Elena Bennett nodded, and Simon Whitmore’s lips curved in what should have been a smile, yet to her it was as frigid as a deve for grave.
Simon growled, “Elena Bennett, how can you be so heartless?”
Elena’s eyes flew open. ‘Did I say the wrong thing again? He wasn’t angry the night I mentioned his first love. Panic fluttered in her chez u only wanted the subject to die as quickly as possible.
Elena said, “I’ll go blow–dry your clothes.”
She stepped behind him and started easing him out of his damp shirt.
Simon suddenly whirled, clamped a hand around her wrist, and, his gaze scorching, bit out her name, ‘Elena Bennett!”
The hunger in his eyes was so fierce she couldn’t meet it; he looked ready to devour her whole.
Elena shoved him away, clutched the clothes, and botted for the restroom, locking the door behind her.
Simon stared at the shut door, a bitter taste coating his tongue–those memories lived only in him now.
It was the second year after she had saved his life; they were traveling in the western region.
She’d been a mischievous child, wandered off alone, and the entire family was frantic until he found her deep in a canyon.
A crazed yak had chased her across the slopes; at last she’d dashed into the canyon and crouched behind a boulder, locked in a standoff
When he reached her, her eyes were swollen like walnuts, her face streaked with grime, her clothes splattered with dung.
He drew the yak away, then, ignoring the mess, wrapped her in his arms. “Don’t be scared. This time I’ll protect you.”
She collapsed, sobbing uncontrollably.
Moments later the yak charged again; he snatched up a stick from the ground and rushed it.
But he was only a skinny teenager–no match for a maddened beast.
The animal rammed his chest and flung him aside, a jagged wound tearing open under the horn.
Agony threatened to drag him into blackness.
You can’t die–what happens to her if you die?‘
He forced himself up, swallowed the pain, slung her onto his back, and sprinted up the slope.
A cliff loomed ahead; with the yak thundering behind, he charged straight for the edge.
At the very brink he skidded to a halt and spun away.
The yak sailed over, crashing head–first onto the rocks below.
He set her down gently. “It’s over. You’re safe now.”
Sobbing and laughing, she stared at the blood soaking his shirt. “You’re bleeding so much. What do we do? Please don’t die…
Chapter 128
He snorted, “I won’t diel A single yak can’t beat me, let alone a little scratch.”
He tore off a strip of cloth and bound his chest.
Elena whispered, “But the cut’s so deep… it’ll leave a scar.”
Simon said, “So what? I’m a guy. The scar proves I saved a girl–it’s a badge of honor.”
Tears fell again as she bit her lip. “You’re too good–looking; a scar will ruin it.”
He laughed. “Then I’ll tattoo over it. Pick any animal you like.”
She thought hard. “You run so fast—how about a leopard?”
“Deal.”
Exhausted, they waited on the slope for help.
As she drifted toward sleep, he asked, “Kid, I’m going abroad next year. Will you still recognize me?”
AD
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.