Page 84 of The Demon's Fire
Rein glanced at a pile of paperwork on the desk. “Okay. Another job well done. Off you go while I throw myself into all this administrative bullshit.”
****
Skylerpaused, tilted her head to the side, and scowled at the endless, serpentine steps leading up a windswept rocky cliff. At the top of the plateau, barely visible in a cloud, perched Spriggan Enclave, a gigantic circular stone wall topped off with a thatched roof.
“It’s quite a climb.” She whistled.
“Are you game?”
“I didn’t imply I couldn’t make it.”
“Of course you didn’t. You can do anything.”
Skyler tossed a frosty smile at Kole before starting the uphill journey. About a third of the way there, she collapsed onto a step, gasping ragged breaths.
Kole halted. “Is this you making it?”
“I’m resting. Leave me alone.” Her chest bounced up. Down.
Kole’s attention darted to the enclave.
Weary of his impatience, she stood, brushing dust off her pants. “For heaven’s sakes. Can’t a girl take a break? Let’s go.” She made it over halfway before exhaustion and altitude had her flinging herself down again. She dropped her head between her legs to fight for air.
“I could carry you.”
She hurtled upright, her gaze flipping over her shoulder at a taunting Kole who showed no signs of exertion. She chuffed, turning her back on him, massaging a cramped leg furiously.
Retracing his steps until he was below her, Kole crossed bulging arms over his chest. “Here. Let me.” Before she could object, he grabbed her calf, kneading her muscle while she leaned onto her elbows.
The heat from Kole’s hands penetrated her pants, sending erotic shivers through Skyler. She didn’t want to react to him, but there was no denying his effect. Surely, it was a residual response to his healing fire. As her eyelids fluttered, she visualized his palms sliding along her body. In her mind, they moved from her calf to her knee to her thigh, his rough massage shifting to a caress. A warm sensation rose until she squirmed, an ache in the wrong place. She swatted at his hands. “It’s fine now. Stop.” Pushing off the step, Skyler resumed climbing.
Kole followed, his boots thudding on the steps below her. “I could just grab your nicely rounded ass and nudge you up the hill.”
She whirled around, eyes narrowing.
“You know, you give me the Skyler glare so often I’m starting to find it sexy.”
“Trust me. It’s not meant that way.”
“Are you sure?”
Kole paused when Skyler stopped again. Before she could berate him, his eyes sparked while the edge of his mouth curled into a grin. He bent, put his fingers to the ground, and sprinted forward. For a big man, he moved fast.
Skyler’s mouth fell open when she realized his intent. “Oh, no you don’t.” She lunged for the steps but not before Kole caught her and swept her into his arms. Wiggling to be released, she accomplished nothing. “You’re acting like a kid. Put me down. I can make it.”
“I want to get there before nightfall. Besides, I’ve developed a fondness for carrying you, Frisca.”
“Have it your way. You always do.” She gave in too easily, but Kole’s embrace was familiar, comforting. She wasn’t feverish or delirious this time. Cradled against his body, she rubbed her cheek against his chest, absorbing his masculine scent as he bounded up the stairs. She nestled closer to enjoy the ride. Maybe something in the air on Darque made her less able to make rational decisions.
When they reached the entrance to Spriggan Enclave, Kole set Skyler on her feet, breaking the spell. “I don’t have to tell you to let me do the talking, do I?”
“No, but thanks for being a jerk and reminding me of my mistakes.”
“That’s what I’m here for, Frisca.”
Two guards posted outside the enclave stepped forward. Similar in appearance, they had wide lips, long noses, and beady eyes. Branches sprang from their heads like deer antlers. Their skin was the color and texture of brown bark.Interesting. Shorter than Skyler, both were dwarfed by Kole.
With wooden spears tucked close to their sides, they squinted at their visitors. The taller, grim-faced guard lifted his weapon, pounding it handle down into the dirt before he spoke. “Commander Kole. What brings you here?”
