Page 56 of Preying Heart
I decide the bending and unbending isn’t too bad once you get used to it. “How come in the movies they do this sliding thing?”
“That’s a pump action. I figure these are easier to use. Pump actions are cooler, but I prefer my bolt action—more like a rifle.”
“I sure have a lot to learn.”
After I get the hang of basic shooting, Heath sets up a contraption he has that throws clay pigeons. He shows me how to load it and pull a string to fling the clay pigeon up for shooting.
I miss a lot more than I hit, but too soon, we’re out of clay pigeons, and my shoulder is sore from hefting the shotgun as well as the bending and unbending of my old-fashioned “cowboy” shotgun.
“That was fun.” I feel so exhilarated, although sweaty, that I give Heath a long hug.
“You hang out with me, and we’ll have even more fun. How’d you like to climb rocks and rappel off a cliff?”
“Uh, I don’t know.”
“Don’t tell me you’re afraid of heights, too.”
“I’m afraid of everything. Grew up being called Chicken Little by my brother.”
“Eh, you’re really very brave.” He kisses me on the lips. “Living out here in the wilderness with a dangerous man.”
“Who’s keeping me safe.” I neglect to tell him that fear was the biggest reason I chose Heath, or so I lie to myself, because lust would be even more unbelievable for a woman like me. “You promised never to leave me behind.”
“Not if I can help it.” He kisses me again, and a chill floods over me. If he ever left me to fend for myself, it would mean he’s injured or dead. He’s that kind of protector. A man who’d give his life for me.
This time, I kiss him back. He tastes gritty and rough, and yes, he’s dangerous, but not to me—never to me.
Heath
“You’re working too hard.” I massage Remi’s stiff shoulders as she’s perched in front of the computer screen, designing her fantasy fashion collection. “How many have you done so far?”
The gossamer sheer fairy’s gown is trimmed with glittery feathers with iridescent dragonfly wings on the back. Long moss-green suede boots are laced up to the model’s thigh, and a belt of silvery-tube beads is affixed around her waist by a diamond-encrusted buckle with a huge emerald set in the center. Of course, this being digital art, she could paint any expensive gem into any accessory, but she’s being tasteful and not overly decking out her character.
“This is the twelfth,” she says. “Since I’m new to this, I’ll need to have a series of at least twenty, and I’ll also need you to set me up on the exchanges. I have an avatar and username picked out.”
She shows me a cartoonish lioness with green eyes and long honey-blond hair.
“A lioness. It fits.” I continue to massage her neck and shoulders, loosening the knots.
“You think?” Her sea-green eyes peer up at me, alluring and sultry.
“A perfect match for a beast like me.” I lean down and kiss the side of her neck.
“My screen name is Lokelani. Will you set up my account? I’d like to post an introduction and some teasers.” Her voice is barely about a whisper, and that sexy rasp has my blood rising along with the blade between my legs. I want her so badly, and yet, I need to make her wait. It’s like glue that gets tackier and more sticky as it cures, creating a tighter bond.
“Later. You need to take a break,” I mumble as I suck on her neck and move my hands from her shoulders to the sides of her breasts. She softens and lets out a moan, which encourages me to circle her nipples.
“How much later?” Her voice is breathy, and she sighs. “I’ll need to interact with the fantasy fashion community or no one will bid for my NFTs. Have to hype it up before auctioning.”
I back off and lose touch with her. “You’re angling for internet access.”
It occurs to me she might try and trade sex for going online. That won’t work with me. I’m not like other men. I have great restraint, even though I’m as horny as any male with high testosterone levels. My pride won’t let me give to get.
“I might be happier if I could go online?” She turns in the swiveling office chair and flashes me a smile that makes me want to drop my pants and dive in.
“I’m sure you would, but like gun safety, there’s internet safety. We can’t be too careful.”
“I’ve used fake accounts before. I know not to give identifying information.”
