Carpathian 23 - Dark Storm

like him,
     and they explode into vicious fighters when they’re crossed. He’s not the kind of
     man I’d want my sisters dating, that’s all.”
    Riley shoved her hammock into her backpack, took a breath and turned around to face
     Weston. He was trying to warn her, which was sweet in a way, but he was far too late;
     she was already lost. She knew Dax was dangerous to her, but not in the way Weston
     obviously meant.
    Electricity arced over her skin and sizzled in her veins. He was close. Dax. Very close. Her entire body instantly tuned to his. His scent drifted to her on the
     evening breeze, all the spice and masculinity, the outdoor, wild scent she recognized
     as Dax. She took a breath and breathed him into her lungs.
    At once she felt wholly alive and unbelievably sensual. She was aware of her breasts
     tingling, her nipples growing taut, the smoldering fire in the pit of her stomach
     she’d only been dimly conscious of flaring to life. How did he do that? She hadn’t
     even laid eyes on him yet.
    She forced her attention back to Weston, managing a smile. “I appreciate the warning,
     Don. I’ll be careful.”
    How careful? Do you think to resist me now?
    The words shimmered into her mind. There was an edge to Dax’s voice that both frightened
     and thrilled her. His fingers slipped over her injured hand. At once the sting was
     gone. His hard body brushed against hers from behind. He pushed his hips close so
     that his heavy erection was imprinted against her body. Strong fingers stroked caresses
     over her right breast. Her stomach tightened. Her thighs ached. How could he do that
     when he wasn’t even visible?
    How is it that you are always surrounded by men, sivamet ? I find I do not like this habit of yours, always to be with other men.
    Now his breath was warm against her neck. His tongue licked along her leaping pulse.
     Strong teeth bit down on her neck, right over that now pounding pulse. The bite stung,
     but his tongue eased the ache.
    Um, I am traveling with them , she felt compelled to point out. Deliberately she pushed her buttocks back into
     him. Or hadn’t you noticed?
    Happiness burst through her. He had come. Her stomach settled down, her heart quit
     pounding. She found herself following the rhythm of his lungs.
    How many others have warned you about me?
    Sharp teeth grazed the side of her neck a second time and her womb spasmed. Her knees
     went weak. He definitely wasn’t happy to find Weston alone with her in her private
     little sanctuary cautioning her about Dax. She poured into his open mind. Her hunger
     for him. Her secret amusement that Weston, of all people, would try to counsel her.
    You find him sweet. The last word was uttered with sarcastic contempt.
    His teeth bit down a third time, hard enough to take her breath away. But there was
     that clever tongue, bathing the small wound in healing, numbing saliva. His teeth
     scraped back and forth over her pulse. Her body went weak in anticipation, weeping
     in welcome for him. She waited, closing her eyes, needing his erotic bite.
    “Riley, are you all right?” Weston asked, a hint of concern creeping into his voice.
     “I really didn’t want to upset you. I felt it was important that someone say something
     to you.”
    She startled, forgetting for a moment that Don Weston was still close by.
    Answer him so he goes away. He’s very uncomfortable in the role of protector. And
     he lusts after you. He can barely keep his hands off you. It is best for his health
     if he puts distance between you immediately.
    You can’t possibly be jealous of Don Weston. That trait seemed so out of character, almost petty, and beneath Dax.
    There is no reason to be jealous of a man you do not have regard for. Dax sounded a little arrogant.
    It was difficult to think straight with his body so close to hers. His intoxicating
     scent enveloped her, heightening her awareness of him. He only came to warn me. He’s never once tried anything he shouldn’t.
    His teeth, scraping rhythmically back and forth over the pulse in her neck, were very
     distracting, making it nearly impossible to think clearly. His hands slid up her body,
     inside her shirt, to cup her breasts. He stood behind her, unseen, his heat surrounding
     her, his heavy erection pressed tightly against her and all she could think about
     was having him again and again. Was it possible to fall in love with a man’s body?
    He is not a good man. He envisions himself as one,