Riley's Journey Read Online Free PDF

didn’t have the nerve to take the dog on. He had already proven he was capable of inflicting some major pain on the unlucky recipient. Besides, this troll seemed the better option, at least he hadn’t made any attempt to hurt her and he could speak English. She trudged behind him, watching the landscape, hoping the research team was nearby and would come to the rescue. Sparing little interest, her captor dragged her along behind him, jerking on the leather thong if she lagged behind.
    Nathan pulled the woman behind. For the moment, she was following peacefully but he wasn’t convinced that she wouldn’t try something again soon. He could hardly believe she was here! Who was she and whatever had possessed her to come here in the first place? Part of him was elated—another human being, and a beautiful woman to boot! The other part was concerned. She appeared confused by her surroundings and very unhappy at seeing him. Surely, if she was here, she knew about him. Bethany would have seen to that.

CHAPTER SIX
    R iley was getting pretty tired of the whole outdoors thing when they neared a rock wall. Pushing on a huge boulder, the creature rolled it to the side and an opening appeared. He motioned her to enter, following her in along with the dog and then rolling the great rock back across the entrance. Walking to the rear of the small cave, he moved a portion of the back wall ingenuously contrived to look like solid rock. Again, motioning her to enter, he followed her, the huge dog trotting behind. She stepped hesitantly in and stared in shock. The inside was homey and neat. Handmade chairs were grouped around a roughhewn table. Slate rock, covered by animal skins, formed the floor, and a rock fireplace situated in one corner, spread its welcoming warmth. The troll lit several oil candles and the room lit up even brighter. He pointed to a chair and Riley thankfully sat down. Her feet were soaked and freezing.
    Pushing aside another skin, the troll entered another room to the far end of the cave. She could hear him moving around as she nervously waited for him to reappear. The dog sat in front of her. She lifted a hand to scratch her nose and a growl rumbled in his chest. Hastily, she dropped the arm, barely breathing.
    “Demon, quit harassing the lady!” His voice came through the opening. “He doesn’t like strangers and he especially hates the others and I guess he thinks you’re one of them since you were down there.”
    Unable to think of anything coherent to say, Riley sat there, glaring at the dog.
    “And don’t look him directly in the eyes,” the voice instructed. “Wolves view that as a challenge.”
    Riley quickly dropped her eyes, eyeing the dog sideways. Good grief, how was she to know that she’d accidentally challenged this huge brute. He was so close; she could feel his hot, fetid breath on her face. Anytime now, he would lunge and rip her throat out, she was just sure.
    After what seemed like an eternity, the skin was pushed back and a normal looking man came out. Her mouth hanging open, Riley could only stare in surprise. He stood approximately six foot plus several good inches, black clean hair curled down his neck, with eyes the color of warm caramel, surrounded by lashes so long and thick, she was immediately jealous. A shy smile stretched his full, slightly sensual lips over straight white teeth . Clad only in a pair of soft leather pants held up by a leather thong, he was a work of masculine art, muscles bulging in all the right places. A soft mat of dark hair covered his upper chest, extending in a V down to the top of his trousers. Riley gulped, embarrassed to be caught staring, but unable to look away.
    “Why were you dressed like that, like some cave man or something? And what happened to the teeth?”
    “You mean like a Neanderthal?” He waited for her reaction which came immediately.
    “Neanderthal? Are you crazy? No, I mean like those Eskimos or whatever they are! Neanderthals died