Moon Borne (Halcyon Romance Series Book 1) (41 page)

Blinking, he gaped, unable to come to terms with the fact that he’d left
this
creature. He’d been a fool, and he’d not be one twice. Across the hall from him, she halted, a small gasp escaping her before she curtseyed. “My Lord.”

So formal, too formal.
He wasn’t a Lord, had never been one. His animal half roared in protest.
He
wanted nothing more than to change to human form, sweep up her skirt, and take her, right here in front of everyone.
Whoa.
Half a decade had passed since his horse had responded to any female, and
now
it chose her? Thereus reined him in hard, torn between frustration and the burning sear of passion he’d long missed.

Passion won out.

In a few swift steps, he was at her side. “Is that any way to greet your long-lost husband, dear wife?” He grinned at the flush in her cheeks, her sparkling eyes, her parted lips… Plump and red as ripe berries.
Must taste.
Before he could rein in his horse, he’d swept her into his arms and slanted his mouth across hers. Kalliste’s breath hitched but she didn’t protest his kiss, as had been her way. Instead, her sweet tongue met his with equal yearning, her body becoming soft as butter in his arms.

Sweet Zeus.
He hadn’t held a woman, let alone pressed his lips to hers, in years. Not without retching, at least. Why the gods permitted him this kiss, he cared not. Her lips were more silken, her taste sweeter, than any fantasy that had kept him company these lonely years. Sighing, he tangled one hand in her dark locks, the other caressing her cheek. His horse bucked and kicked, lashing out at the tender, unhurried pace.
Hell.
He’d soon lose control of his horse. There were only two options: end this or throw her over his shoulder and find the nearest dark corner.

While the latter appealed to him the most, he was unsure of her willingness. Another odor mixed in with her sweet, honey scent. Experience told him it must be her repulsion, as it always had been with Kalliste. His keen sense of smell denoted no repugnance as he drank her in. Only lust, and the sharp note of fear. Dear gods, she was afraid of him. Had he mistaken her eagerness? Was he still that monster to her?

He jerked back, chest heaving.

Damn, why the hell did I return?

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