Chapter 29

What the hell? I chew slowly, enjoying the delicious spread he somehow managed to whip up in a few minutes, confused. Why did he run away from me?

I mean, I gave him the full naked Ali experience. Dripping wet, no less! And he ran away, practically falling over himself to clean off. Although, maybe he's gross from riding and stacking hay in the barn. That's gotta be it.

Huffing out a breath, I pull on a clean shirt, stalling briefly as I realize it's his. I start to take it off but stop myself. It smells so good: spicy and masculine and just like him.

Tonight's the night. Tonight is the night. Shivers of anticipation tingle across my skin even as my jaw sets in resolve. The fire pops, and I startle slightly before sitting back down on the blanket Lesath's spread out by the fire.

The assortment of fancy toasts, like some kind of fantasy bruschetta tapas, stares back at me remorsefully, like they're begging to be eaten, so I pop one in my mouth, flavor exploding on my tongue. It's probably rude to eat without Lesath, but now that I've started, I can't stop.

I stretch back, lying down on the quilt Lila surprised me with. My fingers run over the patchwork, gratitude filling me. Strange as those women were, they saved my life. They saved Lesath's life.

Strange as this world is, it's beginning to feel like home.

Lana and Mina are here, and my sisters have always been my whole world. Now, staring at the campfire, I'm strongly reminded of our last night together, in New Mexico. We made three wishes, and though I can't remember Lana or Mina's mine rings in my ears. I wished for love and adventure, then woke up in a tower, captive of a giant monster scorpion. A scorpion who turned into an infuriating, irresistible, delicious man. I inhale noisily, my chest tightening.

I wished for love.

Do I love Lesath? I close my eyes, the warmth of the campfire washing over me, as I snuggle deeper into the thick quilt. He's gorgeous, yes. He's funny, too, with a dry sort of wit that makes me smile. He's smart, too clever for his own good, and while that drives me crazy… I also like the challenge. I love his strength, how I feel protected around him, now that I'm not afraid of his other form. I love his brutal strength, another sign that I'm no longer on Earth. On Earth, it wouldn't matter if my boyfriend could swing a sword.

But here? Lesath's combat skills are absolutely vital. And somehow, that fierce edge to him is incredibly sexy.

The fire crackles, and I open my eyes, watching sparks dissolve into the darkness. I love the way he looks at me, like I'm the only woman in the whole world. Like I'm precious, and beautiful. There's awe in his eyes when he stares at me. Then there's the softer side, the Lesath that took care of me when I rolled my ankle like a drunk idiot. I run my tongue over my teeth as I remember that night. Was it really only less than a week ago? I feel like a different person now. Lesath… seems like a different person.

I even like the raging possessive streak he showed that night, tearing me away from Brock. A little smile dances across my face, and then I shiver, remembering our passionate night in the cave. Has anyone ever touched me like that? Made me come so intensely? Cared about my pleasure more than theirs? I shake my head a little, because the answer is definitely no.

Desire tears through me, but I breathe through it, my mind turning from Lesath to the rest of the people I've met the last few days.

Between Danielle and the three new arrivals of women from Earth, my circle has expanded. Lyn is a sweetheart, and once she settles in, I think she and I could be serious friends. My grin widens as I think about Gisele, and her ridiculousness and hilarity, and Cassie, with her wide green eyes and strange ability to take everything in stride.

I twist my mouth to the side, watching fire crawl across the branches in a thick red line. Lila even seemed less Vrayan than she did Earth woman, and as I think back on our short time together, my brows pinch.

All three women, despite their decidedly Vrayan clothes and bizzarro magic house, seemed familiar. They didn't speak like Lesath or Ras. They sounded… like home. Huh.

I'm not alone here. Not at all. Not abandoned. There are good people here. Firelight glints off my tattoos, and I dip my head, perusing the whimsical, lovely designs. I have power. There are things wrong in this world, a world I can no longer deny I belong to.

I can help fix things, make things better here.

"I am pleased to see you enjoyed dinner."

I swivel, blinking back the imprint of the fire on my eyes, focusing on the hulking mass of muscle and bare, wet skin behind me. All thoughts of the three women of House Hecate vanish from my head, my awareness zeroing in on the dripping wet man behind me.

"Yeah, it was delish. Thanks—" the words stick in my throat as I watch his calf muscles bunch as he continues walking into our small camp. Lesath passes me, heading for the saddle bags and his clothes, rubbing a towel over his skin.

Good god. I have got it bad.

Operation: Seduce Lesath to commence immediately.

"How was the bath?"

A reluctant chuckle is the only answer I get.

"Little bit chilly, huh? Got some shrinkage?" I scrub a hand over my face. Why did I say that? No wonder he doesn't want to jump my bones.

"Some what?"

"Nevermind, nevermind!" I say hastily. "Come sit next to me and eat. I'm sure you're hungry too."

"It seems my shirt has been appropriated."

"Oh." I laugh a little guiltily as he approaches, the thin towel wrapped around his gorgeous hips. "I did take it. I like how it smells like you." I can't take my eyes off him, especially not now, with the heat rising in them as he stares at me.

"You like my scent?"

I swallow, then pretend to stretch my back. "I can give it back to you, if you want."

"No. You wear it. I like you in my clothes." His voice is rough, and shivers roll over me in response.

"And I like you out of clothes. What a perfect trade off." I wince. Smooth, Ali. But he's prowled closer, the towel dangerously close to slipping off. His cock tents the front, and I swallow hard. "Shrinkage not a problem, then."

His gaze follows mine, a grin showing off his perfect teeth. "I could not possibly have that problem when you are near."

"That's good," I manage, breathless.

"I should eat," he says, still standing, still staring at me.

I've never felt so on edge in my life. The anticipation is eating me alive.

"Sit." I pat the ground next to me awkwardly, trying for a sexy hair toss. A bunch slaps me in the face, still damp, failing sexy by a long shot. I blink.

Silently, he does as I ask, his eyes fixed on me. Okay, well, at least he was into the hair toss. I blow out a breath. Why am I nervous? This man has already coaxed pleasure out of me like he knew my body better than I did.

Reality strikes me. Of course I'm nervous. If I have sex with this man, I'm tied to him, forever. Sex, the thing I can't seem to get out of my mind, has meaning now like it never has before.

The thought arouses me even more.

Because I want that. I want Lesath.

I want it all.