Page 25 of Arresting the Warlord

“Do you know how to do warrior braids?”

“I’mnotColetti,” I retorted.

“But youarea warrior,” Jake coaxed.

With a sigh, I sat. The fact I was a cop and a shaman scared most men off, but Jake wasn’t most men.

“You have beautiful hair. It’s like black silk.” There was a sensual note in Jake’s voice as he stroked it.

I blinked in surprise. I liked him touching me. Which was bad. Really bad. “Ah, thanks.”

“How did you end up with Elder Tsosie?” Jake plaited bronze chains into warrior braids on the right side of my face.

“We were fleeing a team of assassins. The van blew a tire. Mama lost control and we crashed.” A memory of mama’s blood-covered face flashed across my mind. I missed her so much.

“Elder Tsosie rescued you?”

I nodded. “He promised my dying mother he would raise me as his own and he did.”

“How old were you?”

“Five.” A tear leaked down my cheek.

Jake tugged on my hair. “You want a French braid or a Dutch braid?”

“You actually know the difference?”

“I braided Kaylee’s hair from the time she was knee-high to a tadpole,” Jake said in a good ole’ boy voice.

“French braid, please. Your sister is mated to Zarek’s son, Talree?”

“That she is.” Jake efficiently plaited my hair. “Growing up with Kaylee made me an expert at dealing with troublesome females.”

“You think I’m a troublesome female?” I turned to face him.

“I do.” Jake gaze focused on my mouth.

“A wise man would think twice before trying to kiss me.”

“I’m not a wise man.”

I gave him a narrowed-eyed glare. “Like living dangerously, do you?”

“Warlords thrive on danger.” Jake lowered his head until his lips barely touched mine. “One kiss from me, buttercup, and your panties will be wet.”

I rolled my eyes. “It’ll never happen. I’m immune to your charm.” Part of me knew challenging a warlord wasn’t smart, but the cocky bastard needed to be taught a lesson.

Jake’s mouth closed over mine. It was the kiss of a scoundrel filled with wicked intent and seduction. He ignited a raw hunger in me I couldn’t control. To my horror, I was suddenly kissing him back and our tongues were tangling in an erotic dance. I felt a rush of dampness between my legs.

Jake abruptly lifted his head. “We’re being summoned, and your pantiesarewet, buttercup.”

“I’ll admit you’re a good kisser, but it’s never happening again,” I said as I tried to calm my shattered nerves.

A big grin on his face, Jake taunted, “Keep telling yourself that.”

I pulled back my fist to punch him.

He grabbed my hand. “Are you a sore loser?”

---