Loved By a Warrior Read Online Free PDF Page B

Tara? The answer came as fast as the question. When he had held her against him and she had fit so perfectly. With such a precise fit, he couldn’t help but wonder if they were perfectly sized in other ways.
    â€œA simple helping hand, that’s all,” she clarified.
    â€œWhat else would there be?” he asked innocently.
    â€œI’m not an ignorant woman, Reeve. I felt you grow hard against me this morning. I saw the look of desire in your eyes when we spoke, and I see how you focus on my lips. Wondering how a kiss would taste?”
    He saw no reason to deny the truth. “The thought did cross my mind.”
    â€œThank you for being honest. It is good to know that I was not wrong about you being a moral man. With that said, I am sure I have nothing to worry about. You will touch me only when I am in need of help.”
    â€œAgreed,” he said. “Just remember, I will be there to help you with all your needs.”

Chapter 4
    T ara concentrated on keeping a steady pace behind Reeve even though her ankle pained her. She probably gave it a good twist in the fall, and walking on it wasn’t helping. If she alerted Reeve to her injury, he would surely stop and refuse to continue until her ankle healed. And there was no telling how long that would take.
    She also knew it was not wise to linger with this man. She had been well aware that thoughts of coupling with her had danced in his head. She had seen the desire in his eyes more than once and had felt it when she woke wrapped in his arms.
    It had surprised her, but what surprised her more was that she had stirrings of desire herself. A tiny spark had tickled her dormant passion, and she had briefly felt the urge to couple. Not that she had ever coupled with a man before.
    She had truly loved Rory, her first love, and had looked forward to becoming his wife. Unfortunately he died on the day they were to wed. An arranged marriage followed six months later, and she had not met Luag until the day of the wedding. She had not been attracted to him; though not a bad-looking man, she simply didn’t favor him. She had actually worried over intimacy with him. She needn’t have since he died right after speaking his vows.
    The memory sent a shiver through her and caused concern, and for a good reason. She was attracted to Reeve. That he was a handsome man was undeniable, but it wasn’t entirely his good features that attracted her. What appealed most was that he had called himself her friend. It had been so very long since she had had a friend.
    Tears had threatened when he had told her that he was her friend, and she could count on him, but she wouldn’t embarrass herself and let them spill. She had fought to keep them at bay. It was at that moment he had stolen a piece of her heart, or she had simply given it to him . . . her friend.
    While she would love their friendship to continue, she knew it would be unwise. Her attraction to him and his obvious desire for her could only prove fatal. It was better that he leave her with the clan he felt best suited her situation and she never see him again.
    A pang of regret stabbed at her heart, but she ignored it. Disappointment had been her constant companion. And she had grown accustomed to it. It would do no good to dwell when she knew her decision was for the best. She would make a new life for herself, solitary though it might be. At least she would finally be at peace.
    It was late morning when they finally stopped and Reeve suggested she have a rest while he hunted for food. She quickly agreed, hoping the respite would help her throbbing ankle. She waited to examine it until he disappeared beyond a thicket of bushes, and she winced while struggling to get her boot off and cringed when she saw how it had swollen considerably.
    She didn’t remove her wool stocking to have a peek. She immediately slipped her boot back on though with much discomfort; and there it would stay until