Free WastelandRogue by Brenda Williamson Page B

what’s in those boxes you mentioned.”
    Thinking of the metal cans she had seen in the cargo area,
she suspected the steam engine needed water. “And you’ll take me with you?”
    He rubbed his arm against his drippy nose, wiping it dry.
“Why should I?”
    “Maybe there’s something in those boxes you’ll need help
getting,” she said and then added, “Two of us would have a much better chance
against the man who has the stuff.”
    He took a few moments seemingly to think over the idea and
then asked, “And you know exactly where that stash is hidden?”
    “I do. So, do we go?”
    When he nodded, he proved he was as dumb as he looked.
Taking her was a big mistake, at least for one of them, so she’d have to stay
alert.

Chapter Six
     
    Sevrin woke slowly. Semiconscious of his surroundings, he
lingered in the halfway point between still asleep and fully awake. Without
movement next to him, he lay motionless and silent to give Rye all the time she
needed to rest. It wasn’t as if he had any schedule to keep.
    He thought of his sleep vision, one in which he found a
settling contentment. Often his dreams had a senseless, unimportant aspect to
them, the themes random and unrelated. Rye had fully invaded his subconscious
thoughts that night. She made an impression that took him by surprise. Her
presence brought clarity to his future.
    In the past, he had seen his share of beautiful, intelligent
females, each ordinary and unmemorable. Rye was different. Since his
sympathetic nature often dragged him into situations a less noble man might
avoid, the circumstances of their meeting might have had some effect on his
view. Still, she had a unique and appealing influence on his emotions.
    He turned his head and looked at the dwindling fire. He debated
adding wood to keep the cavern warmer for Rye. Then a better idea sprouted.
What better way to warm up than in each other’s arms?
    He shifted and rolled to his side to face her, to gather her
close and embrace her in his heart, as he had never thought he’d want to do.
Especially with someone he had just met and had little knowledge about.
    Happier than he’d ever been, he said cheerfully, “Hey,
sunshine…”
    Sevrin bolted upright seeing the vacant space next to him.
    “Rye?” he called out.
    No answer.
    A strange panic causing his heart to pound prompted him to
shout louder, “Rye?”
    She still didn’t reply.
    “She’s gone outside. That’s it,” he said, consoling his
worries. “I should have explained about the relief facilities in the corner.”
    Though, he decided, for what he found acceptable doing in
the open area of the cavern, she might feel she needed more privacy. Females
were like that.
    He hopped off the ledge of his sleeping alcove and stretched
from side to side and front to back, working the kinks out of his muscles.
Movement did wonders as his body rejuvenated from his stiff sleeping position.
    By the time he had dressed, he realized Rye wasn’t just
doing personal things. She had left. Good. He didn’t need anyone tagging
along with him. Besides enjoying his life free of hindrances, his stamina would
never hold up to such intense sex on a daily basis.
    Still, he thought of Rye’s passion. How she clung to him
throughout the night, spreading mind-numbing kisses over his face. She had a
fiery spirit he hadn’t gotten enough of, but there he was without the chance to
explore her thoroughly.
    “Damn,” he groaned, rubbing his hand over his crotch to
soothe his hardened cock. Just the thought of her luscious body with the
generous curves generated a deep ache.
    He extinguished the fire, picked up his coat and headed up
the ladder to the trapdoor.
    In the shack, he paused. He closed his eyes and rubbed his
hand over them. How could I misinterpret mind-blowing sex for a genuine,
sentimental connection? It hurt. Whether it was his feelings or his ego
didn’t matter. He hated experiencing the loss of anyone. That dislike had
motivated him to