday Novella by Zoe Archer Page A

she and Michael were meeting for an amorous tryst, rather than dealing out justice.
    “All fine and good,” she whispered, after ensuring they were alone, “but how are we supposed to leave the house? Unlike you, I’m not part spider.”
    “But the spider is strong, and more than happy to carry a ladybug on his back on his way down.”
    She stared at him. “Now I know you’re mad. You can’t possibly carry me and climb down the building at the same time.”
    “I can, and I will.” He sounded utterly confident. “All you need to do is hold tight. Unless,” he added, “you want me to search the ruin on my own.”
    “Just tell me what to do,” she answered.
    *   *   *
    The window had a deep ledge, and Ada watched as Michael climbed back out and stood on it. He bent down and stuck his hand through the window. After taking a deep breath, and wondering if she’d lost her mind, she grasped his hand and climbed out.
    Despite the fear that pounded in her chest— I’m fifty feet above the ground and there’s nothing around me —she took in the scene. Behind her were the many gables and chimneys of Covington Hall. In front of her stretched the house’s grounds, the gardens and parkland, and even the gentle hills of the countryside, all glazed in pale moonlight. She’d never had such a view before, as if she were some kind of dandelion seed, borne upon the wind.
    “This is…” Dozens of words filled her head. Terrifying. Humbling. “Incredible.” And she meant it. She felt both impossibly small, and large as the night itself. The world seemed huge with what could be.
    Michael’s fingers were still interlaced with hers, steadying her. “You’re taking this far better than I did the first time I climbed out onto a ledge. Simon still gives me hell about how I shook and babbled like an opium addict craving his next pipe.”
    She could hardly imagine it, the way he seemed so at ease and confident on that ledge. “I’d like to go down now.” Much as she marveled at the view, she felt all too fragile up here, especially with the bitter winter breeze swirling around her.
    To her dismay, he let go of her hand, then turned so that his back faced her. “Loop your arms around my neck.” When she did as he directed, he continued. “Now hop up and wrap your legs around my waist.”
    As orders went, it was one of the most improper she’d ever heard. She wasn’t particularly eager to do any kind of jumping or hopping while balanced on a ledge, either. Seeing as she didn’t have much choice, she followed his command, and there was a tiny, terrifying moment when she jumped and there was nothing beneath her. But in a moment, she’d gotten her legs wrapped tightly around his waist. He readjusted his stance, but didn’t buckle or sway beneath her weight.
    “I’m not too heavy?” she asked.
    He scoffed. “I said you were a ladybug, not an elephant. From now on, I just need you to hold on tightly. Link your fingers together. Like that. And cross your ankles over each other. Good. Ready?”
    No. “Yes.”
    “Then here we go.” He turned, and reached out to grab hold of the brick wall with one hand.
    She held her breath as he found a grip in the wall with his other hand, and she didn’t breathe entirely when he repeated the process with his feet, wedging his boots in the worn mortar. He slid sideways, away from the ledge and to the wall beside it. Now there was nothing below them. No ledge. Only open air. And the ground below.
    Slowly, he went down the wall. His process was careful, methodical. He’d search for the right hand and foothold, and only when he was sure of them would he move. Through the heavy fabric of their clothes, she could still feel his muscles working. The tension and strength. It was primal and raw, and her own body’s response was just as primal. God help her, but feeling him moving beneath her was arousing .
    To make certain she didn’t add any extra burden, she tried to keep her body