Lib Novel Page 13
“I’m fine,” she said.
Suddenly, the whine of the drone returned.
He cursed. “Come on. Fast.”
They sprinted along the bridge. They barely reached the other side when he pulled her into the tunnel. He pressed her to the wall, covering her body with his.
A second later, the drone whizzed past. This time, it didn’t slow down.
Sten let out a breath. “Are you all right?”
“Yes. I just really want off this gul-cursed planet.”
“Me too.” Suddenly, he realized he was plastered against her, her breasts pressed to his chest. His hands dug into her slim hips.
He stepped back hastily, his body instantly missing the feel of her.
She straightened, dusting off her skirt. “Let’s go.”
They moved through the tunnel. It wasn’t long, and a few minutes later, they came out in a small, bowl-shaped valley, nestled amongst the mountains.
Carys gasped. “It’s beautiful.”
Lush greenery grew everywhere, nothing like the desolate, rocky bases of the ravines they’d been in.
Sten scanned for any danger, staying close to Carys.
“Sten.” Her face lit up. “I can hear water.”
She rushed ahead, pushing through the bushes. Muttering a curse, he charged in front of her, clearing the way, and holding the branches back.
A second later, they stepped out by a small, burbling pool. Kneeling beside it, Sten activated his implant and scanned it.
“The water’s safe.”
“Thank the stars.” She dropped down and scooped up several handfuls to drink.
Sten cupped his hand and drank himself. Then he washed his face and hands.
“I want to bathe,” she said.
He wasn’t surprised. He knew it was a favorite pastime of Carys’. Her maids always talked about just how long their queen liked to soak in her tub. He rose and nodded. “I’ll keep watch. Don’t take too long.”
She gave him a smile.
He strode back into the vegetation. A cute, fluffy animal popped out on a branch and looked at him. It ruffled its fur and cooed at him. He scowled back at it.
At least there was no sign of the Gek’Dragar, or the monsters that bred in the ravines. This valley seemed like a small paradise.
The splashing water behind him made him think of golden skin.
Wet golden skin.
His jaw locked.
You’re her knightguard.
He wasn’t sure when thoughts of her had started invading his dreams. Years ago. Not when she’d been a girl. No, it had started after he realized she’d grown into a woman. A smart, sensual woman. For him, there was no one more beautiful than Carys.