Free Stardust by Mandi Baker Page B

apparently it was not to be.
    Sparing him another glance as he climbed ahead of her, she smiled. She was definitely better off for having met this lean warrior. Her gaze lingered lovingly over his big body, noting with pure female appreciation the way the strong muscles bunched as he moved, the firm buttocks that felt like steel beneath her palms and the silky length of his golden hair.
    Darton turned to help her over the jutting ledge on which he stood. As his eyes rested upon her countenance, she could not co ntrol the shiver of desire which raced through her body. He looked as though he would like to devour her upon the rocky ground. She was embarrassed to admit the same feeling overwhelmed her senses as well. As if sensing her need, he pulled her tightly against his aroused frame, letting her feel the power of his attraction. “ Woman. You do not know how very much you tempt me. If it were not for our uninvited quest, I would drag you off to the cave below and ravish you until you begged for mercy. ”
    “ Bawna warriors never beg, ” Aurora said, feeling the rush of heat at his words. Determined that she would not let him remain unaffected while she burned with unconcealed desire for his touch, she leaned closer, brushing the abundant swell of her breasts against his masculine chest. Hearing his sharp intake of breath, she smiled. “ But you are welcome to try. ”
    “ That I will, my lady. That I will. But first we must take care of our mechanical friend. ” The path widened and they walked side by side. “ You are an amazing woman, ” he murmured.
    She slipped her hand into the warmth of his larger one. “ No, I am just a female like any other. But your appreciation will be rewarded as soon as possible. ”
    Growling with mock ferociousness, Darton momentarily tightened his hold on her slim hand. “ That is a promise I will not forget. ”
    “ Can we stop this nonsensical chatter and find a place to rest? I am sweltering in this heat. ”
    Both turned in surprise at Talena ’ s wail.
    “ I swear, one day I will..., ” Darton began.
    “ No, ” Aurora soothed. “ Talena is right. The sooner we find shelter for this night, the sooner I can take a closer look at your injuries. ”
    Darton grunted indignantly. “ There is nothing wrong with me, woman. I told you I would protect you and I will not fail. ”
    Aurora barely succeeded in suppressing a grin. “ P ut away your over inflated male ego, my love. I o nly wish to see for myself you are not seriously injured. ”
    “ Alright, ” he murmured, stroking a lean finger down the ivory smoothness of her cheek. “ If it will make you feel better, I will oblige. ”
    “ Thank you. ” The light of love glowed in her violet eyes.
    “ Now can we please go? ” Talena ’ s plaintiff cry cut through the magical moment.
    “ Yes, we will go, you minuscule ball of fur. ” Darton ’ s voice held no real anger, only a mock threat which no one took seriously.
    “ We will be there shortly, my friend. ” Aurora bent to pick Talena up and put her in the seka between her breasts but Darton ’ s large hand stopped her.
    “ That is my place now, ” he said softly, his gaze caressing her flesh.
    “ I must carry her, ” she protested weakly, breathless at his blatant look.
    “ No. ” Darton shook his head forcibly. “ If the creature cannot walk, then Siara will transport her. ” He took the turin and placed it on the jaguar ’ s back.
    “ Aurora, do not give in to this male ’ s false superiority. Remove me from this beast at once. ”
    She laughed at her friend ’ s expression. “ I believe that is a most welcome idea. You and Siara will become friends very quickly. ”
    Darton stepped over a small crevice in the rock. “ The climb will get more perilous as we journey farther up the great rock. It is best if we continue along this path in single file. I will go first and Siara will bring up the rear. ”
    Aurora only nodded, her mind already spinning