Page 135 of Heir of the Beast

My face heats instantly.

This might be a bad idea, and I should have just waited until he was feeling better. I go to turn around then think better of it. ~Don’t be a coward.~

I hope he is not dead.

I walk up to him slowly and notice his deep skin color looks very healthy. His bare chest is glistening from crystal-like water droplets, making my mouth dry up.

I notice that he is still wearing his black mask, shocking me. I wonder if he ever takes it off. How strange—maybe he is scarred.

The slow rise and fall of his chest assures me that he is living and breathing, not a Greek statue in the process of being sculpted.

Each ripple and dip of his muscle seems like a work of art, perfectly smooth and hard at the same time. I bite my lip as I start at his perfect mouth.

I reach for his mask, knowing this might be my only chance. Just a little peek.

His hand snatches mine, making me scream. He sits up so fast I do not register that I’m now pinned underneath him.

My heart is beating so hard I think I will have a heart attack at any moment. “Siron,” I breathe. “Let me go.”

I can see his eyes almost look confused as he stares at me.

“Ursula?”

I frown.

He is breathing hard as his dark gaze pins me.

The pressure and heat from his body is making it hard to focus. “Yes. Though you don’t usually call me that?”

I can tell he is frowning, his chest rising and falling quickly.

I try to move, but he is not budging. Taking a slow breath, I try to stay calm, keeping my voice level. “I really hope this healer didn’t do anything weird to you.”

“What in the fuck are you talking about?” he hisses.

Immediately I am alarmed.

This is not good.

“Siron,” I gently say. “Let me go, you’re hurting me.”

“You have two seconds to tell me what’s going on, Angel,” he says in a smooth voice.

I know that voice.

My heart is drumming against my neck. I feel lightheaded.

“What did you just call me?”

Another voice from behind us commands, “Easy. Get off her.”

Siron stiffens and glances back.

The man is the hairy, bearded pirate. He is now standing right beside us, gently prying Siron’s hands from my wrists. “That’s it, nice and easy.”

I am about to freak out at any second, but I keep my cool until I am freed. “What is going on?” I whisper, shaking.

The bearded man sighs loudly. “Nice to see you again, my lady. Forgive me for all the deception and disguise.”

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