Free HeroUnleased by Anna Alexander

does seem more intense than normal. Even for a Llanos .”
    Amaryllis tossed her head back and laughed from her belly.
Brett joined her and Amaryllis felt an instant kinship form between the two of
them. “So true. No wonder you are in a position of power. You are as observant
as you are intelligent and beautiful.”
    Brett bit her lip as a flush of pink stained her cheeks. “I
think that’s one of the nicest compliments I’ve ever received. Thank you.”
    “Rubbish,” Harlan interjected. “We say nice things to her
all the time, she just has a hard time believing it.” He patted Brett on the
shoulder then offered his arm to Amaryllis. “While the young’uns are blustering
about, why don’t I take you on a little tour of the place?”
    “I would love that.”
    The interior of the store was much larger than it appeared
from the outside. Amaryllis had never seen so many guns lining one wall since
her time spent in the armory back home. On the opposite wall hung the rifle’s
more peaceful cousins, the fishing rods, separated by racks of raincoats and
shiny hip-waders, and shelves stocked with camping gear she never imagined
existed. Did humans really enjoy spending their time off out in the woods so
much?
    When Harlan offered her a cup of coffee, she declined with a
polite smile. If the acrid stench of burnt caffeine hadn’t warned her, Brett’s
brief, but violent, shake of the head confirmed her decision.
    Outside orange and red kayaks were lined up like soldiers
ready to depart on their next mission and an oversized raft rested on the bank
of the river, beckoning her to climb in and play in the rapids.
    “That looks like such fun. Do you go often?” she asked
Harlan.
    “No, my rafting days are long over, so I leave it to the
boys.”
    “And you miss it.”
    “I do.” A wicked light entered his eyes. “But I’m not
without a bit of adventure now and again.” He waggled his brows and checked
over his shoulder before looking at them as if he were about to impart a great
secret. “Follow me.”
    Behind the store was a large shed that housed more rafting
and kayaking equipment. In the corner sat six motorbikes, each with a helmet
hanging off a handlebar.
    “Harlan,” Brett exclaimed. “You still ride?”
    “On occasion, when the weather’s good and no one’s around to
tell me I’m too old to be on one of these things. But I do enjoy a good ride
through the woods now and again.”
    “Why so many?” Amaryllis trailed a finger over a worn seat
and noticed a number spray painted on the tank. “You rent them out?”
    “Sure do. During the tourist season.”
    “I don’t fault you for the impulse, Harlan. I love to ride
too. Once it’s in your blood, the calling never leaves.”
    “You ride bikes, Princess?” Brett appeared more stunned by
that than at Harlan’s declaration.
    “It’s such a rush. I have two Harleys and a Triumph. That
one is my favorite. I’ve never been on a dirt bike before.”
    “You should go while you’re here. There’s a nice little path
that follows the river that’s great for beginners.”
    Amaryllis looked out onto the parking lot where the three
men were involved in a heated conversation. The brothers were talking at the
same time while Dhavin stared them down with his arms crossed and the muscles
of his biceps flexing with restrained action.
    She looked up at Harlan and batted her lashes. “Is the path
long?”
    “Fifteen minutes, unless you deviate to the path that heads
toward the falls. That one takes about an hour.”
    “You know, I would love to see more of Cedar’s countryside,
and since the men are still occupied, I think there is no better time than the
present.”
    Brett glanced out to the roosters clucking like a bunch of
hens and released a wide smile. “I like the red one.”
    Amaryllis smiled back. “I knew we were going to be great
friends. I like the red one too.”
    * * * * *
    “Lucian, there is no reason to change the plan. Amaryllis
will