She attempted to slam the door in his face.
“Like hell,” he growled. With ease, he shoved it open. “I’m here to stay until you are safe. Get used to it.”
“I have a dagger. I will use it.” Her eyes lit with righteous fury.
Angry energy radiated from that small, lithe body. Delicate breasts rose and fell with harsh breaths. His body roared with uncontrollable desire, making his skin prickle and his breeches tighter. He didn’t understand what was stripping his self-control. Snaking a hand out and grabbing her damp neck, he pulled Celeste into a hard kiss. Startled lips parted and his tongue slipped into that sassy mouth. Every nerve exploded with sensations. He pressed Celeste against the door, felt the innocence in her stiffened body.
“What are you doing?” she mumbled around his lips.
What was he doing? By the gods, he’d lost his mind.
Orion jerked away from the woman. Her mouth and face were red from beard rash. The look on her face was both alluring and condemning.
“I’m sorry.” He bowed. “I had no right to do that.” I should be flogged.
Celeste pushed past him and moved further into the foyer. “You need to leave,” she argued, with less anger.
Solemnly, he said, “You know I cannot.”
Kur, the failed experiment, and King of the Underworld hunted descendants of the gods. Draining their life force gave the creature untold power and the ability to play at being a god. He discarded humans as well to keep going, but it was the descendants Kur thirsted after.
Orion stepped toward Celeste, but she stopped him with a glare and a fist. Her stubborn chin rose. “Do not forget you are a guest in my home.”
She started down the hall, but he latched onto her arm. “I apologize for my behavior, Celeste. It was out of line.”
“If you shall not leave then I have no choice but to tolerate your presence. Mayhap some rest will put your manners in order.”
The seal he would put on the home this eve meant nothing got in or out until sunrise. He released her arm, letting his hand trail down to gently grasp her fingers. Bringing them to his lips, he bestowed a light kiss. “Thank you, mademoiselle.”
“Hmm,” she said, withdrawing her hand and padding down the hallway. About midway she turned, looked at him for a few seconds then continued on her way.
The man servant silently appeared. “Your drink, sir.”
“Uncanny. How did you know I could use a stiff drink?”
Rafael stood a little taller. “A good butler reads a situation and anticipates.” He glanced down the hallway. “I recall evenings when Miss Celeste’s father had the same look on his face after a disagreement.”
Available in Ebook:
The Treasure (Time Walker Series Book 2) by Sloan McBride
‘A Pirate’s Life for Me,’ that is Celeste’s plan. Revenge drives her to be daring. Attacks by smoke demons, and the appearance of a swashbuckling rogue—a handsome rogue with magical powers—detracts her from the mission and reveals frightening truths about her family.
Orion is a time walker—a protector of the human race—and warrior against the Underworld King and his minions. The shadowy creatures seek the young woman who has the blood of the gods running through her veins. Orion senses something mysterious—and wrong—in Celeste’s blood.
Time Walker law dictates no interaction with humans, but Orion can’t stay away. Celeste has the uncanny ability to draw demons and time walkers, alike. To protect her, Orion must keep her hidden from the Underworld and his own people. Should the gods discover her secret, they will destroy her, and he won’t let that happen.
Leave a Comment