Read Return of the Warrior for Free Online Page A

lips. They were red and inviting. No doubt they would be even softer than her hands…
    Luckily Lutian started singing an off-key harmony that reminded him they weren’t alone and that they weren’t free for even a few minutes.
    “We have people after us, my lady,” Christian said, as much for his own benefit as hers. “I would caution you to haste.”
    She nodded before she withdrew from him.
    Still her sweet, jasmine scent clung to his body.He couldn’t help but wonder how much more pleasant she would smell if he buried his face into that wealth of midnight hair.
    How warm her body would be lying beneath his while he spent himself deep inside her…
    Turning his back and grinding his teeth to force that image aside, he went to tend his horse before he let his errant thoughts lead him down a pathway he’d best not venture.
    Adara watched her husband through the trees while she struggled to lace her gown. He tended his horse with a gentle touch and a high regard even while Lutian was annoying him with questions and comments.
    “I don’t think your horse likes you to stroke him there,” Lutian said while Christian rubbed it down. He bent over and picked up two clumps of grass similar to the ones Christian was using, then studied them closely.
    Christian continued without pause. “I’ve owned this horse a long time and I know what he likes.”
    “Aye, but how do you know he likes that? Has he ever told you so?”
    “He’s not kicking me. I take that as a good sign.”
    “I’m not kicking you, either, but that doesn’t mean I like you or that I’d be grateful for your rubbing clumps of dirt over my body.” Lutian held one of the grass clumps to his cheek and rubbed it against his skin. “Hmmm…although, it could be pleasurable, perhaps…”
    Lutian turned around and poked his rear toward Christian. “Here, rub some on my flank and let me judge.”
    Christian looked horrified by the mere thought. “I’d most certainly rather not.” He indicated with a tilt of his chin a small clearing where wild seed grew. “Why don’t you go over there and pick something for the horses to eat? Not much, lest it make them sick, but enough to keep their strength up.”
    Lutian dropped the clumps of grass he held and went to do Christian’s bidding.
    Adara smiled as Christian let out an extremely audible sigh of relief, though to be honest, he’d been far more patient with Lutian than any other man she’d ever known. Which was why she’d allowed Lutian to come with her. Xerus and the others were prone to pick on the poor man from time to time, and without her there to watch over him, she was afraid they might intentionally hurt his feelings.
    Or finally make good their threats to see him dead for his nettling.
    But Lutian didn’t mean anything by it. He was a tender soul with a great heart, and he had been her one true friend in life. He alone had comforted her after the death of her brother and her father. No matter how badly she felt or what happened to her, he could always make her smile or laugh.
    Her father had always said a person could tellmuch about a man by the way he dealt with animals, simpletons, and children.
    She had yet to see her husband interact with children, but given his treatment of Lutian and his horse, she could only imagine he would be equally kind to them.
    “Christian?” she called as she left the trees behind. “Could you please assist me?”
    He paused as she drew near him. His gaze dropped to her loose bodice that dipped low between her breasts. She saw the heat come into his pale eyes as he stared at her like a hungry man before a banquet.
    He might push her aside, but he did desire her, and so long as he did, she stood a chance at seducing him to her bed and changing his mind about being king.
    Clearing his throat, he averted his gaze and moved around her so that he could lace the back of her gown. She closed her eyes and savored the heat of his hands as they brushed against the