Tempest

Warriors of the Wind #1

Anna Hackett

Tempest

Published by Anna Hackett

Copyright 2017 by Anna Hackett

Cover by Melody Simmons of eBookindiecovers

Edits by Tanya Saari

ISBN: 978-1-925539-27-1

Original edition published as Wind Kissed, Fire Bound, 2009

This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, events or places is coincidental. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form.

Contents

What readers are saying about Anna’s Action Romance

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Preview: Storm (from Storm & Seduction)

Preview: Seduction (from Storm & Seduction)

Also by Anna Hackett

About the Author

What readers are saying about Anna’s Action Romance

At Star’s End – One of Library Journal’s Best E-Original Romances for 2014

Return to Dark Earth – One of Library Journal’s Best E-Original Books for 2015 and two-time SFR Galaxy Awards winner

The Phoenix Adventures – SFR Galaxy Award Winner for Most Fun New Series and “Why Isn’t This a Movie?” Series

Beneath a Trojan Moon – SFR Galaxy Award Winner and RWAus Ella Award Winner

Hell Squad – Amazon Bestselling Science Fiction Romance Series and SFR Galaxy Award for best Post-Apocalypse for Readers who don’t like Post-Apocalypse

The Anomaly Series – #1 Amazon Action Adventure Romance Bestseller

“Like Indiana Jones meets Star Wars. A treasure hunt with a steamy romance.” – SFF Dragon, review of Among Galactic Ruins

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“High action and adventure surrounding an impossible treasure hunt kept me reading until late in the night.” – Jen, That’s What I’m Talking About, review of Beyond Galaxy’s Edge

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In the time of gods and magic, the monstrous god Typhon created violent winds—the Tempest Winds—to aid in his battle to rule the cosmos. The Tempest Winds wreaked havoc against man, and carried the dark vices of lust, greed, pride, and anger.

To save the world, the King of the Gods, Jupiter, gifted control of the cardinal winds to man. Five brothers became the Warriors of the Wind, and their sons and grandsons after them. Now, even in the modern age of technology, they are the only thing protecting mankind from this centuries-old evil.

Chapter One

Power swelled inside Lorenzo Venti, tightening his skin. Electricity tingled at his fingertips.

“You aren’t going to escape me. Not today.” His eyes narrowed, his gaze focused on the rough waves of the Mediterranean Sea, whipped into a frenzy by the wild winds. His prisoners were testing their powers.

He watched the winds wheel around to race toward the beach where he stood. His heartbeat was a hard, steady thud in his chest as he held his ground. The wind tore at his clothes, and tossed his hair around his face. He tasted violence in the air.

Assholes. They wanted to test him, the Keeper of the Winds? So be it.

Lorenzo raised his hands to the stormy sea and called on his own wind. It was his responsibility to keep the evil winds in control, and he would not fail.

His wind blew up around him, powerful and primal. Far stronger than anything the wicked Tempest Winds could produce from their jail.

Power sang through his veins. His heartbeat slowed, his focus contracted.

Once he’d been weak and powerless to stop the Tempest Winds when they’d attacked his father. He lifted his face to the sky, a cool smile on his lips. Now he held power beyond comprehension and used it to keep the world safe.

“Arresto.” He threw his arms into the air. His wind swept past him and swallowed the biting Tempest breezes. He heard their frenzied whispers in the wind.

Si, si. They could scream and curse as much as they liked. He didn’t give a damn.

He motioned at the dark clouds building in the sky above his island. Moments later, the wind dispersed them and left only sunny blue skies hanging overhead.

It gave him a perfect view to the west and the distinctive silhouette of the Stromboli volcano on the neighboring island. A plume of dark smoke was visible over the peak.

His gut clenched. The minor eruptions were getting stronger, and the primal power of the volcano was feeding his prisoners. It wouldn’t be long until there was a full-scale eruption…

Which meant the Tempest Winds would be strong enough to attempt an escape.

No. He wouldn’t let that happen. Breathing deep, he let the smell of the sea fill his senses. He hated that the Tempest Winds’ restlessness fueled his own. His emotions were rising to the surface and each time he used his powers, it was a little harder to suppress them.

Lorenzo valued his control. It was what made him a good Keeper of the Winds. He needed to stay calm and focused. He turned and glimpsed the terracotta tile roof of his villa and his horse stables. The prison of the winds.

He would not fail. He’d keep the Tempest Winds trapped. It was his duty.

He shoved a hand through his dark hair. He hadn’t been off the island in weeks and he made a mental note that he needed a haircut. A vibration in his top pocket had him reaching for his cellphone. “Venti.”

“Lorenzo,” a deep male voice said through the line.

He smiled. “Ciao, Luca.”

“How’s the weather?” His brother asked.

Lorenzo could easily picture his older brother in his office in Rome—wearing a tailored designer suit that would do little to tame the raw power that was Luca. He’d be coordinating some part of the vast Venti business empire. Being a billionaire was tough work. Although, being the leader of the Warriors of the Wind was probably harder.

Not that Luca would ever show it. He was either cool and controlled, or flying into an icy rage. Luca did not tolerate incompetence or failure.

“There’s a gale blowing,” Lorenzo said.

Silence through the line. “Do you need help?”

“I can handle them. But Luca, if Stromboli goes…”

Luca muttered a creative curse. “There’s not much even I can do about a volcano. All we can do is wait. I’ll talk to Dante, Antonio and Soren. We’ll be on stand-by, so the instant you need us, call.”

The Keeper was the prison warden for the Tempest Winds. The Warriors of the Wind were the warriors who could hunt them down if they escaped.

“Si,” Lorenzo replied.

Luca gave a deep-throated laugh. “Always a man of few words. I like that about you.”

Lorenzo snorted. “Well, from the women I see you with in the magazines—the glamorous supermodels and society ladies—you don’t select your company for their conversations.”

Another laugh. “Now, onto business. I have a stallion arriving today to service your Eos.”

Lorenzo felt the hairs rise on the back of his neck. “What stallion?” His mare, Eos, was in season and Lorenzo and Luca had discussed breeding her.

“Astraeus.”

Lorenzo gritted his teeth. He knew who Astraeus’ trainer was. “I don’t want that woman on my island.”

“They’ll make a good match, Lorenzo. Think of the end result.” Luca’s tone was unyielding.

Lorenzo kicked a boot at the ground. “Luca, you aren’t listening to me. I don’t like Donovan.” Riley Donovan poked, prodded, and was always in his personal space. Having her on Isola del Vento, with his control already stretched by the winds, was a bad idea. “Now isn’t a good time. Not with the Tempest Winds testing their strength.”

Italian spewed through the line. Luca was never shy about voicing his opinions or giving orders.

When Luca exploded, it was best to let him run his course. Lorenzo looked over the white-fenced fields around him and the horseflesh dotting them. He might own the business with his brothers, but Island of the Wind Estates was Lorenzo’s. It was his sanctuary, his escape from annoying, vapid people. His horses were far better company and the only thing in his world that gave him true pleasure.

“Fine.” Lorenzo sniffed. He knew when to fight and when to conserve his strength. “When is she arriving?”

“Now,” Luca drawled.

The answer had Lorenzo’s head whipping around. “What do you mean now?”

His gaze zeroed in on the whitewashed cottages clustered together at the shore a few miles away. Sure enough, the daily ferry from Sicily was pulling into the tiny harbor.

“Dio, Luca. A little more warning would have been appreciated.” Lorenzo stabbed a finger to end the call. He knew not many people had the courage to hang up on Luca.

Straightening his shoulders, Lorenzo rose to his full six-feet-three inches. There was very little he feared. Since he’d been granted the power of the wind and become the Keeper, he had no need to fear. Not anymore.

Except one reckless horse trainer who made him feel things he preferred to avoid.

Lorenzo stomped down on that thought. Time to prove he could handle all five feet nothing of Riley Donovan.

He summoned the wind. It blew through him, unknotting the tangle in his gut, smoothing his feelings away. It left him cool, bare, and clean.

