“Cosck a sure,” the phrase burst from her lips.
A whirring sound came at her from every direction. A second later Riley found herself knocked out of the way with Cyprian pinning her to the ground.
“Keep your head hidden,” the general growled. “I don’t know what you did, but they’re all headed this way.”
Riley was so certain she got it right.
Riley stared at Cyprian, as his large body pressed against hers, waiting for the blast that would end them both. If she had to go, this was the way she wanted it to end. But no searing blast struck them. Cyprian turned his head and started to laugh.
“What?”
“They’re hovering in front of the controller. You did it, Little Manx”
The way Cyprian’s chest rumbled when he spoke, tickled her breasts, making her sensitive nipples tighten into hard little points. The gnawing desire from Cyprian’s bite instantly flared to life. The feeling only intensified when he turned to face her again. A broad smile, dimple and all, stretched across his handsome face.
Riley licked her dry lips. Cyprian suddenly got very serious and still. His coal black eyes followed her gesture.
“No,” Riley cried as his mouth descended.
She shoved at Cyprian’s chest. The general snarled but rolled off her. Riley jumped up brushing grass off her ruined dress. She took several steps back and just stared at Cyprian. He stared back at her, his jaw tense.
Before either of them could say a word, there was a rumble at the edge of the clearing as a hovercraft emerged from the jungle. When it slowed Riley saw Aculus was at the helm. Riley was grateful for the reprieve.
“I came to help. Your leader was concerned you were martyring yourself. I’m glad to see you got everything under control,” Aculus said as he descended the vehicle. “I didn’t realize you were here, Riley. Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” Riley smiled, appreciating his concern.
“I could use some help securing the weapons,” Cyprian gruffly interjected, pointing to the floating orbs.
“Alright. Can you pilot the Jurou Biljana cruiser back to the estate?”
Cyprian nodded. He strode toward Riley, as Aculus started packing up the killer spheres.
“Don’t.” Riley attempted to halt the general.
Riley looked around and saw Sundara. She started heading toward her friend, but Cyprian followed.
“Dammit, Riley, you are mine. When we get back, you’re going to let me explain everything that happened on this blasted mission. And goddess help me, no other disasters will occur to interrupt us,” Cyprian rumbled in frustration.
“Yours?” Riley shook her head, her eyes blurring as she glanced back at him.
“Yes, mine.”
Riley heard what he said. He did what he had to do. She wasn’t about to trap him in some fraudulent relationship because his damn duty drove him to bite her. What more was there to discuss?
“I gotta get out of here. Sundara, do you think Fire can take me back, please?”
“I can take you back on the rota Aculus brought,” Sundara said as she looked from Riley to Cyprian, concern twisting her face.
“Son of a metcor. Riley!” Riley heard Cyprian snarl as she hopped up onto the hovercraft.
She knew she was being a coward, as Sundara piloted the vehicle away, but she couldn’t face this new twist her life had taken. Running head long into danger was preferable.
Chapter 18. Twice Bitten
Cyprian de Praefectus
Cyprian was greeted by Tytus and Kagan when he landed and descended from the Jurou Biljana cruiser.
“I’m glad to see your head is still attached to your shoulders,” Kagan clapped Cyprian happily on the back.
“Aculus has the weapon’s case.” Cyprian nodded to the bony warrior behind him. “Did Riley make it back safe?” Cyprian eagerly looked up the hill toward the villa.
“Yes. The females are washing up after the debacle,” Tytus replied.
Cyprian started up the hill, but Kagan stopped him.
“Give her a minute. She looked upset.”
Cyprian eyed his Daimio. Waiting to talk to Riley was what led to this disaster.
“Help us salvage last meal. If she doesn’t come down, go find her,” Kagan suggested.
Cyprian huffed in agreement.
“I’ve got that. Thank you, Aculus,” Tytus took the case with the orbs and headed toward Kagan’s cruisers.
When they reached the garden, Cyprian noticed a few dozen Cadi and Toufik setting up tables from the trashed courtyard. He grabbed some chairs and pitched in.
“I’m amazed there’s anything to salvage for last meal,” Stigand commented as they worked.
“I’m glad you were able to get the injured to the clinic in time,” Metcor gestured in relief.