Chapter Eleven

Everything within her gravitated toward the man behind her. Closing her eyes from the wave of desire that continued to pour over her, she fought the shudder. “Don’t believe so,” she said, turning so they faced one another. His eyes swirled with primal lust and possessiveness. “Are you scared?”

Dane’s eyes closed briefly and when they opened, Aida saw such raw passion in them she almost stepped back. But that wasn’t all. There lingering amongst the molten heat was unbelievable wildness. These were the eyes of a predator.

Her knees shook. She felt pinned. Cornered. Like prey. And it turned her on. Her breasts ached beneath her tee shirt for his touch. She could feel her belly clench with need. Her pussy grew slick in preparation for him. Want. Lust. And more. Aida swallowed as Dane stepped even closer, his hard thighs touching hers.

“Scared isn’t the word I’d use, Aida.” His breath teased her senses and heightened her desire for him.

She bit back her whimper and said, “What word would you use?”

Dane’s eyes drifted to her lips and back, no less tumultuous. “I don’t think you’re ready to find out, solnyshko moyo.” His statement was delivered on a low thread of danger and silken promise.

Lord I want him to kiss me. “If you say so.”

He leaned in by her ear and murmured something she didn’t understand. But the sexual tone she did. When he stepped back, Aida had to lock her knees to keep still. Even though there was more space between them, the sparks were no less.

No man should have such raw sex appeal. And she’d never encountered one with as much either. She watched him turn and walk away, her gaze honed in on the way his ass looked in his jeans.

“I want nothing more than to feel his hands on me as well as lips and a few other body parts,” she mumbled under her breath.

Dane spun around, flames pouring from his eyes and he raked his gaze over her. His stare made her wonder if he hadn’t heard her comment. Moisture pooled between her legs and she craved release. One more slow, leisurely trip of her body and Dane disappeared from her line of sight.

“Jeez. Between those looks and my dream, I’m in serious trouble.” Aida licked her lips and moved to the front. Dane stood there, leaning against the counter, rolling a toothpick between his lips. She allowed her eyes to travel up and down his body, focusing on the definite ridge in his jeans.

Did I mention I was in trouble?

Focusing on Sam only made things a tiny bit easier. “How much do I owe you, Sam?” When he told her, she reached in her pocket and pulled out the correct amount of rand to pay him. With a smile, Aida took her change and walked out toward her vehicle only to find Dane already there, having taken the items. He leaned over the side and filled the cooler. Aida stopped beside him, rubbing both dogs on the head as she passed them.

“Everything set?”

Closing the cooler he looked at her. “Sure is, I also topped off the extra containers.

“Fabulous. Ready? There’s a place a bit out of town where I usually stop to grab a bite to eat. It’s a little more than half way to the village.”

“Let’s go.”

The music, although quieter, served as the only noise in the vehicle. Still, Aida didn’t feel uncomfortable. Well, not for the reason of no talking. A smiled filled her face when she saw her normal spot. The dogs recognized it too, for they began to whine. Stopping, she released her boys and shook her head watching them run.

Rolling her neck, she groaned when her muscles loosened up. With a sigh, she turned and found Dane staring at her again. The setting sun only made him appear even sexier. I could drown in his eyes. Dropping her gaze, she opened the cooler and pulled out sandwiches and water.

“Let’s eat,” she said waving him over to the tailgate she’d lowered.

“Want me to drive?” he asked sitting and opening his water.

There’s a loaded question. Aida fixed food for her dogs and set it down before whistling for them. “Tempting offer, but I’m fine.”

Dane popped a chip into his mouth and ate it; all the while he continued to watch her. “You’ve been driving all day. Let me take some of it. Or were you planning on sleeping here tonight?”

Her toes curled in her shoes and her body pulsed. “I’ve slept here before.”

“Okay, so we sleep.”

It was said in a way she honestly didn’t think offered up any room for argument. She nearly whimpered at the thought of spending the night out here with him. “Okay.”

“I’ll build a fire after we eat.”

Oh baby, you’ve already built one. “Sounds like a plan.”

All too soon there was a fire and she’d laid down blankets for each of them. Aida looked at him and said, “Sorry, I don’t have more.”

“I’ll be fine,” he assured her.

“Good night, Dane.”

“Good night, Aida,” he said softly.

She laid down, her boys on the other side of her from the fire and stared through the flickering light to the figure who lay on his back, his head where she could see it. The light seemed absorbed by the inky darkness of his hair. Aida was exhausted and so she closed her eyes and whispered, “Night, boys. Guard well.” With a sigh she gave herself over to the lurking sandman, glad Dane had insisted on sleeping here.

Dane. His body against mine would be so nice.