Page 56 of On a Barbarian World

“Out!”

Aurina shifted, but Kavon’s hands clamped on her arms. “Not you.”

Everyone shuffled out of the room and the broken door was propped closed.

He swung her around and held out his other hand. He seemed very unconcerned that he was completely naked.

“Give it to me.”

She blinked. “What?”

“The device. The one you healed me with.”

She watched him, then pulled the medscope from her pocket and held it out.

He didn’t even look at it, just took it, strode over to his wooden chest, unlocked it, dropped the medscope in it, then slammed it closed.

She suddenly felt a flush of nerves. “Ah, you healed much faster than usual. It must be the way your nanami react with the medscope.”

He turned to face her, his face unreadable. “And your beacon?”

Hurt punched through her like a fist to the gut. “After what we’ve been through, you think so little of me?”

“Aurina, the beacon?”

Those hard words were like claws ripping into her. She wrapped her arms around herself. “You really don’t trust me.” She turned, looking for somewhere to escape to. “I didn’t touch the damn thing.” She hurried to the balcony. The night air wasn’t warm, but it wasn’t cold either. Above, stars shone brightly.

She stood there, fighting back the tears pricking her eyes. She heard him move behind her.

“Screw you, barbarian,” she muttered.

He stepped closer, heat pouring off him. “You haven’t called me barbarian for some time.”

Hadn’t she? “Well, you still are one.”

His hand wrapped around the nape of her neck, and she closed her eyes at the touch. A shiver snaked through her.

“I don’t want to lose you. That’s why I had to ask about the beacon. I’m not ready to give you up, my sweet skyflyer.”

She shivered again. “You haven’t called me skyflyer for a while, either.”

“Maybe we are both seeing past our first impressions.” He turned her, tipping her face up. Then his arms wrapped around her in a hard hug.

God, the man drove her crazy. She threw her arms around him and held on. “I thought you were going to die.”

“I did, too.” The words rumbled through him.

She squeezed her eyes closed. “I thought I’d never have the chance to hold you like this.”

“Aurina.” A husky murmur.

Next thing, he caught her mouth with his. Sensation was a punch to her gut. The man kissed insanely well, all heat and power. Groaning, she bit his lip.

He spun her and pressed her against the wall beside the doorway. The rock was rough against her back. His big hands slid down, gripping the waistline of her trousers.

“I want you naked,” he growled. “I’ve wanted you naked forever.”

“Yes.”