Page 64 of The Black Dragon

Tears swam in her eyes as she lifted her head. “Not at the cost to you. Nothing is worth what he did toyou.”

Justin cupped her face with his warm, strong palms. “It’s in the past and I’ve come to terms with it. I survived. I’ll keep surviving, sweetheart. My concern now isyou.”

He lowered his head. His kiss was warm, sweet and tinged with passion. Ariel threw her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss, needing this connection, needing to be grounded tohim.

She drank in his mouth, tasting him, feeling desire rise. Ariel didn’t know where it would have led if not for the sound in the distance. It broke him apart like two strong hands yanking atthem.

“Oh goddess,” she whispered. “He’s going to doit.”

Justin cocked his head. His eyes widened. “Son of alizard!”

No need to explain what the sound was. She’d heard it before when she and Leo had taken a ride, sweeping through thecanyons.

Helicopter.