Page 8 of Warrior Rescued

Inadvertently she ran her hand over the dark scruff on his strong jaw as she brushed away a strand of long black hair that had fallen in his face. The rough stubble made her hand tingle as she stroked it against the grain. She told herself she was checking for other injuries, but the truth was she couldn’t help herself. It had been so long since she’d touched anyone, let alone a man. She and Sidi had become friends once she forgave him for abducting her, but she never saw him as a man, and he never got over the mate he lost in the crash.

It's been way too long.She shivered, her nipples hardening and goosebumps rising on her skin.

As her mind wandered to places it shouldn’t go, she moved on to treat the devil’s shoulder. He was bare chested, making it easier to seal the jagged cut and heal the abraded skin around it.

Who would come to a place like this half-dressed?

It was absolutely ridiculous and further proof he really was the devil trying to tempt her. Her gaze roved his tattooed biceps as thick as her thighs. She bit her lip, imagining his muscular arms wrapped around her.

No. What’s ridiculous is, he could squash me like a bug, and here I am helping him.She pulled the band-aid wand away, her absurdly altruistic task done.

Elena grimaced, forcing her delusional fantasies aside as reality intruded. What was she going to do once he awoke?

He’s going to be furious. Really furious. I’ll have to keep him tied up.

“Forever? Am I going to keep him tied up forever? ‘Cause that’s what I’ll have to do.” She rolled her eyes to the cave ceiling and laughed in exasperation at the absurd predicament.

Granted she’d prayed for a reprieve from the unending loneliness, but this wasn’t quite what she’d had in mind.

Payim quo Desero

Payim awoke to the sensation of his hands and ankles tied. His military training instantly kicked in and he didn’t move a muscle, refusing to alert the enemy that he was no longer unconscious. His alarm was swiftly overshadowed by the delicate fingers and something running over his sore shoulder. The memory of chasing the elusive little female came rushing back.

Son of a metcor,he silently cursed.

Yet again she got the upper hand, a fact that both impressed and worried him. His brow furrowed as she continued to gently prod his injured shoulder.

What the torment is she doing?

Subtly, he cracked his eyelids to find the tiny female using a Miran Sona dermal healer.

She’s healing me. Why?One moment she was trying to kill him and the next she’s helping.

It’s obvious. She’s afraid, but not cruel.What bravery it must’ve taken for her to overcome her fear enough to help me.

Something else struck him.

She’s all alone.He glanced around the cave, pulled in the scents and listened, confirming his suspicion.

His fascination deepened, dispelling the remaining urge to break free of his bonds or do anything to further frighten the little female. Besides, the goddess only knew what the fickle creature might do to him if he moved.

Intrigued, he studied her as she treated his various abrasions. Her skin wasn’t as dark as Maya’s or as light as Nadzia’s, but a medium tone that looked pale next to his own ruddy skin. Through her thick long lashes, he caught a glimpse of dark brown eyes that matched her shoulder-length hair. It always captivated him how humans came in a variety of colors, while the Cadi were all a deep shade of red with black hair and eyes. Although attractive, it wasn’t her facial features that drew his attention.

She’s so small, not much bigger than a youth.

The notion instantly horrified him, imagining a mere child alone on this harsh planet. Then he captured a glimpse past the gaping neckline of her threadbare shirt and had to repress a sigh of relief for fear of startling her. The mounds on her chest screamed that she was full grown. If she were Cadi, he’d think she was with child, but human females were always compellingly endowed. Except being an adult didn’t make her predicament much better.

She’s still too thin.It was apparent she’d been struggling to survive for way too long on this planet.But she’s done it. She’s a warrior.

A glance around the cave revealed just how ingenious the little human was. There was a recycling unit that had been cobbled together processing water, an artificial torch for light, and a myriad of other things salvaged from the Miran Sona crash. Plants decorated the numerous cave ledges. From the polymer scraps acting as saucers, it was apparent the foliage had been intentionally transplanted here. They made the place appear inviting, like a home, instead of a stark, cold cavern. His eyes widened when he spotted the winged insects drying on a string stretched between two cave formations. They were the same blasted insects that stung him while chasing the human.

Is that what she’s been eating?His brow furrowed.No wonder she’s so thin.He blanched at the thought.Little female, I will get you off this tormented planet. That is a promise!

As he was debating on how he’d explain who he was, his gaze landed on his handheld comm laying on the other side of the cavern, completely out of reach.

That’s going to make communicating with her infinitely more difficult.

Elena

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