The Touch of Her Hands [The Wind River Pack 3] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Missy Martine Read Free Book Online

His hearty laugh told her that he remembered the first Spanish words he’d taught her. A low growling sound from behind him had her jerking away and searching the tree line for danger.
    Alvara smiled. “If you remember me, you must remember Zack Wind River as well.”
    She turned her attention to the stranger and caught her breath. She remembered him, easily. He’d starred in quite a few of her dreams since that fateful night eight years ago. He had to be close to six feet tall, with a slim, muscular build. His skin was dark, like he spent a great deal of time in the sunshine. He kept his brown hair short, while his equally brown eyes seemed as if they could see right through her.
    Worrying her lip with her teeth, she tentatively held out her hand. “I do remember. You helped me escape, and I’ve always wished I could thank you in some way.” Warmth crept up her arm when he closed his fingers over her small hand. She quickly pulled away and glanced at Alvara. “What are you doing here?”
    “It’s a long story, Aurelia. Zack needs your help. Will you listen to what he has to say?”
    She looked at Zack and knew she wanted to know more about the enigmatic man. Slowly she nodded and smiled.
    Jorge cleared his throat. “I need to get back, little love. Will you feel safe if I leave you with these two?”
    “I need to go back with him, Aurelia,” said Alvara. “What Zack has to say should be for your ears only.” He walked over and clasped her hands. “But only if you feel comfortable with being alone with him.”
    Jorge moved closer and laid his hand on her shoulder. “Mama said to tell you that he is destino, and you would know what that meant.”
    Aurelia’s gaze shot to Zack. Her destiny. Abuela believed this man to be her destiny. She took a deep breath and swallowed. “I’m not afraid to be alone with him.” She felt tingles in all her female places when he smiled at her.
    “Then we’ll be off,” said Jorge. “It’s a long hike back down to the Jeep, and I want to get back before dark.”
    “Why didn’t you come by horse?” asked Aurelia. “You could have saved yourself a hike.”
    Zack made a sound that sounded suspiciously like a growl. “Horses and I don’t always get along. It was safer for everyone if we came by Jeep.”
    Alvara chuckled. “No worries, love. The hike was good for me.” He bent and placed a kiss on her cheek. Again, the strange low, growling sound surrounded them. “I’m pleased to see you so well and happy. I never regretted my decision to set you free.” He took a step back. “Know that you have a friend for life, no matter what decisions you make about your future.”
    Jorge kissed her cheek. “Come and see your Tia Ana soon, please. She misses you.” He turned to Alvara. “Come on, Primo Alvara. I will show you my ranch and you can tell me how it differs from an Americano ranch.” The two men waved as they hurried back down the path. In just moments they’d disappeared into the heavy foliage.
    Aurelia pointed to her cabin. “Please, come and sit and you can tell me why you’re here.”

Chapter 3
     
    Zack forced his coyote back down and followed her to the small cabin, noticing a well-tended garden off to the side. There was no doubt the young woman was his mate, and his animal side wanted to claim her now.
    The air was only slightly cool, but a small fire burned in the stone fireplace that covered the north wall of the small dwelling. Aurelia added more wood, and he watched as hungry tongues of flame suddenly licked the new additions, causing them to smolder and then glow. In the corner stood an old-fashioned loom. You make your own cloth?” asked Zack.
    “About all I do is work in my garden and make hand-spun garments to sell in the village. That’s a back-strap loom.”
    “What does that mean?”
    “That wide strap you see attaches around my waist. I can use my body weight to keep the tension strong.”
    “What all do you make?”
    She shrugged.