Page 18 of Warrior's Purpose

4 Mangroves Islands

Abby

It was early dawn when Abby roused. She blinked at the light filtering through the tangled mangroves. It took a moment to remember where she was as she lifted her face from the pillow of hard red flesh. Embarrassment filled her when she realized she’d drooled all over Ash’s pec.

Seriously, Abby!

She quickly swiped it away then studied the swirling tattoos that covered Ash’s chest, which extended over his shoulders and down his arms. The intricate black design stood out on his blood red skin. She never really cared for tats, since most of them seemed cheesy. Except, on Ash they fit, adding to his formidable aura.

She felt bad. Poor Ash spent the entire night on the hard, bumpy ground. She was amazed she managed to stay perched on his chest. Then again, he was rather broad, and his corded arms were wrapped around her, keeping her securely in place.

Something by her leg moved, startling her. Abby screeched when it dawned on her what was coiled around her calf.

“There’s a snake on my leg.” She frantically reached for it.

Ash quickly flipped her onto her back and planted his mouth against hers. She instantly forgot the intruder. His tongue snaked out, demanding entrance. She was stunned by how she automatically parted her lips, like she had in the water, as if it were a matter of life and death. His tongue slipped in, gliding over her smooth teeth. The tip teased her tongue as he explored. Ash tasted spicy, like candied ginger. She didn’t remember him tasting so good last night, of course, she’d been frantic for air. Abby pulled in a deep shuttering breath. It was like his kiss was drugged with the way the spicy flavor worked its way into her, bringing every sense to attention. She was suddenly aware of his massive body caging her in, the hard planes of his chest pressing against her eager breasts, his hips wedged between her thighs. In the back of her mind she knew she should probably pull away, but deepened the kiss instead.

Just as she was about to grip his broad shoulders, Ash reared back. He titled his head as he rolled his tongue around his mouth. The way he studied her with those intense dark eyes, his brow furrowed, had her instantly wondering if he was tasting her morning breath. It was like a cold bucket of water.

Just when I thought this whole scenario couldn’t get any more embarrassing!

“I haven’t brushed my teeth yet,” she indignantly retorted. Abby scrambled back, pulled up her knees and wrapped her arms around herself to cover her lacy bra. “You kissed me first.”

“You do not taste bad. I was just surprised by something unexpected.” Ash shook his head. “I’m sure it was nothing,” he mumbled with his growly voice, but it translated at full volume. Ash cast the translator on his wrist an annoyed look.

“Oh crap, the snake. Where’d it go?” She looked around frantically.

“It wasn’t a snake.” Ash’s easy-going expression returned, amusement dancing in his dark eyes.

She wasn’t sure what he found so funny.

“Well it wasn’t a branch wrapped around my leg. And by the way, why did you kiss me?”

“It seemed like a good way to silence you.”

Her mouth gaped at his audacity. Ash grinned, and she remembered he liked the faces she made.

“My people don’t kiss. I was curious. I find that I like it—a lot.”

His sardonic smile and candor had her flustered. Part of her was relieved he wasn’t put off, since apparently this was his first kiss. But that twinge of pride was tempered by the very large, underdressed red alien sitting in front of her. She couldn’t help glancing at the scrap of fabric covering his unmentionables.

Holy hell. Ash wasn’t standing at full attention, but the bulge was tenting the scrap of fabric.

“Why don’t you kiss?” she asked as her head popped up.

“These.” Ash tapped his canines. “It’s a custom your people introduced.”

“Oh. I see.”

Abby blushed and fidgeted under his scrutiny. His steely gaze followed her every move. She felt like a cornered bunny with a hungry tiger staring her down. Her tongue darted out to lick her suddenly dry and kiss-swollen lips. Ash’s dark eyes narrowed further, and he leaned in.

“Um, you said it wasn’t a snake,” she quickly interjected, before he could pounce.

Wherever this was going, it couldn’t be good. Right?

“Ah, yes. It was dark, so you didn’t notice last night.”

Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open when a long tail snaked out from behind Ash.

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