As he let his body blend with the wind, his soul became as light as air, and his body disintegrated. It was no longer possible to tell where his body ended and the wind began. He swept down to the village.

Lorenzo didn’t worry about the villagers seeing him. They knew of his powers and generations of them had served the Keeper. They kept the secrets of Isola del Vento hidden from the rest of the world. He materialized on the edge of the village piazza, striding forward as his body took form again.

The sight that greeted him made him stop in his tracks. Dammit. It was like a punch to his gut.

The horse was stunning. And the woman riding him just as eye-catching.

The woman and beast moved like one through the cobbled street. The big chocolate-colored stallion tossed his head, willful and wanting his own way. Full of fire.

But the small woman controlled the horse with ease, and despite his best effort to fight it, Lorenzo’s gaze was drawn to her. To the slim, jean-clad thighs gripping the horse, and the rounded breasts filling out a white T-shirt. The thin tattoo of flames banding one toned bicep, and the fascinating face—all angles with a jagged scar on her jaw. The long brown hair streaked with gold and teased by the morning breeze.

Smoke gray eyes locked on him.

Heat tore through Lorenzo and his fingers curled into his palms. He forced himself to stay still.

He had little use for women. When it suited him, he took a lover on business trips to the mainland. But Lorenzo was always in control of things and always walked away. Why did this one woman bother him so much? He’d seen women far more beautiful and polished than Riley Donovan.

Annoyed at the unwelcome flare of desire, he scowled.

She brought the stallion to a stop a few feet from him and rested the reins in one hand. “Hello, Signor Orso. There’s that smiling face I’ve missed so much.”

The amused voice, with its interesting mix of American and Irish accents, irritated. “I’ve told you not to call me that ridiculous name.”

Her smile widened. “But Mr. Bear suits you. You’re all grumpy and brooding. Until you start smiling and talking to me pleasantly, I’ll keep calling you Signor Orso.”

Lorenzo sucked in a deep breath, then released it slowly. “I talk to you as I would any other colleague, Signorina Donovan. And since I run the European arm of Island of the Wind Estates and you run the American one, that’s what we are…colleagues.”

She raised an eyebrow. “How many times do I have to tell you to call me Riley?”

“I prefer to keep things professional.”

“Really?” She slid off the horse in an agile flex of muscles.

Okay, so he noticed the way her shirt lifted a few inches and showed off smooth skin. He might be a powerful Keeper of the Winds, but he wasn’t blind.

She moved forward with a swagger of slim hips and Lorenzo stiffened.

She stopped just inches away. Her scent wrapped around him, a tantalizing mixture of sweat and a tart, fresh perfume.

“I don’t think it’s very professional the way your pulse picks up whenever I get close to you,” she said with a smile.

His gaze narrowed. She couldn’t know how she affected him. Power prickled along his skin. Her power, not his.

Riley Donovan wasn’t a Warrior of the Wind, but she was something. From the first moment he’d met her, he’d sensed she was something beyond human. Detected something powerful and wild simmering under her skin. She kept it hidden under a coat of charm and devil-may-care humor, but it was there. Lorenzo knew better than to underestimate her.

He had no idea what kind of supernatural being she was, nor did he want to know. In the modern age of technology and the internet, no one believed in magic and gods of old. Only a few living people still retained remnants of power in their blood, diluted over the centuries. Fewer still had enough power to protect mankind from the things in the dark that wanted to destroy the world.

Riley stepped closer, their bodies brushing. Lorenzo felt the heat of her and it warmed his cool skin. She made him remember a time when his duty didn’t weigh so heavily on his shoulders.

He ground his teeth together. He didn’t want to remember. His duty was important to him and dalliances with women equaled emotion. Emotion equaled a lack of control.

When she reached out and brushed a speck of dirt off his shirt, he caught her wrist and then pushed her hand away.

“The way your pupils dilate when I touch you—” her fingers brushed against his—“that’s not very professional either.”

He slammed his mental shutters down. Riley was a threat to his control and that was the last thing he needed right now. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Her sexy smile didn’t dim. It was almost like the woman enjoyed it when he snapped at her.

“I have something for you,” she said. “I saw it and thought of you.”

Lorenzo just stared at her, trying to remember the last time someone had given him a gift. His staff respected him, but didn’t give him gifts. It was probably the bottle of cognac Luca had given him for his birthday.

Riley held up a small, shiny figurine. It was a horse.

He stared at it. The little horse was exquisitely crafted from what looked like bronze. His hand itched to grab it but he forced himself to step around her.

“Coward,” she murmured.

A muscle in his jaw ticked. Ignore her. He reached out and stroked the stallion’s neck. “So, this is Astraeus.”

Riley was silent for a moment. “Yep. My boy here is raring to meet the lucky lady.”

Lorenzo felt a quick tug at the thought of mating his favorite mare with the stallion. It would be a winning combination, he had no doubt. “I want this done quickly.”

When Riley came up beside him, once again Lorenzo smelled her and felt the warmth of her body. He looked down at her and she lifted a brow.

“Astraeus is excited, knowing there’s a pretty filly eager for his attention.” Riley’s arm brushed Lorenzo’s.

Arousal was like a jagged knife cutting at his insides. He stepped away from her, suppressing his reaction.

“Let’s get Astraeus up to the stables and get this done. Then I want you off my island.”

Chapter Two

Riley watched Lorenzo step away from her, his face dark and scowling.

She figured a woman had to be perverse to find a man’s hard voice and scowl a turn on. Her fingers tightened, the leather reins biting into her hand. But for some reason, Lorenzo Aeolus Venti’s handsome, brooding face worked for her. Boy, did it work for her.

“Lead the way, Signor Orso.”

He spun, his dark hair brushing the collar of his denim shirt. He skewered her with a glacial look. “Follow me.”

Riley motioned to the groom who’d followed her off the ferry in the truck and horse trailer to head to the stables. Then she focused on Lorenzo’s broad profile.

He had a big, hard body and a powerful, athletic stride. The top two buttons of his denim shirt lay open, offering a view of touchable bronze skin. Buff-colored jodhpurs hugged long, muscled legs and an ass that made her want to weep. His jodhpurs were tucked into knee-high black boots. Give him a whip and he’d ignite a woman’s darkest fantasies.

She blew out a breath. He ignited her fantasies, that was for sure. She’d spent way too many nights dreaming of watching Lorenzo strip off his clothes for her. Of having his big, naked body under her hands.

Every time she and Lorenzo had brushed up against each other at races, parties, and business meetings, she’d wanted to touch him. For two years, she’d tried to charm him. He never reacted, but she knew she affected him. She knew that the ice around him was cracking.

She saw him glance off into the distance, toward the neighboring islands, and his mouth tightened. She frowned. She’d made it her work to understand every nuance of Lorenzo’s cool, scowly face and dark eyes. Something was bothering him.

Moments later, they reached a group of long stone stables. An elegant villa—with black iron railings against butter-colored walls—stood in the background. Dark-haired grooms walked between buildings or worked with horses in the white-fenced yards. As she’d expected of a Venti-owned operation, everything was neat, tidy, and so clean it shined. Just like her own stables in Virginia.

Lorenzo led her into a building. “You can stable Astraeus here until it’s time for the mating.”

Riley waited for her eyes to adjust to the gloom. Twin rows of stalls, each built of solid wood and painted a brilliant white, lined the walls. The familiar scents of hay, feed, and horse filled her senses.

“I’m sure Astraeus will be very happy here.” The stallion snorted and pawed the ground. Absently, Riley stroked a hand down the big animal’s side.

Lorenzo stared at her for a moment. “I’m going to check on Eos. Find me when you’re finished.”

She watched him walk away, her gaze drawn once again to his tight ass. Her hand clenched in Astraeus’ mane. God, the man had a body that would tempt the coolest soul, and hers was far from cool.

