Carpathian 23 - Dark Storm

said out loud, and Gary brought
     his fingers up in a shushing gesture.
    Laughter rumbled through her, and she knew it was Dax. The man spoke right into her
     mind. I thank you for the invitation but I am sure I can find my own way out.
    His voice was polite and smooth but each word carried a smile. She shivered. Okay,
     more than polite and smooth, his voice sounded like warm molasses pouring into her
     mind and filling every empty, lonely spot. Just the sound of his voice sent fingers
     of arousal dancing through her body and an electrical current snapping and crackling
     in her veins. Warmth spread through her as if that molasses found a way into her body.
    He couldn’t be in her mind. Not with the things about him she was thinking—like how
     very sexy everything about him was. Color swept up her neck into her face. “I’m not
     comfortable with you in my head.”
    She glared at Gary, as if he were to blame for Dax’s behavior.
    Unperturbed by her irritation, Dax continued speaking directly into her mind. I left you a gift, Riley, to thank you for your assistance. Do you like it?
    Some external force directed her attention down to the sleeping bag. She flipped the
     edge over to reveal an intricately woven quilt that depicted a beautiful landscape
     of mountains and grasslands, all worked in reds and blacks with threads of shining
     silver and gold embroidered throughout. A silvery moon in the top corner of the quilt
     sent beams of silvery light shining down upon the landscape below. The detail was
     exquisite, full of depth and movement. She turned it over to see the back side, and
     the quilt moved like silk, soft and warm in her hand.
    The backing showed a different scene filled with wildlife. Birds of prey flew alongside
     a giant red dragon. On the ground below, wolves, lions, tigers and snow leopards raced
     across the plains, some diving into rivers and streams. As with the front of the quilt,
     the detail work was so exquisite, the scene practically came to life. More than that,
     the quilt radiated warmth and comfort.
    “You shouldn’t have,” Riley murmured.
    The quilt is not to your liking? There wasn’t any emotion in Dax’s voice, but Riley somehow knew she had hurt him.
     She had never been good with social niceties.
    Her heart thudded in her chest. She’d never seen anything more beautiful—except him.
     She moistened her lips and glanced at Gary. Color crept up her neck to stain her cheeks.
     She felt Dax in her mind, waiting for her answer. She reached back to him, wanting
     to share what she had to say with only him.
    I like it very much. How could anyone not? Her fingers traced the lines of the red dragon. Simply touching the fabric, stroking
     the lines of the design, seemed to wash away her worries and fears. “Did you hear
     me?” Her heart thudded. She felt shy, when she’d never thought she had a shy bone
     in her body.
    Yes. The word stroked over her skin like a caress.
    This is truly a piece of art. But it’s far too beautiful to use—especially in a tent. The idea was outrageous.
    Ah. But it was made for your use. You healed me. I wanted to thank you, and as you were sleeping, it seemed like the
     appropriate gift. His tone seemed more at ease. Did you sleep well, Riley? He spoke her name slowly, as if with great care, his tongue savoring each syllable.
    She gently folded the quilt and set it down on her bed, her fingers lingering on top
     of the red dragon, stroking. I did sleep well, and thank you for the quilt, Dax. She found herself trying to say his name with a similar inflection.
    But I am not having a conversation with a man while he is buried in the ground beneath
     my feet. Not to be rude, but I find the whole thing more than a little creepy. Her hand went over her mouth. Did Carpathians know what teasing was?
    She could have bitten her tongue. She had the worst sense of humor, and she really
     didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but talking to a man lying in the earth beneath
     her feet was kind of . . . humorous. She sank down and began sliding on her boots.
     As she was hunched down tightening the laces on her left boot, she felt just the brush
     of his lips against the back of her neck.
    I see. Well, if that is the case, you could join me here if you like, it would not
     be too difficult. I am sure you would find it very interesting.
    Riley froze for a moment, her hands stilling on the laces of her boot. The idea of
     joining him . . .
    Male laughter