Page 42 of Warrior Revealed

Aculus cupped her cheek, trying to get her attention. She didn’t want to look at him and see disappointment, but he didn’t let go, just kept gently caressing her cheek. When she finally focused on him, it stunned her to see pain and worry reflected in his eyes.

“Talk to me, beautiful. What is wrong?” he said soothingly as he sat on the floor with her in his lap.

“It’s dumb. I know it’s dumb,” she heaved, scrubbing away the moisture from her eyes. “Todd made fun of me when I freaked out like this going to get a filling. But he wasn’t bitten by a stray.”

“A wayward animal?” Aculus asked, looking confused but also understanding as he rubbed her arm.

“I was six and a dog that was foaming at the mouth came into the yard. It attacked our Schnauzer, Colonel Mustard,” she sobbed. “I tried to stop it and it grabbed my arm and shook.” She showed him the scar on her arm from where she tried to block the diseased mutt.

“No.” Aculus’ expression grew dark.

“Dad got there fast and I thought it was over, but that’s when I learned Colonel Mustard was dead. Then they had to clean the bite, give me stitches and then there were the rabies shots.” She pulled in a ragged sob. “The needle was big and it hurt like a bitch, but it was knowing I had to keep going back to get them that was the worst. I threw up for a month till it was all over.”

“You kept picturing the frightening attack and couldn’t get over it,” Aculus interjected with a sympathetic nod.

“I can still hear Colonel Mustard scream, see the mutt’s teeth and the needles coming for me.” She shivered.

“That is hard for a little one to handle.” Aculus brushed her damp cheek.

“I know it doesn’t make sense but it gives me panic attacks.” She shook her head, frustrated with herself.

“No. I understand. I’ll talk to Cartil and see if he can put the solution in something you can swallow.” He hugged her close.

“Thank you,” she sighed and wiped her face.

“How about we gather our things and get ready to disembark. I’ll speak with him then come find you.”

“Okay.” She climbed off his lap.

“Good.” Aculus got up.

She hooked her arm in his and leaned her head against him as they walked the remainder of the way to her suite.

“I’ll see you in a little while,” he said when they reached her door.

“Thank you again.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek before going into her room.

As the door closed, she took several calming breaths and looked around. Besides the clothes that had been made for her, she really didn’t have anything to pack. She examined her few outfits as she pulled them out of the cabinet recessed in the wall.

We’re landing and Aculus said there’d be a crowd. I probably shouldn’t look like this.She glanced down at her shorts and tank top.Or stink to high heaven.

Nadzia stripped and tossed her sweaty clothes into the cleanser before getting into the shower. She opted for hot water because it was soothing. Aculus had done a good job calming her, but the residual adrenalin still pumped through her veins making her shake.

As the warm water poured over her, she shook her head.

I can’t believe I made him chase me.It was beyond embarrassing. She hated that he saw her like that.I just keep showing off my best self, she groaned. She was always freaking out and crying about one thing or another around him. He was a big strong warrior who’d been through battles.What must he think of me?

As she thought about it a slight smile tipped her lips recalling the way he held her. Aculus didn’t tease her about her fear. He’d been sweet and understanding. In fact, rather than pity, he was worried and hurt along with her.

He really is something, she sighed wistfully.

Her hands drifted over her body, washing away the soap as she thought about the way they danced together. All the Air Force balls she’d been subjected to growing up now seemed worth it. Aculus had picked up the steps so quickly, she was happily surprised.

No, not surprised.Turned on was more like it.

Her stomach trembled as she reached it, imagining her hands were his. But they were the wrong size. And they weren’t hard like his armor, or strong and smooth like the colorful flesh beneath his shell. Disenchanted, she huffed and gave up. There was really only one thing she wanted.

Nadzia shook her head and quickly finished bathing then got out and slipped on a fresh pair of undies.

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