Blowing out a breath, Riley opened the empty stall and led the horse inside. The Keeper of the Winds turned her into a big puddle of lust. But she knew it was more than that. Sure, she liked his long, muscled body, but it was also the brooding dedication, the cool intelligence in his eyes, and the way he treated his horses like the most important things in the world.

There was heat under the ice. She knew it.

She knew about his power, and the Warriors of the Wind. Luca had told her the stories of the monstrous god Typhon creating violent winds, and the King of the Gods, Jupiter, gifting control of the winds to man to save the world from destruction.

Four brothers were each given one of the powerful cardinal winds, and a final brother was assigned to be the Keeper of Winds. Of winds so evil they had to be locked away.

Riley had power herself, was descended from a goddess, so she wasn’t shocked. And once, she’d known another woman who’d been dedicated to her powers.

Shadows shifted in her mind, and angry heat spread in her belly. But when the stallion butted his head against Riley’s shoulder, she forced herself to relax.

“You’re right, Astraeus. It’s best to focus on the present, not the past.”

The present was Lorenzo Venti. She’d subtly pumped Luca for information on his brother. The eldest Venti hadn’t been all that forthcoming, so apart from knowing Lorenzo held the power to command the wind, and kept some evil winds locked away on Isola del Vento, and had a surly personality that appeared to be catnip for her, he was a mystery.

A mystery she planned to solve and claim all for herself.

***

Riley found Lorenzo in a stall occupied by a sweet-faced mare. The thoroughbred was lovely, with a coat caught somewhere between white and gray. Silver like the dawn.

“So this is Eos?”

Lorenzo ran his hand down the mare’s neck. “Yes.” His tough face softened, the smallest smile on his lips. “Isn’t she beautiful?”

Riley’s attention snagged on the man not the horse. She wasn’t sure she’d ever seen him smile. It turned brooding into outright handsome. She cleared her throat. “Gorgeous.”

She reached out and stroked the mare’s nose. She turned her face into Riley’s hand, no doubt sensing Riley’s power. Without conscious thought, she connected with the animal. I mean you no harm, pretty girl. She was a content one, happy with her easy life on Isola del Vento. The mare nudged her like a flirting lady. She held great affection for her troubled master.

She frowned. Troubled? Eos shifted, and her hand landed on top of Lorenzo’s.

His skin felt cool, like smooth marble.

Pain tore through Riley, like a sword slashing her open. Her knees threatened to buckle and her fingers clamped on his. Unable to control her power, it centered on Lorenzo. In the back of her head, she heard the distant chant of her Celtic ancestors.

Godammit, no. Her breathing turned shallow, rapid. Unlike the other times she’d touched him, this time she sensed pain close to the surface, triggering her power. She fought the energy overrunning her, but it came anyway. She found a void inside him—a dark, hurting emptiness.

“Riley?” Lorenzo’s voice sounded like it was coming from a great distance. “What’s wrong?”

She moved past the hole and saw something move in the darkness. Her vision blurred and through the black mist Riley saw flashes of jumbled images. A dark-haired boy screaming as his father was sucked up into the air. The howl of a vicious wind tearing at the boy’s clothes and skin as he tried to fight. Dark eyes brimming with tears as he lay curled beside his father’s crumpled body.

The flames of her power licked at her insides. She groaned. Eos gave a nervous whinny and Lorenzo snatched his hand away.

Through her blurred vision, she saw a frown marring his face. He reached out, his hand hovering for a second, before he touched his cool fingers to her forehead.

“Riley?”

Those long fingers brushed her hair back and the coolness of them soothed. It helped her control her power. She breathed deep and pulled in the dark, spicy scent of him.

Damn. She hadn’t used her powers on a human in a long time. And the times she had, it had never been this strong and clear.

She’d known something simmered under Lorenzo’s shell. She just hadn’t guessed a person could function with so much pain inside them.

“Riley?” His tone was as close to gentle as she’d ever heard. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing.” Goddess, this was all she needed. Her neck throbbed and a pounding ache sprang to life behind her left eye. “It’s been a long day.”

His lips firmed and his hand dropped away. “I need to talk with my grooms. Head up to the villa and the cook will fix you a meal.”

“Yeah, thanks.” Food was the last thing she felt like.

As soon as he’d disappeared, she leaned over and tried to slow her breathing.

She closed her eyes. Some days it sucked to be descended from the Celtic Goddess of the Sacred Flame. The Goddess was known for her fire, wisdom, smithing, and healing. While Riley didn’t mind the ability to connect with animals, and the power to control fire, she could do without the preview into people’s suffering.

Straightening, she pulled in another lungful of air and let the familiar smell of hay soothe her. Had it felt like this for her mother?

Maggie Donovan’s reward for healing the emotional wounds of every person around her was a violent death. Riley’s gut churned, hot and livid. She’d promised herself over her mother’s grave that she’d never be a slave to the power that had led to her ma’s death.

God, if only Riley had been strong enough to save her.

She shoved the old emotions away. Lorenzo Venti was the strongest, most composed man she knew. Whatever he kept hidden was his business. What Riley wanted was the stubborn man’s big hands on her. She wanted them to enjoy each other, not break each other apart.

A low howl echoed through the stable.

The mare stamped her hoof and pulled her head back into her stall. Other horses whinnied nervously.

Riley sent out waves of reassurance to the animals and studied the shadows. She didn’t see anyone.

Just the wind spooking you, Donovan. She turned to leave.

A light breeze blew into the stable and eddied around her, kicking up dust and hay. Whispers reached her ears, dark murmurs carried on the wind.

Fuck. She straightened. Lorenzo was worried and it didn’t take much for her to guess it had to do with his prisoners.

At the end of the stables, she stepped through a doorway.

Four stalls filled the tight space. They were completely enclosed, all the way to the roof, with only small slits for air.

Strange. The rest of the stable stalls were open and welcoming. She stepped up to the first one.

Something big smacked against the wall and Riley braced herself. The fierce breathing of a big animal filled the air.

Crack. She recognized the sound of hoof against wood. The horse in this stall was mad as a banshee.

“Hey.” She inched closer. The need to soothe built inside her, and she opened her mind and reached for the animal.

Anger stormed her. Red covered her vision and pain streaked down her arms and legs. An enraged whinny rang in her ears.

Riley took a step back. What the hell was in that stall?

She glanced at the next one. There was no sound, but through the slit in the wood, she saw a big black eye staring back at her.

Summoning the Flame, she held her palm up, and watched flames flicker to life on it. She felt a stir of the dark, dangerous heat that lived in her blood. If she had to defend herself and the other horses in this stable, she would.

“What the hell are you doing in here?”

Lorenzo’s voice shot into the room like a bullet. She extinguished the fire and spun. He stood in the doorway, hands on his hips and his mouth an angry line.

“I heard whispers,” she said. “Thought I’d better check it out.”

He strode forward and stood between her and the closest stall. He crossed his arms over his chest. “Never come in here again.”

She tilted her head. “Why?”

“You know why,” he said with a growl. “I know Luca’s told you what we are. What I do. I’m sure he mentioned the Tempest Winds.”

The horses in all four stalls cried out and smashed against the reinforced walls.

Horror cascaded through Riley. “They’re trapped in the bodies of horses?”

Lorenzo gave a sharp nod.

“How?”

“The wind god Aelous and the previous Keeper imprisoned them. They used a wild storm to trap the winds’ essence in the horses.” His eyes were shadowed. “The Tempest Winds are the keepers of dark vices. Anger, lust, pride and greed. Stay away from them.”

As Riley watched, the color of his eyes deepened, changed to an unearthly black. Then his bronze skin glowed, like he was lit with an inner light, and his shaggy hair moved around his face like it was caught in a breeze.

He was breathtaking.

“Calma.” A cool, fresh breeze flowed into the room. It circled Lorenzo, her, then rushed at the stalls.

The four occupants stamped and reared. The horse in the nearest stall gave the wall one last kick. Then they went silent.

His arms dropped to his sides. The glow of his skin dimmed, but his hair still looked like it was ruffled by the wind. “Don’t come in here again.”

