LoveThineEnemy by Virginia Cavanaugh Page B

her veins. “Really? You say that like I have no say in anything.”
    “If you wanted out, then you should have stayed back in the camp.”
    “I didn’t say I wanted out.”
    “Good.” He pulled her to him and claimed her mouth in a steamy kiss.
    She participated wholeheartedly, matching his tongue stroke for stroke. Damn if he didn’t fire her blood in more ways than one.
    Shadeau released her mouth and spoke in a harsh whisper against her lips. “You will run if I tell you to, because I can’t live without you.”
    She swallowed hard. Was that a declaration of love? He kissed her again, this time some of the anger had left, softening his lips as passion entered the mix. Did she love him? She wasn’t sure, but she knew she didn’t want anything to happen to him.
    He broke away, groaning. “You tempt me too much and we need to sleep.”
    Jasmine knew he was right, but her body burned for his touch. “We could be quick.”
    He nipped her bottom lip. “Sleep. I need you on your A-game tomorrow.”
    She sighed, letting him guide her back down beside him. “All right.”
    He kissed her neck. “I even enjoy fighting with you.”
    She smiled and closed her eyes.

Chapter Ten
     
    Ten miles away from Arik’s camp, Shadeau pulled over and climbed into the back of the van. “It’s time.”
    Jasmine kissed his lips softly then turned and placed her wrists together behind her back.
    “I hate this.”
    “I’ll be fine. I can take what is dished out.”
    Shadeau whispered a curse as he picked up chains and bound her wrists. A sour knot formed in his stomach. The way he’d have to treat his mate to make this work made him want to throw up. “I should have never agreed on you coming.”
    “Did I give you a choice?”
    He didn’t have to see her face to know she was smiling. A growl escaped his lips as he wound the chain higher to encircle her elbows. “Does this hurt?”
    “Well it’s not supposed to be comfortable.”
    “Stop being a smartass.” He clicked a padlock into place.
    She turned and looked at him. “You know I can’t go into that place with the chains all loose and falling off. You’re going to have to be rough with me and I know that.”
    “Doesn’t mean I like it.”
    “Does that mean we can’t take the chains home to play with?”
    He frowned. “Maybe I should gag you.”
    She laughed. “Come on, lover. Let’s get this thing done.”
    Once she was secure he left her alone in the back and took his place in the driver’s seat. Each mile they covered had the tension in his body climbing. They rode in silence. Time ticked by faster than he liked. His emotions twisted into a violent storm as he crossed over into Arik’s territory.
    He wanted to reassure her but he didn’t know what to say. The words I love you came to mind, shocking him even more. Did he love her? He had to push the thought away as he parked the van and spotted Arik marching his way with two of his soldiers at his side. It was show time. He exited the van without a word.
    * * * * *
     
    Jasmine sucked in a breath and gave her best pissed-off look when Shadeau slid open the door on the side of the van. They’d arrived more than ten minutes ago. She could only assume he’d been talking with Arik.
    “So this is your contribution?”
    Jasmine fought Shadeau as he gripped her arm, pulling her from the back of the van as she stared at the man who spoke. This wasn’t her first look at the asshole Arik. She remembered his face well from the clearing near her old den. The night he’d come for Julie, Luken’s mate. She growled at Arik as she struggled against Shadeau’s hold.
    Shadeau gave a hard jerk to her arm that made her stumble into him. Once she regained her balance she glared up at him.
    “She has a lot of fight in her,” Shadeau told Arik. “But she went into heat a few days ago, and I figured you wouldn’t want to waste an opportunity so I fucked her.”
    Arik laughed. “I’m glad you did. Between the two of