“What do you mean?”
“You can’t see in the dark.”
“You can?” That explained how he moved so fast in the pitch black. “Ow!” She stubbed her big toe on a rock.
The warrior emitted a low curse and scooped her up into his arms. His scent hit her like a blast of heat, warm and inviting. It was all she could do not to nuzzle her nose against his thick neck.
“What was the name you called me?”
“Talia. You’re Talia, daughter of Seke, master of arms to the Prince of Zander.”
Something slithery and cold twisted in her solar plexus. An unnamed discomfort. “No. No, I’m not.”
~.~
The pleasure of carrying Talia exploded beyond all expectation. Feeling her small form tucked up against him, her bare legs smooth and soft against his forearm, invoked the fierce protector within him. The same piece of