His tone was like ice, his eyes blank and his face emotionless.

“The wind takes away your emotions,” she said.

“Yes. That’s how I like it. I prefer control and I need it to restrain the Tempest Winds.”

“The winds are getting stronger.”

He gave a single nod. “The primal power of Stromboli is fueling them.”

Riley hissed out a breath. The news was filled with speculation of when the volcano would erupt. “And when it blows?”

“I’ll deal with it.” Cool words.

She took a step toward him. “I can help.”

“I don’t need your help and I don’t want you here. You’re a distraction.”

“I can help,” she said again.

“No, you can’t.” He made a scoffing sound. “I don’t know what power you hold, but the Riley Donovan I know is a woman who smiles, jokes, charms. She isn’t someone who can help me fight.”

She felt like he’d landed a punch to her gut. For a second, she was a little girl again, being held back as she watched her mother die. Unable to fight, unable to help.

“So that’s what you really think of me?” Damn, it hurt. A lot.

His dark eyes flashed and his lips pressed into a flat line. He pressed a hand to her shoulder and nudged her toward the door. At the contact, Riley’s vision dimmed.

She saw the young dark-haired boy, bruised and bleeding, weeping like his heart was smashed into a thousand tiny pieces.

Heat rose inside her and her power wanted to heal. Needed to heal. The urge wrapped around her throat. No. Her belly spasmed like she’d been kicked by an angry horse. This time she was prepared, and managed to shut the connection off.

“I think it’s best we do the mating this afternoon.” Lorenzo didn’t turn to look at her. “As soon as we can.”

Emotions rolled through Riley like a churning storm. Dammit, she didn’t need this. To be dragged back into her own messy past and get involved in something Lorenzo clearly didn’t want to share.

“Maybe you’re right, Signor Venti.” She turned and strode out of the stables.

Chapter Three

Sex permeated the air.

Lorenzo rolled a shoulder. The atmosphere in the breeding shed was thick, hot, and suffocating. He rolled his other shoulder, desperate for the edgy tension inside him to dissipate.

Picking up on his unrest, Eos side-stepped as far as her hobbled legs allowed.

“It’s okay, bella. Everything will be fine.” He reached out to adjust the leather cover protecting the mare’s neck. “Astraeus will give you a fine bambino.”

There was a commotion at the breeding shed doors. He turned, and when he saw Riley and the stallion, his breath lodged in his throat like a lump of barbed wire.

Riley strained to control the shuddering stallion, her body taut, her thigh muscles bunching under her well-worn jeans. He heard her muttering curses. Two of his grooms scurried to help her keep the stallion in check.

But Astraeus had scented Eos and was ready to play stud.

“We’re going to make one hell of a horse, Lorenzo.” Riley grinned at him, her teeth white in the gloom of the shed.

Dio, the woman was sexy. Lorenzo slipped a hand into his pocket and his fingers brushed the small bronze horse figurine. His jaw tightened. He had no idea when the woman had slipped it in there—he stroked the metal—but he liked it, so he wasn’t giving it back. Eos bumped against him, sensing the stallion, sensing what was coming. Lorenzo gave the mare one last pat and moved out of the way.

He watched Riley’s face turn serious, her grin gone. She gave orders to the grooms in a mix of English and surprisingly good Italian.

Then Astraeus reared and settled on Eos.

Lorenzo’s muscles went tight. As he watched the powerful stallion cover his mare, the taut atmosphere increased.

The mating turned frantic, primal. The stallion lunged forward rhythmically, his teeth latching onto Eos’s leather-covered neck. The mare cried out.

Lorenzo felt heat rush over his skin. The violent mating had shocking arousal flooding his system.

Drawn by an irresistible force, he looked at Riley. She was watching him, her eyelids half mast. Perspiration plastered her hair back and her shirt was streaked with dirt. He’d never seen any woman more attractive.

The heat in his system shot to boiling, hardening his cock. He imagined pushing her down in the hay on her hands and knees. Covering her naked body with his, and his hands shaping her buttocks. Sliding his aching cock inside her, and plunging into her over and over.

Her gaze drilled into his and he couldn’t look away. The horses continued their fierce union and all Lorenzo could think about was drowning in Riley Donovan.

She made him feel, and even as his brain told him to put some distance between them, his body wanted nothing between them.

A dash of color rode her cheekbones and her gray eyes burned with hunger. Her gaze dropped, gliding down his body. His gut knotted and his cock was rock hard against his trousers. The damn jodhpurs didn’t leave anything to the imagination and her gaze settled there, her lips parting.

Cazzo. He couldn’t breathe. Lust and need were a brutal slap. He turned and strode out of the shed, desperate for some air.

Lorenzo stepped outside and sucked in some deep breaths. He pressed his back to the stone wall and lifted his face to the blue sky. He willed a breeze, wanting the coolness on his skin. But it was a hot wind that swirled around him.

It did nothing for the desire riding him hard.

“Lorenzo.”

His head snapped up. No. He couldn’t have her near him right now. Not when he was out of control. “Go away.”

Riley stepped in front of him. “I can’t seem to stay away from you.”

He knew he should walk away, but he didn’t. God help him, he didn’t want to get away.

“Damn you.” He grabbed her, nudging her up against the wall. He caged her in with his bigger body, and her breasts pressed against his chest. Her hands gripped his shoulders. Dio, it felt so good. She warmed his cool skin and like an addict he wanted more. He hadn’t felt warm all the way through for so long.

She lifted her head, and her lips were a heartbeat from his. “What do you want, Lorenzo?”

He stared into her eyes. Damn her and damn him, too. “This.” He lowered his head and pressed his mouth to hers.

Riley groaned and opened her mouth. Lorenzo swept his tongue inside, taking control of the kiss. It turned hot, wild, and fierce. Her lips were warm, and her tongue thrust against his. Riley kissed just how he’d expected—with passion, eagerness, and energy. He slid his hands into her hair and drank her in. She tasted of heat and hunger.

He hadn’t realized a kiss could make him feel so hot. She strained against him and he heard a hungry growl. He wasn’t sure if it came from her or him. One of her hands slid under his shirt, and her fingers burned into his skin.

All Lorenzo could do was let himself drown in the wave of desire. Drown in Riley.

***

Goddess, he tasted better than all her fantasies.

Riley pressed harder against Lorenzo, desperate for the feel of him. She’d imagined he’d taste cool, but he was all heat. One of his hands slid down her thigh and then lifted it. She eagerly wrapped it around his hip and as his rock-hard cock brushed the center of her, she moaned.

One of his hands slid down to cup her breast and he groaned. Violent need tore at Riley. The primal act of the animals mating had triggered something in her. Blood pumped thickly through her veins and she nipped at his bottom lip.

She ground against his straining erection. There was just the barrier of their clothes between their hot, straining bodies. Even through denim and his jodhpurs, she felt the heat of him and the solid size of his cock. His hips pushed against her and she bucked her hips.

“Dio. I’m so close to dragging you down onto the grass and fucking you right here.” His voice was a guttural growl.

The words sent a rush of desire arrowing between her legs. She wanted him to strip her naked and take her here. His lips trailed over her jaw, then his teeth captured her earlobe. She cried out.

“I want to pound myself inside you until we both explode. I don’t care that my grooms could stumble on us at any moment.” His fingers tugged at her nipple. “Except I don’t want anyone else to see you naked but me.”

She wanted to know what it felt like to be taken, and to lose herself in Lorenzo Venti.

Deepening the kiss, she took more. She slid her hands up and into his thick hair, moaning into his mouth.

Her power swelled inside her, uncalled and out of control. She realized just taking his body wouldn’t be enough. She wanted more.

As his hands slid over her and cupped her ass. She wanted every part of Lorenzo, every shadowed corner of him. She wanted to pour her healing power into him, as he poured himself into her. The need rose up like an unstoppable wave. She wanted to see the pain buried behind his eyes disappear. She wanted Lorenzo’s trust, his smile, his soul, his everything.

