JEWELS OF THE SUN

EXCERPT

    “Don’t,” he ordered. “To spare your life, don’t remove that blindfold.”  

    The woman jumped, her entire body trembling and she screamed, the sound long, sharp, and piercing. Saxon frowned and covered his ears but it wasn’t enough to shut out the appalling noise. He hadn’t touched her … yet … and this constant screaming made him wonder whether he really wanted to.  Unable to stand the shrieking any longer, he hauled her to her feet and pulled her against his chest, clamping his hand over her mouth.

    “Stop screaming, woman, if you don’t wish to be gagged!” 

    However, she didn’t seem to care about being gagged, or didn’t hear him over the hideous wailing. A trickle of guilt slithered into Saxon’s heart when he felt how much she trembled. He hadn’t intended to scare her. She finally stopped screaming and he removed his hand from her mouth. She stumbled forward, her hands stretching before her, and waved them through the air, her fingertips finding nothing but air. 

    Saxon stood and watched the woman, his eyebrows raised. She’s going to kill herself! “What are you doing?” he questioned. His amusement increased as he watched her trip on the step leading to the bed and land, arms and legs sprawled, on the crumpled blankets. He shook his head, bewildered, and studied her for a moment before a wicked grin spread across his face. “If you insist, I’d love to join you in bed.” 

    “No!” the woman cried, bolting upright. “Stay away!” She practically pounced to her knees, tugging the shirt down to cover her legs with one hand. The other hand shot out in front of her in a stop signal. “What do you want?” 

    Saxon thought about the question for a moment, all the time stroking his beard. He eyed the vixen admiringly, especially her long, shapely legs. If only she knew what he really wanted! “I want to sleep in my bed,” he finally replied, deciding to keep the conversation light. He felt it too soon to start with demands of the flesh, although he found her very tempting. 

    “Where will I sleep?” 

    Taken aback by her demanding tone, he could do nothing but stare at her. “Are you making demands?” he questioned, ensuring his voice held the hint of a warning. He saw the woman literally stop breathing, and her bottom lip lowered a little. He almost heard her mind struggling to find an answer that would get her out of trouble. 

    “No!” 

    “I’m relieved you weren’t giving me orders, Miss Lewis, otherwise you’d be flogged for insubordination.” 

    She bit her bottom lip. Saxon watched her closely, ready to pounce on her if she decided to run again. “So,” she began, keeping her voice light, “where do I sleep?” 

    “Right here...next to me." 

(from Amazon.com)

(from The Wild Rose Press Print Shop)