Vision of Light [The Renegades 1] Read Online Free PDF Page B

black hair fell in slight waves to his broad shoulders.
    He glanced up at her before she could turn away, and they both stared at each other. His slow study made her nervous, but only in a feminine way. Aislan had stopped fearing him because, ever since sparing her life, he had not intimidated her in any way. His eyes focused on her face, full of curiosity and interest. Aislan's mouth went dry again when his gaze lingered on her lips as if he contemplated on tasting them. A sharp twinge pulled between her legs, and her clit started throbbing wantonly.
    Too many nights she had dreamed of him, this formidable stranger whose face was so achingly familiar, whose presence she knew. Her pulse pounded too loudly in her ears. She did not want to think too deeply about him. She did not want him to be interested in her, to be aware of her as a woman. Even as she tried to compose herself, she felt the shameful wetness of her arousal trickling down between her thighs. Never had she reacted so physically to any man before, but at this moment, she seemed to have no control over her body's reaction. Thankful he could not see through her clothes, Aislan nervously splashed more water on her heated cheeks.
    "How well can you swim?” he asked in a low voice.
    "Swim?"
    "I need to know if you can swim across the river, or else I must come up with an alternative."
    Dragging her attention from him, Aislan looked across the water. This particular fork off the main river was not as deep as it first appeared. The current flowed steadily but not too strong. Reaching the other side required skill. However, she could easily swim across, had learned to control her breathing to stay underwater a long time. The river had provided her sanctuary countless times in the past when she had tried to evade Hayton's search party.
    The Dark Lord studied her face, and Aislan had a sudden feeling he somehow knew her secret. “Pray tell, sir, why would you want me to get across?” she asked politely.
    "'Tis time to part from the others."
    The aroma of roasted venison reached her on the wind. “Now?"
    "You are more interested in supper? Stay, and it may be your last meal."
    "Can you not control your own men? Are you their leader, or is there no honor amongst killers?” She bit her tongue when he gave her a sharp look, and then he shrugged. Aislan was immediately contrite. Though she did not know why, he had declared himself her protector, and so far, he had yet laid a rough finger on her. Now that they had set camp for the night, anything could happen. As a lone woman, the other men might expect her to provide them with entertainment for the rest of the evening. Realistically, she could not expect him to fight all of his men for her.
    "What must I do?” she acquiesced.
    "I'll stand guard while you bathe. The current is not as strong at this point. If you cannot make it, I'll come and help you to the other side. If you make it across, start walking west.” He pointed in the correct direction.
    "You will let me go?"
    "No, I'll take the horses and search for you."
    Keeping a deadpan face, she asked, “Pray tell, sir, shall I wait for you somewhere?"
    The silver eyes focused on her unflinchingly. “No, but do not return to Templeton Castle, or you will be in the same position as now. Once you get back on land, dry yourself quickly so you do not catch your death of cold. I'll bring you dry clothes."
    "How will you find me?” She truly wanted to know.
    "I'll find you,” he said with total conviction. He rose to his feet, a striking, well-built figure. She knew far too well the effortless strength in his towering, masculine frame. Unlike Hayton Temple with the body of an indulgent man in his late fifties, the Dark Lord was in the peak condition of a young, well-honed swordsman, embodying everything Aislan's mind had romanticized in her dreams. Aislan was alarmed because of her acute awareness of his every movement and his overwhelming presence.
    He stepped up onto the