A part of her fought the call. A dim voice in her head told her to stop, but the wave pushed her on. Maybe he could make her forget the dark anger burning inside her? Make her forget the scent of burning flesh and the spill of blood.

She twisted her hands in the dark mass of his hair and tugged his head back to look into his brown eyes.

The power poured out of her in a rush.

Lorenzo jerked like he’d been hit by lightning. His eyes widened and his jaw tensed.

“Dio.” The word was a choked whisper. “No. No.” He yanked himself away from her, and bent over, pressing his palms to his knees.

The break in the connection left Riley reeling. It took her a moment to rein in her powers. Shit, what had she done? Struggling to clear her head, she moved up beside him, her knees unsteady.

“Don’t touch me.” He didn’t look at her, just stared at the grass, air sawing in and out of his lungs.

“Okay. Okay.” But she wanted to touch him. For some reason, this man made her want to hold him and help him fight all his battles. She shook her head. What the hell was she thinking?

An image of her mother—tied to a post with flames licking at her feet—sprang into Riley’s head. She’d promised over Maggie Donovan’s charred body that she wouldn’t follow her mother’s path.

Today she’d come very close to breaking that vow.

Lorenzo straightened. His face was set and pale. “What the hell are you?”

She stood and shoved her hands into her pockets. She never talked about what lived in her blood. But he was the Keeper of the Winds and had his own powers. She knew he wasn’t going to tie her up and toss a match at her.

“I’m a descendant of the Goddess of the Sacred Flame.”

Lorenzo’s brow creased. “Vesta?”

She shrugged. “That was her Roman name. In Ireland, they called her Brigit.”

“Luca never mentioned your power.”

Riley shrugged again. “I don’t talk about it. And I don’t usually use my powers on humans.”

“Whatever you did to me before, don’t do it again.”

She wasn’t going to admit that her power had been out of her control. “I’m sorry, Lorenzo. I never meant for that to happen.”

He pushed his hair back. “Let’s forget it happened.”

She lifted her chin. “My power or kissing you?”

His gaze narrowed. “All of it, Riley.”

Goddess, he was gorgeous. It made her itch to reach for him. “You enjoyed kissing me.”

His teeth clicked together. “I’m less concerned about the kiss.”

“So it’s okay to kiss you, just not to heal you?”

The breath whistled through his teeth. “Heal me? Is that what you can do?”

She shrugged a shoulder. “Among other things.”

“I don’t need healing. Just don’t touch me at all. The mating is done, a room is prepared for you in the villa for tonight. But tomorrow, I want you off my island.”

She watched him stalk away and her smile dissolved. He clearly didn’t want her touching whatever was tucked away inside him. That should make her happy.

But she wanted to touch Lorenzo and, goddess help her, a part of her wanted to heal him.

Had it been like this for her mother? Had she been unable to resist the urge and been at the mercy of her powers? Riley’s hands curled tight until her knuckles ached. Then she forced her fingers to relax, one by one.

It was best for both her and Lorenzo if she got off this island.

One night. She had to get through one night, then she’d be far away from the frustrating temptation of Lorenzo Venti.

Chapter Four

Riley jerked awake. Throbbing agony filled her chest.

But it wasn’t hers. It belonged to someone else.

She pushed the sheet away from her naked body. The bedroom was as dark as pitch, and outside a strong wind rattled the windows.

She strode to the French doors. In the moonlight, she saw a vicious wind scraping across the island, bending trees and knocking over anything light enough to move.

Something was wrong. Very wrong.

She spun and snatched up her jeans off a chair. Was Lorenzo okay? Was it his anguish storming through her?

She yanked her jeans on and then a shirt, fumbling with the buttons. She strode out of the room and raced down to the double doors at the end of the hall. Lorenzo’s bedroom.

Riley shoved open the doors.

He was awake.

He was just pulling jeans up over his naked body. His skin glowed in the light from the lamp beside the huge bed. His chest was wide and hard, and his stomach was tight ridges of muscle. The breath in Riley’s lungs evaporated and desire poured into her bloodstream. He was so gorgeous.

He spun, staring at her. His gaze drifted down her body, lingering on her bra-less breasts, before his head jerked up. He turned his back to her and yanked on a white shirt that he left unbuttoned. A well-worn pair of boots followed.

“Go back to your room.” He swept by her.

“Tell me what’s going on.” She fell into step beside him.

He shot her an unreadable look. “The winds are causing trouble at the stables.”

Don’t get involved, Donovan. She should go back to her bed. In a few hours, the sun would rise and she’d be far away from Isola del Vento. Safe, back in her own world.

But there was no way she’d let him go down there alone, even if he was the damn Keeper of the Winds. “I’m coming with you.”

He held up a hand. “The winds are my business.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t care. Today Lorenzo, you’ll have to accept some help.”

“You always have to argue and push.” He shook his head. “I don’t have time for this. If you’re coming, fine, come.”

Together they ran down to the stables, the icy wind tearing at their clothes. They stepped into the building. Inside it was quiet, the lights on low. Riley heard the hushed snuffles of the horses.

Lorenzo strode to a stall and pushed it open. “Here.”

Inside, a white horse lay on her side, her breathing labored. Lorenzo crouched beside the animal, murmuring soothing sounds, and running his hands over the mare’s swollen belly. “It’s okay, bella.”

Riley crouched beside him and reached out to touch the mare. Her agony melded into Riley. “She’s in pain.”

“I worked that much out.” Lorenzo blew out a sharp breath. “It’s the damned winds. They find new ways to wreak havoc and pain.” His jaw worked. “They’ve targeted the horses before, but with Stromboli grumbling, it’s strengthening them.”

“You don’t have a vet on staff?”

“I do, but he’s in Rome for a conference. And because of the winds’ power…” Lorenzo shook his head. “Even if he was here, there wouldn’t be much he could do.” Lorenzo moved a hand down the mare’s nose. “Sweet Carina. I was there when she was born. I hate seeing her like this.”

Goddess, Lorenzo looked almost vulnerable. Again, a warning rang in Riley’s head—don’t get involved. She shouldn’t get any closer to this man who threatened to suck her back into the mire of her past.

But she’d felt drawn to him from the first moment she’d seen him. She couldn’t resist the call of the hurting horse, or the shimmer of desperation she sensed from Lorenzo.

“Maybe I can help.”

His gaze met hers.

And Riley knew she’d do anything to ease the pain in Lorenzo’s dark eyes.

***

Lorenzo kept his eyes locked on Riley’s hands. They moved in a hypnotic motion over the mare. Who knew such an energetic woman, who was always in motion, could be so gentle?

Her fingers were slim with short, well-shaped nails, but there were a few nicks and scars on her skin. They weren’t the hands of a pampered woman or one who sat at a desk all day.

She stroked and murmured comforting noises to Carina. Her blonde-brown hair fell over her face, and she was completely focused on the animal. She was locked with Carina, breathing with her.

Helping to heal her.

With each circle of those hands, Lorenzo wondered how they would feel on his skin. He swallowed, but it didn’t ease the rock lodged in his chest. She’d given him a taste of it earlier with that frenzied kiss. It was far too easy to fantasize how she’d feel naked under his hands.

What would it feel like to have all the life, vitality, and heat focused on him?

His chest tightened. What was he thinking? He couldn’t let himself forget what had happened when her power had hit him. She’d ripped the scabs off his secret wounds and left him choking with hot emotion. The wind kept him cool, and kept the horror of losing his father locked away. Riley made him feel, and in doing so, brought all those horrors to the surface.

“Lorenzo?”

Her voice broke through his thoughts and he looked at her. Her storm-gray eyes held concern, and this close, he could see her long lashes were shades darker than her hair. Why did she have to be so tempting?

The groove on her brow made him guess she’d called his name a few times. “Si.”

“I need your help.” She grabbed his hand, her fingers scorching hot on his skin. She tugged him closer, until their shoulders and hips touched, and pressed his hand against Carina’s side.

