(MSRP: 11.9900)
Also available in digital formats
Stellan was the last thing Cardis expected to deal with when she fled her home on Adena to avoid another unwanted challenge. Safely stowed away on her father's freighter, she thought she'd escaped those who wished to invoke Adena's ancient tradition of the Virgin Challenge and attempt to win her in marriage. Now she finds herself in the hands of the most unlikely challenger of all. And in spite of all her resolve never to be trapped into marriage, trying to keep herself from melting when Stellan's hands touch her may be the hardest challenge Cardis has ever faced.
Rose
PRINT ISBN 1-60154-309-3
(240 pages) Spicy
Excerpt
Oderean closed his fingers around the stone as Cardis reluctantly gave Stellan her hand. The stone began to glow, the soft yellow light gleaming through Oderean's fingers. Oderean cupped his other hand around it, eyes closed, as his lips moved in the ancient chant. When he opened his eyes and spread his fingers, a small golden cup stood in his hand.
"Each of you will drink from the golden cup as your acceptance of the challenge. Once you drink, the time for the challenge has started and there is no going back." He looked again at Stellan. "For once done, the magic cannot be undone. In three days, the decision will have been made. Cardis."
She took the cup from her father's hand and lifted it to her lips. Stellan licked his own lips as he watched her mouth slide along the rim of the cup. When she lowered it, her lips were red and moist and he nearly groaned thinking of what the next three days held. Without taking his gaze off her, he lifted the cup to his own mouth, surprised at the cool thick taste that spread across his lips. It gave him a kind of buzz, like really good alcohol, only quicker. As he lowered the cup, he stared at Cardis. She gave him an evil grin.
"Well, lowlife, the clock's ticking."
Stellan swore he heard the sound of it in his own head. Let the games begin.
