Lost Memories Excerpt

Mace bounded into the shuttle and his eyes pinned her to the chair. She saw the disbelief in his gray eyes melt into joy and satisfaction. She knew that he hadn’t believed that it was really her until he’d seen her just by that look.

God’s, he was beautiful. He seemed taller than she’d thought he would be. She hadn’t really been able to judge his height from the vids.

He made the small ship seem almost claustrophobic with his broad shoulders and muscular form. Her eyes skimmed over him, noting every line, every angle. She frowned as she noticed his hair. It was shorter, just past his shoulders. Irrationally, that change angered her even more. That hair had inspired some vivid fantasies.

All of those observations raced through her along with a rush of conflicting emotions. Joy and eagerness warred with anger and betrayal. She wanted to run to him and she wanted to hurt him. Held immobile by the inner struggle, she could merely stare at him Mace had no such hesitation. He stalked over to her, closing the distance in a few long strides. His arms wrapped around her and pulled her out of the chair, enveloping her in his scent and warmth. It felt wonderful to have his body pressed against hers, safe and comforting, yet exciting at the same time. She nestled closer, inhaling, drawing his scent deep into her. Warm, musky, his scent reminded her of slightly spicy smell in the air on summer nights on her home world. A moment later reality crashed into her mind. He’d left her. She struggled, pushing at him. When his arms loosened, she stumbled away from him.

She held up a hand. Even as she did it, the absurdity of that move struck her. If he came after her, she wouldn’t be able to stop him with a mere hand. A stunner might do it—if she could bring herself to pull the trigger. She didn’t want to be hurt again, but she didn’t think she could deliberately hurt him.

“Honie,” Mace breathed her name as he took a step toward her.

“You left me!” Tears fell from her eyes and Honie dashed the wet streaks from her cheeks, furious at herself for showing such a weakness.

“I’ma…” The soothing timbre of Mace’s voice curled into her.

“Don’t you come near me, you tamaurg,” Honie growled, backing away from him until she bumped into the console of the control panel. She felt totally justified calling him a bastard. The man had nerve calling her “darling” after what he’d done. She knew that her anger wouldn’t be much of defense against constant contact with him. Even with fury pounding through her, he posed a huge temptation. “Sorry son of Setarin whore, how can you look at me as if you expect me to walk into your arms after what you did?”

* * * * *

Mace took a deep breath to calm the beast inside of him. She was more than entitled to her anger. They had left her in that prison. The Gods only knew what they’d done to her while she was there. “We’ll discuss this fully once we’re loaded and on our way.”

He saw her eyes narrow, almost hiding the rich brown of her irises.

“Talking is all we will be doing.” Honie raised her chin. “You can get that lecherous look out of your eyes. What I want to do to you is violent, not amorous.”

“Even that might be welcome after the years without you, nari.” Mace couldn’t keep the broad smile from curving his lips as she stiffened. He relished saying the Santir word for mate. Just looking at her was a glimpse of paradise, even when she was glaring and sniping at him.

He allowed his eyes to run over her. Her tall curvaceous body practically vibrated with anger. Her fury only enhanced her vivid beauty. Tendrils of her red hair had escaped her braid, softening the strict military look she’d been trying to achieve. The creamy ivory tone of her skin glowed. His hands itched to once again touch that soft flesh. It was her eyes that kept him where he was.