Lorenzo stared hard at the horse, but being close to Riley had electricity running through his system. Her hands resumed their fascinating movements, and this time he saw the red glow beneath them. Carina made a sound close to a moan.

“You’re hurting her.”

“Healing hurts,” Riley said between clenched teeth. “Help keep her calm.”

Lorenzo ran his hands over Carina, but he turned his head and studied Riley. Perspiration slid down her face and her jaw was locked tight. “It hurts you, too?”

She didn’t respond, but her face was a clear answer. Carina stirred, her breathing a little easier. The longer Lorenzo watched Riley, the more in awe he felt. She was magic.

He’d always known she had a special talent with horses. It was why Luca had hired her. Riley could tame the wildest horse and coax the most broken one. Now he knew why.

He had lived with his power a long time, but it kept him distant from people. That had always suited him, since he preferred horses over people. Yes, he protected humans, but he couldn’t enrich their lives the way Riley could.

He leaned into her a little and together, they kept working on Carina. Finally, the horse settled, her body relaxing.

Riley lifted her head and sat back. “She’s going to be fine.”

Carina’s belly was back to normal. “Grazie. You have an amazing gift.”

A muscle jumped in her jaw. “Some might call it a curse.”

Did she? “You said you don’t use it on humans.”

She was silent a long time. She leaned over the horse, her hands checking the animal. “I inherited the gift from my mother. She was the most talented healer I’ve ever seen.”

Lorenzo heard the anger and pain woven into her words. “Was?”

Riley’s body tensed and she dropped her hands into her lap. “Ma healed the wrong person. The son of a religious fanatic.”

Unable to stop himself, Lorenzo reached out and placed a hand on Riley’s arm.

“Despite the fact the bastard’s son was going to live, the man gathered up his cronies for a good old-fashioned witch hunt.” Riley swiveled her head to look at Lorenzo. Storm clouds swirled in her eyes. “He burned her at the stake.”

Dio. The furious sorrow pumping off her swamped Lorenzo. She’d watched her parent die, ripped from her horribly, just like he had. “I’m sorry.”

She shook her head. “I don’t know why I’m telling you this.”

And he didn’t know why he was asking. But for some reason, he needed to know. “I…lost my father. I understand. Tell me.”

“The bastard forced me to watch. I saw them light the fire, heard my mother’s screams.” Riley fingered the scar on her jaw. “I tried to save her….”

“How old were you?”

“Ten.”

Lorenzo’s fingers clenched on her arm. He imagined a small gray-eyed girl watching her mother die such a horrible death, with no way to save her. Her past held painful memories, just as his did.

“I remember the smell. I can’t get it out of my head.” She looked up, but she was looking through Lorenzo.

“What about your father?”

“He wasn’t in the picture. I lived with my aunt, uncle, and cousins until I was grown.”

“Wouldn’t your mother have wanted you to carry on her tradition and use your gift?”

Riley stood, and knocked his hand off her arm. “Over her charred body I swore I’d never heal a person again. Never be a slave to it like she was.” Riley spun to face Lorenzo. “Instead, I used that power for revenge, and broke every rule she believed in. I killed all the men responsible for her death. Burned them, like they burned her.”

There was silence, except for Carina’s quiet breathing.

Heart beating hard, Lorenzo got to his feet. If there was ever a woman in need of healing, it was this one. She was as filled with pain as he was.

“Do you expect me to condemn you?”

She shoved her hands in the pockets of her low-riding jeans. “I used my power to kill.”

His gaze traced the slim legs covered by faded denim, the gentle curves of her body, the golden-brown hair falling over her face. Those angry eyes.

He knew she didn’t want pity or need sympathy. “You think you’re unique?”

Her head snapped up, her gray eyes hot.

He splayed his arms. “You don’t think I’ve used my powers to kill?”

She frowned. “If you have, it was to protect the innocent.”

“Sometimes. But if I could, I’d take my revenge as well.”

“Lorenzo—”

Gut churning, he stared at her and saw the lines bracketing her mouth. Healing Carina had left her exhausted.

He stepped in close and for the first time in a long time, he wanted to comfort someone and take care of them. “You’re tired. Come. Let’s get a hot drink and something to eat in the kitchen.” He held out his hand.

She stared at it for a long moment, then reached out. When she tangled her fingers with his, he tried not to think about how right it felt.

Chapter Five

Riley sat at the long wooden table and watched Lorenzo move around the kitchen. This late at night, all his staff members were tucked up in their beds, but he looked comfortable putting the kettle on to boil and warming up some soup.

She’d already mowed through a bowl of soup and was feeling better, energy slowly coming back into her body. She watched Lorenzo pour some tea, and then her gaze drifted down his body. His movements were easy, sure.

And sexy as hell.

She couldn’t believe she’d blurted out her past to him. Every dark, dirty part of it. She pulled in a deep breath. He hadn’t looked at her like she was a monster.

He’d watched her with steady understanding. He’d also given her the tiniest glimpse of his own pain.

Lorenzo set the tea down in front of her and stood there, cradling his mug. “Drink it.” He nodded at her tea. “It’s a special calming blend.”

She took a sip. She wasn’t much of a tea drinker but this one wasn’t bad. “Anyone ever tell you that you’re bossy?”

“Yes, you.”

He sat down beside her. Only an inch separated them.

“Thank you for healing Carina,” Lorenzo said quietly, his fingers brushing over his mug.

Riley grabbed his hand. Squeezed. “My pleasure.”

She watched his body go tense. “You and I…we aren’t a good idea, Riley.”

“You almost ran me off earlier, Lorenzo, but I’m made of tougher stuff. You need me.”

His gaze lifted to hers, or rather her mouth. “You mess with my control.”

She liked hearing that. “Sometimes it’s okay to let go of your control.”

He shook his head. “I can’t.”

“You prefer to be the lonesome brooder, never letting anyone close.”

He glared at her, a strand of dark hair falling across his cheek. “I’m the Keeper, and I have a duty to keep the winds imprisoned.”

A heavy gust of wind made the windows rattle and he stared out into the moonlit darkness, worry furrowing his brow.

She frowned. “What’s going on, Lorenzo?”

A cool look crossed his face and she knew she was talking to the Keeper of the Winds, not the man. “Over time, when the powers of the Tempest Winds have built to critical levels, they try to escape. I will stop them, just as every Keeper has before me.”

“It’s more than that.”

His hand on the table fisted. “Yes. My father was the Warrior of the North Wind. The Tempest Winds killed him.”

Riley closed her eyes. She wanted to pull him close. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’ve taken my revenge and kept those bastards imprisoned since then.”

“And you became the Keeper and your life ceased to be your own.”

“When I accepted my duty, I traded pain for power.” He spread his arms. “Anger for the wind.”

“You’ve lived with your pain a long time. I can still see it in your eyes. I feel it when I touch you.”

He shook his head. “When I became the Keeper, I left all that behind.”

“And dedicated your life to protecting others.”

“I’ve been protecting myself!” The words flew out of him.

She leaned closer, their faces a whisper apart. “What do you mean?”

His chest heaved. “Every time I use the power of the wind, it washes away my feelings. It leaves me in control.”

Riley brushed a finger across his cheekbone. “But it’s still there. I know better than anyone revenge isn’t very good at taking away the pain.”

And she could feel Lorenzo’s pain throbbing off him.

“Why are you doing this?” he ground out. “You told me you don’t want other people’s suffering. You don’t want to be your mother.”

“I don’t know why.” Her smile was wry. “I just know I can’t seem to stop.”

“I can’t be that devastated child again.”

“He’s inside you, Lorenzo. Until you confront him, he’ll always be there.”

He sucked in a shuddering breath. “Why did you come to my island?” He stared up at her. “Before you, I’d never felt like this.”

She shifted closer. “Don’t you want to live again?”

“Like you?” He raised a dark brow. “Wallow in the anger? Burn up with it?”

Oh, ouch. “Touché. You’re right. I’ve let it rule me too long.”

“So, it is best you leave.” A muscle ticked in his jaw.

