Aftermath Read Online Free PDF

crunching on the fallen leaves and twigs. Sweet scents assailed his senses and he found himself breathing in the flowery smells. A calm came over him, a relaxation unlike anything he’d felt for years.
    It had to be the cool relief of escaping the blistering temperature and humidity that persisted despite the darkness; the oppressive wall of heat that never seemed to dissipate. In here it was nonexistent.
    He followed a narrow path that wound around a brook. ‘Twas as if the water beckoned him and he followed as it led to one of the legendary D’Naathian crystal pools. A dense circle of towering trees provided a canopy of privacy. The bright moon overhead shined directly onto the turquoise water and surrounding embankment.
    Standing just at the bank of the pool was Trista. Instinct made him reach for his sword, intending to sweep the area to be sure she was safe. A brief moment of careful observation indicated she was completely alone. His senses picked up no sounds or scents of intruders, and this part of the forest would not likely be invaded by the wizards. Faerie magic was very strong in D’Naath. Even he, a human, felt its power in this place. Coupled with the warfare capabilities of Greenbriar, it would be suicide for wizards to venture this far into the forest.
    Just like his faerie, who obviously had a death wish after defying his orders.
    He started to step into the clearing to confront her but stopped when she lifted her arms to the sky. Her breasts pressed against her shift, a tantalizing bit of cleavage swelling over the tightly stretched material.
    He held his breath, fully expecting the globes to pop over the top of her gown.
    Easing the sword tip to the ground, he stayed hidden, watching to see what she would do. Of course he was merely surveying the area to be sure no marauders would take her by surprise. She was, after all, his betrothed, so it was his responsibility to see to her safety. He had no ulterior motive in keeping himself hidden from her.
    Or did he?

    Pushing denial firmly behind him, he focused on Trista. His breath caught when she began to untie the laces of her gown and slipped it off her shoulders. She bunched the fabric in front of her chest, closed her eyes, and her wings disappeared! When she turned away for a moment, he saw no sign of them.
    Interesting. She obviously had the ability to retract them. He pondered the logistics of that for a moment, until she turned toward him again, this time dropping her gown to the waist.
    Shocked, his gaze was riveted on full, high breasts and hard nipples. His mouth watered for a taste of the ripe berries, especially when she drew her hands over them and rubbed the buds with the pads of her thumbs.
    Saints! She was beautiful, ethereal under the moonlight. The golden flecks of her skin shimmered and cast off light of their own.
    If his mouth watered at the sight of her breasts, his throat went completely dry when she pushed the gown down to her ankles and stepped out of it.
    A slender waist flared out into hips made for a man’s hands. Lush thighs led to long legs. Between her thighs were sable curls flecked with gold that shimmered in the light. His cock lurched against his breeches, straining for release as his balls tightened into a painful knot.
    Guilt assailed him. It was inappropriate for him to spy on Trista this way, especially since she had no inkling she was being watched. But by all that was holy she tempted him! And besides, now that she was naked, he could not allow her to remain unescorted here in the forest. What if someone came upon her and ravaged her?
    Like him, for example. Muttering a curse under his breath, he reached down and palmed his straining shaft as if the very act would assuage the lust building up inside him.
    He had not felt a rush of desire like this in…actually, never. Sex was usually quick, something to offer release from ever-building tension. He never took time to let his gaze roam over the tender female flesh