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“Don’t scream or I’ll have the privilege of kissing you again,” he warned with a cocky smile.

Her cheeks heated further while she fixated on his tail which lazily flicked back and forth. It was as shocking as it was mesmerizing.

“You’re nearly as red as me,” Ash laughed.

“Because you’re being a flirt. And you’ve seen humans before, but I’ve never met a…” she paused, not recalling what his people were called.

“Cadi,” Ash supplied.

“Yes, well it’s a lot to take in all at once.” She scowled as she admonished the rowdy behemoth.

“That is true. I apologize for taking advantage.” Ash smacked one fist against his chest as he gallantly bowed his head while apologizing. His expression was serious rather than teasing.

“I wouldn’t go that far.” She shook her head at the man, the corners of her mouth tipping up.

She wasn’t offended, more surprised by it all. Granted they didn’t know each other very well, but something told her Ash would’ve stopped if she insisted. And the kiss had been very nice, although she wasn’t about to encourage the man.

Don’t read too much into it. She had no clue about the Cadi. Maybe they were free spirited, and Ash was just curious, like he said.

“Do you feel well rested? We need to try to reach my cruiser this morning.”

“Yeah. Although at this rate our clothes will never get dry.” Abby grimaced at their damp clothes hanging over the mangrove branches. It didn’t look like they’d dried one bit.

“I would go on my own, but you are not safe here. The thought of what one of those reptiles would do to you…” Ash finished his statement with an inarticulate growl.

She smiled at his concern. It was sweet.

“I don’t like the idea of leaving our clothes here.”

“No, I agree.” He nodded.

Ash glanced around, assessing their surroundings. He stood and picked his way through the dense growth. She blinked, her mouth dropping open as she stared at his shapely red ass. The little breechcloth did nothing to hide his flexing cheeks. Not even the sight of his flicking tail could detract from the magnificent sight.

She was still gaping at the break in the trees when the silver-haired demi-god returned, dragging the dead python he’d tossed into the brush. This view was just as fine as the one of him retreating.

Dear lord, he’s got a vee of muscles along his hips, pointing straight to his…

“What are you going to do with that?” she quickly asked before Ash noticed her staring at his washboard abs.

“We need a bag.”

“Uh, okay.”

Ash grabbed a knife from his cargo pants then hunkered down with the fat snake. She watched with a mix of awe and disgust as he proceeded to cut off the snake’s head and tail, then begin peeling the skin off. The snakeskin came free in one long, macabre tube. Ash washed it in the puddle nearby and tied one end into a knot.

“Can you hand me our clothes, please?”

“That is the coolest and grossest thing I’ve ever seen,” she commented and passed him their clothes.

“The beast has grown cold, but that happens when things die,” he replied, while stuffing their clothes into the snakeskin turned inside out.

“No, cool also means fascinating,” she laughed.

“Ah. So, you are disgusted and impressed. I think that’s the most interesting compliment I’ve ever received.” Ash grinned, puffing up his chest. “Do you want me to put your little bag inside the reptile?”

She shook her head both in response to his question and his pride at the unintended compliment. “You are an odd character, Ash.”

“You are the one with such amusing conflicting emotions, Peanut.” She could tell he was teasing her back, in his own foreign manner. “The serpent was already dead, we needed a waterproof carrier. I was being practical.” He tied another knot, sealing the tube shut.