|
She took a step back.
"Amaya, come with me. Talk with me." He was so grateful that his voice was calm, but urgent.
No quaver of need showed.
"Your chance to ask that of me died when you took my job away." The quaver in her voice was
clear.
He ached. Moving toward the stairs to block her escape he paused on the bottom step, looking
up at her. "I will help you find a new duty. Please, come walk with me."
"Walk?!" her voice was full of scorn.
"Walk." He went up to the second story landing. "No work, no pleasure tonight, Lady. Walk
with me, and talk."
She looked down at Kent in the street and his cat went wild in rage. He curled his hand into
the banister, his nails scraping on the stone.
"It’s more serious than a high-handed flirtation, love. I think you should go with him."
Kent’s encouragement didn’t soothe his cat.
He moved up another set of stairs, until he was within reach. His cat settled, pacing.
"Amaya. Do not fear me."
"Oh, I don’t think fear is the right word," she spat at him.
The tear tracks glistening on her cheeks cut worse than her anger. "I know. It would have
been kinder to stop you before you entered, but I’m struggling right now. I needed you to
know I am your path, now. There can be no question."
She grabbed the banister in front of her and shook it. It being stone, she ended up shaking
herself. He was a little alarmed at the feminine snarl that rose from her closed throat.
"Question! Question? There’s an idea! Have you ever tried asking? Eledi learned it when
she was two! I’m not a thing you can take, or a child to direct without choice! You took my
belongings, you took my job, and you think I will accept you? Is this how you think
'partners' work?" Leaning down, she bared her teeth at him. They were sharp and smooth and
gleaming in the shadow of her hood. He caught his breath to see them. "Ass." The word
whispered like a caress, then she was hurrying past him in a wave of Kent-scented woman.
He caught her arm and ducked her swinging slap. She pulled so strongly from his light grip
that she stumbled on her long skirts and tumbled on the stairs. He leaped and caught her
before she landed, his heart in his throat. "Enough. You are going to hurt yourself." He
bared his own teeth back at her, swung her up, kicking in his arms, ignoring her braced and
pushing hands on his neck and jaw.
"Put me down! I’ll scream for the guards!"
"We are the guards," Kent laughed.
Amaya panted as he came down the stairs.
"Never knew you were so woman-stupid, Ruse. Good luck."
"Kent!"
Amaya’s wail went right to his cock. She called another man?
"You’ll be fine, love. He’ll never hurt you." Kent went back up the stairs.
"He’s carrying me away!"
"Ruse..." Kent paused, warning him, asking with his eyes if he had to watch out for Amaya.
Ruse’s cat roared, but he recognized the man’s honor. "I’ll take her home. That’s all I’m
doing."
Kent nodded at him once. "Come see me tomorrow if you need to, Amaya."
Ruse spun in the street and roared with gut shaking fury at the threat.
Kent just laughed and bounded back up the stairs into the pleasure house.
Amaya struggled in his arms so fiercely he feared his firm hold would harm her.
"You don’t control me! Put me down!"
He put her down. She staggered back and blinked at him, surprised.
"I just need to talk to you, Amaya. Don’t. Run." His cat was crouched, trembling.
She swallowed. Huge eyes scanned his face. She’d worked with Truxet men for years. He
prayed she knew enough not
to-- Fuck. She ran. Her skirts were in her fists, her loose
hair shining where the hood fell back. And everything would have been fine if he hadn’t
caught the wisp of her woman’s scent from beneath her layers of clothing. Hot, rich, damp.
The scent that came from a woman’s core when she was aroused.
His dick went hard as a spike as every muscle in his body shivered to chase. He closed his
eyes, willed himself to breathe. His claws pricked his palms in his clenched fists, he could
control this...
Then she laughed. Throaty, taunting, pleased. "If you can catch me, we’ll talk."
|
|
Bitten by Books (Nicole) 5 Tombstones
"Mima does it yet again. The vivid descriptions and tantalizingly sensual scenes are a
delight. The emotions that a single parent feels, the trust of a child, the need to protect
others are just a few examples of what this paranormal tale holds in store for the reader.
If you love a hot steamy tale of love and romance, where the women are strong yet feminine,
this is a series for you!"
Two Lips Reviews (Julianne) 4.5 Kisses
"I am still reeling from reading this book. Mima has written another fantastic book in the
world of the Beasts. Within Reach is fast paced, full of action and emotions, not to mention
the fabulous hot sex for which Mima is known. ... I was a little shocked by the outcome of
the battle, but I think it’s also what made this story so heart wrenching. ... I am so
looking forward to the next book."
Just Erotic Romance Reviews (Laura Scott) Rating: 5
"This is an emotional, powerful love story between three people. There is the erotic love
story between Amaya and Ruse and the tender caring they both share for her daughter Eledi. I
really enjoyed and was very moved by the depth of feeling the author conveys in these
developing relationships. Amaya is a strong woman who faces the reality of her situation in
a straightforward manner but has not become bitter or jaded. She recognizes the inner
integrity in Ruse and the genuine caring he shows for the two of them. She struggles to make
a decision that is best for both her and her daughter. Ruse can be a little high-handed in
making decisions for her but it is because he wants to take her away from difficult
circumstances and just love her. How could you not like a character like that? The other
supporting characters from Ruse's clan are warm and accepting of Amaya and Eledi and make you
wish you could be part of that clan. The sex scenes are both tender and erotic and are well
detailed and varied. They include anal, a ménage and some public sex. If you enjoy a very
emotionally moving love story, I think you will find Within Reach well worth your time."
My Book Cravings (Robin Smith) 5 Flowers
"This is a story so full of life it draws you in. It is a poignant tale of life, loss, love,
family and hope. It shows the trials of a true family through pain and sorrow to acceptance
and a love that is so strong it lifts you up. I love a story that can make you smile or cry
with and for the characters, and this was beyond anything I expected. The vivid descriptive
powers of Mima make a world of fantasy come to life and allow you to enjoy the journey she
takes you on. My only complaint on this is that the journey through Ruse and Amaya’s time
wasn’t longer! I thoroughly enjoyed the hilly rollercoaster ride of emotions that this tale
evokes and highly recommend it for anyone who wants to be swept away into another world!"
Joyfully Reviewed (Lisa)
"A deep and pure love of partner and family gives Within Reach a wonderfully unique
perspective ... packs an emotional wallop!"
|
