Page 23 of Red Fire

“Just until my back heals.” I don’t want to get blood all over her.

She nods once as I start walking.

Feeling her against me, her scent in my nostrils, her breath against my neck, has my cock going hard again. I grit my teeth, wishing for more control and failing. I have a feeling that this is going to be my state for the next few days. It’s infuriating.

11

Octavia

Hours later, and I’m still reeling. What the hell is wrong with me?

I had a huge mountain man on top of me. Granted, he was helping me, but still. He was there, covering me, his erection digging into my ass, and I felt that same feeling in the pit of my stomach as before. I felt a warmth spreading. I felt a zing of need from between my legs. My clit was throbbing in time with his hard cock.

I should have been uncomfortable.

I should have been angry.

Instead, I was turned on. So turned on, I felt my nipples grow tight. I felt myself get wet. I felt…need, like I’ve never felt before. I must have hit my head harder than I thought when that helicopter came down. There is no other explanation that makes any kind of sense.

The funny thing is that I feel completely safe with Creed. Even now, cradled in his arms as he walks. His strength, power, and sheer stamina floor me. How does he keep going? His armsshould be shaking with fatigue. His legs, too. He hasn’t even broken a sweat. His breathing is still even. He looks fresh and well-rested.

“What is it?” he asks, and I realize that I’m staring at him.

“How are you still walking?” I whisper. “I’m getting tired, and I’m not the one hiking through rough terrain.”

“I’m strong and fit from living in the jungle.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal, but it is. It’s a huge deal, even for a well-seasoned mountain man.

“I’d say,” I mutter to myself. The man is as hard as a rock. He’s packing more muscle than can be deemed normal, even for a bodybuilder.

We walk on for a while. “Is that…is it…?” I’m straining my ears. “Is that water?”

Creed nods once.

We keep going, the sound of running water growing louder with every step. Then Creed puts me down, and as I turn, I see the most beautiful, picturesque setting. We’re on the banks of a river. It’s flowing fast, the sun dancing on the surface. I walk out under the rays, feeling the warmth on my face. Then we stand there for a moment, catching our breath and taking in the serene beauty of our surroundings. The sound of the rushing water is soothing.

Creed scans our surroundings, his eyes sharp and alert for any sign of danger. I can see the tension in his muscles, coiled and ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. Despite the tranquil scene before us, we both know that we are far from safe.

As if reading my thoughts, he says, “We can’t stay here long.” His voice is low and urgent. “They won’t be far behind.”

I nod in agreement, my heart racing at the thought of the dragons. I look up at the sky but see nothing but blue. Then I look behind us into the dark depths of the jungle, and all is calm.I know better than to believe that. We need to keep moving, keep putting distance between us and our pursuers.

“Can we wash off?” I ask him. “I promise to be quick.”

He nods once.

“Can you give me five minutes of alone time so that—”

He shakes his head, so I stop talking. I frown.

“The current is too strong. You could be swept away. You may bathe, but I will need to stand with you.”

Shit!

“Can you close your eyes?” I ask.

“I will not look. If you are shy, you can wear your undergarments.”

Two scraps of lace aren’t going to offer much in the way of cover. He’s already pretty much seen my breasts, but that doesn’t mean I’m going naked.