Stubborn, surly man. She slid her hands over his and leaned forward until her lips brushed his. She heard him suck in a quick breath. “Maybe together we can find something else.”

“There’s nothing else.” He pulled back. A deliberate move to put space between them. “You should go back to bed.”

Luckily Riley was as stubborn as he was. “Only if you come with me.”

“I don’t have time for this or you.”

Oh, she bet many a woman had been cut by his cool, careless rejection. Not her. It was really lucky she had Irish blood in her veins. “I’ve wanted you since I first laid eyes on you, Lorenzo. You were scowling, grumpy about being in a meeting, and you were so damn sexy. Everyone was in a suit, but you were wearing jeans that showed off a fine ass, and a white shirt that looked good against your tanned skin. I wanted to kiss you so badly.”

“I don’t like forward women who push and don’t listen,” he growled.

She slid into his lap, straddling him. “Then you really aren’t going to like this.” She pressed her lips to his stubbled jaw. “But I’d prefer you enjoy it, because I really want you to touch me.”

***

Lorenzo gripped Riley’s arms. He saw the flutter of her pulse in her throat.

Life. She was filled with it. Heat, vitality, soul—all the things he’d pushed away and lived without for so long.

He knew he should send her to bed—alone. The top few buttons of her shirt were open, and unable to stop himself, he shifted his hand to press against her warm skin. Against his will, his finger moved in a caress along her collarbone.

Her breath hitched. “Touch me, Lorenzo.” Her words were low and thick. “I need you to touch me.”

Aroused and angry, he tried to make her listen. “Get up and walk away, Riley.”

“Make me.”

Her husky challenge charged through him. He slid a hand into her hair, tugging her head back. “I knew you were trouble.”

She laughed, her breath coming fast. “I need you to chase away the anger. Show me that there’s something else.”

Lorenzo’s control snapped. He lowered his mouth to her vulnerable throat, scraping his teeth across her rocketing pulse. She jerked against him, rubbing over his hardening cock. “And I need you to make me feel again.”

He slammed his mouth down on hers. She tasted so good. More exhilarating than the strongest drug.

She moaned and he hauled her closer, until her breasts were plastered against his chest. He hated the clothes separating them. Closer. He needed her closer. He slid one hand down her back, tracing her spine. Her head dropped back and he moved his lips down her throat again. He nipped at her skin and she groaned. He wanted to claim her, own her.

“You’ll give me everything I want,” he growled against her throat. “Everything.”

“Yes.”

Desire coiled, hot and hard, and his cock throbbed. He hadn’t known he could feel this desperate for a woman.

She made a hungry sound and with a swift move, she knocked him back on the padded bench so Lorenzo fell flat on his back.

When Riley resettled on his hips, her thighs tightened on him, and she shot him a siren smile. He smiled back. Now there was a pretty sight he could get very used to.

She gripped the bottom of her shirt. His eyes were drawn like a magnet to her hands. As she slowly dragged it up, baring her flat stomach, he savored the fire in her eyes. Another inch, and every muscle in his body went tight.

She pulled the shirt off, and then she grabbed his hands and pressed them to her breasts. “Touch me.”

He lifted the weight of her breasts, flicked a finger over one nipple, then the other. She closed her eyes, her hips undulating against him.

“You have no idea how beautiful you are, Riley.”

She leaned down and ran her tongue over his chest. Dio. She was driving him out of his mind. She scraped her nails over his skin, studying each scar, sliding her body lower until her lips met denim.

“You have such a gorgeous body, Lorenzo. Lean but strong. Masculine but sexy.” She flicked open the button on his jeans. “You don’t know how many times I’ve fantasized about it.”

“Tell me.”

She grinned. “In a few of those boring business meetings, I imagined what you’d do if I slid to my knees in front of you—”

Lorenzo cursed. “Funny. I imagined spreading you out on the conference table and—”

“Lorenzo.” Her voice was husky. With shaking fingers, she worked the zipper of his jeans down.

His gut clenched and he hissed. “Careful. If you go too far, my control might get shaky.”

She shot him a smile. “Do you promise?”

His cock sprang into her waiting hands, and she stroked him. Dio, that felt good.

“Goddess,” she breathed. “You’re big.”

With long, slow strokes, she set to work on tormenting him. Lorenzo heard the groans torn from him. Then she scooted back and lowered her head.

“I want to taste you.”

He muttered a curse. When she licked the head of his cock, then sucked him into her mouth, his hips bucked up. He tangled a hand in her hair, and fought not to tug or direct. He moved her hair to the side so he could watch. He swallowed a groan. The sight of her lips wrapped around him…

Riley sucked him harder and his hips jerked, driving his cock further into her mouth. He almost spilled down her throat. “Riley.”

“I love driving you wild,” she said, voice husky.

“I love watching your pretty mouth stretched around my cock.” He gently tugged on her hair. “Riley, the first time, I want to come inside you.”

She rose and shimmied out of her pants. He watched her, feeling like that stallion had earlier. Desperate. He had Riley Donovan naked and he wanted to memorize every moment.

She fished something out of her pocket and held up a small foil packet.

He sat up and together, they removed his jeans and he kicked them away. She looked at him and he grabbed her hand, pulling it to him. As she rolled the condom over him, he gritted his teeth. Then he pulled her back until she straddled him again.

They were chest to chest, face to face, the damp heat of her brushing his cock. They both groaned and he gripped her hips.

“I’m going to fuck you, Lorenzo.” Her hands clamped on his shoulders. “And I promise you’ll love it.”

He stared at his tanned hands resting against the paleness of her skin. “I know I will.”

She lifted her hips.

The broad head of his cock prodded at her. Riley pressed one hand to his shoulder and used it for balance as she lowered herself onto him. He felt her warmth envelop him as his cock breached her.

She gasped. “You’re stretching me.”

“Cazzo.” The word shuddered out of him, followed by a groan.

Inch by inch, she lowered herself onto him. She was hot and tight and wet. He gritted his teeth and willed himself not to move.

Soon, he was fully lodged inside her. His gaze clashed with hers. Her face was strained, hunger etched on it. “How’s it feel, Riley?”

Her hands flexed on his skin. “Good. So good.”

“I want you to ride me until we both go crazy.”

“Yes.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him hard, her tongue sliding against his.

Then she rose up, his aching cock sliding out of her. He sank his hands into the flesh of her ass, then pushed her down.

“Oh,” she gasped.

Dio, it felt so good. He was deep inside her and she clenched around him like a glove. She rose up, then down again.

His hands dug into her skin. “You’re killing me.”

“I’m not done yet.” She started to ride.

He urged her on and she found her pace. As Riley drove herself onto his thick cock, perspiration coated his skin.

Her deep moans made his gut clench. He felt like he was in a fast, hot race. Flesh slapped against flesh, and Lorenzo felt pushed to his limits.

“Riley, what do you want?”

“Fuck me, Lorenzo. Make me come.”

He bucked his hips up to meet her, driving deep inside her. She cried out, her nails scratching his skin.

This wouldn’t be enough. One time with this woman would only leave him wanting more. One day, one week, one year—none of them would cool his need.

Her thighs gripped him and her fingers clutched at his slick skin. Unbearable need tore through him.

“Lorenzo!”

“I’ve got you.” He ran his hand down her belly and between her legs. He found the swollen nub of her clit and rubbed. Riley screamed.

Her climax hit, her back arching and driving him deeper.

“Si, come on my cock, Riley.”

She did, grinding down on him. He held her tight as she convulsed. “Lorenzo!”

Chapter Six

Riley’s body went limp. Lorenzo was holding her safe and tight in his arms, his big body vibrating with tension beneath her.

She slumped forward, nestling her face against his neck. His skin was warm now and glossy with perspiration. But he hadn’t come yet.

She lifted her head. His face was stark with desire, and his dark eyes glittered. “That was…” Hot and cold chills washed over her. So much more than she’d ever dreamed possible.

His hand slid into her hair. “I know.”

