Page 23 of Defying the Relic Hunter

Ethan sat beside me and brushed the sweaty hair off my face. “If I hadn’t seen it, I wouldn’t have believed it.”

“The portal’s pretty awe-inspiring but connecting with the esoteric plane can be dangerous if you’re not prepared.” I felt a tickling sensation in my head. “Hey, what are you doing?”

“You’re exhausted.” Ethan pulled a boot knife, sliced his hand and held it up to my mouth. “Drink.”

I looked at the bleeding wound in horror. “Are you nuts? I’m not a vampire. Some water and chocolate will fix me right up.”

Ethan’s scary index shot off the charts. “Drink. Now.”

I was too tired to argue or fight. “Ok. Ok. Don’t get your panties in a twist.” I reluctantly took his hand. With a grimace of distaste, I sucked down some of his warm, coppery blood. Ewww. Gross. “You know you’re being a butthead, don’t you?”

“It’s my duty to take care of you.”

I clamped a hand to my chest. “Be still my heart.”

Ethan gave me the stink-eye. “Your mouth never stops, does it?”

“You can always take me back to the pound and get another puppy.”

“Not a chance. You’re mine now. Drink some more, you’ve been through a lot today.”

“Yes’um, boss.”I lapped up some more. “Happy?”

“For now.” Ethan licked his wound. Presto, it stopped bleeding.

I watched in amazement as the cut instantaneously healed. “I’ll help you find the treasure, but the romance stuff isn’t necessary.”

“Isn’t it?” Ethan’s hand clamped around the back of my neck and his mouth crushed mine in a fierce, hungry kiss.

Before I knew it, I was kissing him back and our tongues were tangling in an intimate dance.

Granny Annabel crowed, “I told you, heisyour soul mate.”

Reality came crashing back and I broke free. “Gotta admit, you’re one hell of a kisser, sugar, but this seduction thing? It’s not gonna work.”

A laugh rumbled deep in Ethan’s chest. “Oh, it’s working alright.”

“You smug bastard.” I swung at him.

Ethan easily caught my hand and brought it up to his mouth for a lingering kiss. “Got a bit of a temper, don’t you?”

“You have no idea.” I yanked my hand free and rubbed it on my jeans.

“My clan is full of strong gutsy women. You’ll fit right in.” Ethan pulled me on his lap.

“Hey!” I shoved at his chest. “No funny stuff.”

“Every woman needs some passion in her life.” Ethan’s lips closed over mine in a sensual kiss that stole my breath. Suddenly, I wanted to hump him like a deranged monkey.“Wait! Stop! You’re using mind control on me.”

“It’s not necessary. No one can resist my brand of charm. You’ll come willingly to my bed.”His strong hands caressed my body.

I almost died from the blast of lust that exploded inside my hoo-ha. Damn, the conceited ass was good. “Why me? I’m not a Barbie doll and most people consider me a freak.”

Ethan cuddled me against his chest and stroked my back. “At the first sign of trouble, Barbie dolls cower in the corner and scream bloody murder. Only a fool picks a Barbie. I chose you Angel because you’re one of a kind. Your powers make you unique not a freak. I find you fascinating. I like your clever mind, your sense of humor and no matter how hard your life gets, you never give up.”

I stared at him in stunned disbelief. “Is that all?” I shudder as Ethan’s naughty fingers pinched my nipples.

“Your breasts are magnificent.” He gently nipped at my lower lip. “And without me, you’ll be dead in a week.”

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