“Why haven’t you…?” She trailed off again and moved her hips. His hard erection was still lodged inside her. “Why haven’t you come?”

“Are you okay if I take the top this time?”

She nodded.

His fingers flexed on her skin. “You have to be sure. It’s going to be hard. And rough.”

Oh. Her heart thudded against her ribs. “I’m sure. Really sure.”

He made a growling sound and rose, carrying her with him, and keeping his cock lodged deep in her body. She gasped.

He turned and set her down on the wide table. The wood was cool on her bare skin. God, they were both buck naked in Lorenzo’s kitchen. He pushed her back, his eyes hot as they traced over her breasts, her belly, and down to where his thick cock speared into her.

Then he pushed forward, sinking fully inside her. Riley closed her eyes, her husky cry echoing around them.

He pulled back, his cock sliding over sensitive parts of her. “Eyes, Riley. Look at me.”

She did, and saw scorching desire stamped on his face. He surged forward. Riley gripped the table and wrapped her legs around his waist.

“I’ve never been a gentle man,” Lorenzo ground out as he started thrusting into her. “I wish I could keep this tender—”

“I don’t want tender, I want you. Fuck me, Lorenzo.”

It was like she’d tossed the reins away. He started driving into her, harsh breaths escaping him with each thrust.

Riley cried out, raking her hands over his shoulders. She reached up and gripped his hair, pulling his mouth to hers for a raw kiss. She lifted her hips, meeting each one of his thrusts.

He continued driving into her. This man understood what seethed inside her, understood what it was to hold power. Understood how it felt to live with the agony of loss.

But then all that slipped away and there was only the two of them.

She squeezed down on him and he hammered into her. Sensations broke in Riley and she came again, sinking her teeth into his shoulder.

With a groan, Lorenzo thrust one last time, holding himself deep. He spilled himself inside her and groaned her name.

***

The sound of the wind still roared outside the villa. The sound of their heavy breathing filled the inside.

Lorenzo pressed his face against Riley’s neck, loving the feel of her arms wrapped around him. The smell of her mixed with the scent of sex.

A shadow moved through his contentment. He couldn’t keep her. His duty was to his role as the Keeper of the Winds. He couldn’t leave the island, and Riley’s life was in Virginia. He also knew she loved to travel.

He had to let her go.

She shifted and he pulled back to sit on the bench. “I’ll be back,” he told her. He made a quick trip to the downstairs bathroom to deal with the condom.

When he walked back to her, she didn’t do anything to hide her bold gaze as she took in his naked body. When he sat down, she instantly resettled in his lap.

Those pretty gray eyes focused on him and a sexy smile curved her lips. “I can hear you thinking.”

He could do this. He had to. “There can never be anything between us, Riley. You know that.”

Her smile disappeared. “No. I don’t.”

“My duty must always come first—”

“I’m planning on falling in love with you.”

He sucked in a breath. Her words were a sharp, twisting knife to the gut. He shook his head. “No.”

When he tried to move her off him, she gripped his arms and stayed in place. “I think I started falling the first time you looked at me and scowled. You were this big grumpy bear with shadows in your beautiful brown eyes. I asked Luca that day what the Italian word for bear was.”

She was tearing him open. “Riley…don’t do this.”

“Are you falling in love with me?”

He closed his eyes. “I don’t know what love is. I love my brothers, but my mother died when we were young and my father…”

She sighed, and cupped his cheeks. “Let me show you. Let me show you how I feel.”

“Riley—”

She shifted her hips until his cock was once again nudging between her thighs.

“Condom?” he rasped.

“I’m out.” Her voice was stricken.

“I have some upstairs.” He surged to his feet, carrying her with him. He navigated the house in the dark and soon shouldered into his room. It was better this way because he wanted her in his bed. He would have to show her they had no future, but for now, she was his.

He lowered them to the sheets, moonlight spilling over them.

It took him seconds to grab a foil pack from the bedside table and sheath himself. Once he was sheathed, she lowered herself down with exquisite slowness. Then he was sliding inside her and she moaned.

Sensation tore through him. Dio, he couldn’t resist this small woman.

This time the loving was slow. Desire ebbed and flowed, igniting every nerve. Her hands ran over his back, like she couldn’t get enough of the feel of him.

No one had ever been like this with him. He had a bond with his brothers, would do anything for them, but it wasn’t the same as being linked to one person. Knowing that someone wanted only him, the man, not the Keeper. Now with Riley, he was just a man being loved by a woman.

They were face to face, chest to chest, as close as they could be. He continued to move his hips, continued to slide his cock inside her tight warmth.

He was falling hard for her and he didn’t want to stop.

Suddenly, he felt her skin turn burning hot. Wide, panicked eyes met his. “Lorenzo, my power…I can’t control it.”

“It’s okay, bella.”

“No, quickly, get away from me.” She struggled against him.

He held her tighter, wanted every part of her. He kept thrusting inside her. “It’s okay, Riley. Let it come.”

When she found her release, his climax hit him hard, his cock jetting inside her. He groaned through it.

Then just as he was coming down, the blazing heat of her power poured into him.

His body erupted, pain pouring into his soul. She’d warned him that healing hurt and she hadn’t lied. He groaned and rode the maelstrom down into a dark abyss.

***

Riley held Lorenzo, her chest filled with a mix of heady pleasure, and the strength of his pain.

He convulsed in her arms and she saw every one of his dark memories of his father’s death, suffered every degree of his breath-stealing pain.

“Hold on, baby.” She wanted to race outside and destroy each of the Tempest Winds. But all she could do was offer him this gift of healing. “I’ve got you.”

He collapsed beside her, his head sinking to her shoulder. His chest rose in ragged breaths.

“I worshipped my father.”

She understood. She’d loved her mother so much too.

“The Tempest Winds escaped my uncle and my father was Warrior of the North Wind. He led the fight. The North Wind is always the one to have five sons to inherit the powers of the winds. He fought so hard, fought to protect me…”

She held him tighter. “It wasn’t your fault, Lorenzo. You were a child.”

Goddess, she hated that she’d done this to him. She pressed her cheek to his hair and closed her eyes. Tears slid from her eyes.

“Please, bella, don’t cry.”

“I’m okay.”

“It must be someone else crying then.”

His voice sounded steadier and she lifted her head. “You’re all right?”

“The memories are still there.”

She brushed his hair back from his forehead. “They always will be.”

“But they don’t hurt like they did before. I remember, but the wounds are closed.”

He’d carry the scars from those wounds for eternity, just as she would. They’d made him who he was, but now they wouldn’t haunt him. She inhaled his spicy male scent. The biggest miracle was that in healing Lorenzo, her own pain had dimmed. She thought of her mother and for the first time in years, it was her Ma’s pretty, smiling face she remembered, not her death.

She knew her mother would be happy she’d used her legacy to heal this man.

Suddenly a distant rumble of sound filled the room. Riley felt a flow of power rush over her and she frowned.

Lorenzo sat up, his face hardening. Naked, he climbed out of bed and hurried over to the French doors. Riley pulled the sheet off the bed, wrapped it around her, and followed.

In the distance, she saw a red glow.

He straightened. “It has begun.”

Oh, God. The volcano had erupted.

She heard a scream of sound outside. Suddenly, Lorenzo leaped at her, tackling her to the floor.

The glass doors exploded, glass shattering around them, and a brutal wind screamed inside.

It ripped at her hair and the sheet, chilling her skin. She felt the malevolence it carried, the wickedness, the need to hurt and harm.

Lorenzo rose, pushing through the wind to pull on some clothes. Black jodhpurs and a black shirt.

The Tempest Winds were making a bid for freedom.

Lorenzo spread his feet, standing tall. He lifted his arms.

Another wind raced inside and she felt like she was caught in the middle of a hurricane. She felt his power rise up. She saw his face turn cool and focused. She rose. The wind inside died down, but outside, she saw it racing across the island.

She watched some fence posts tear out of the ground and fly through the air like missiles. They slammed into the side of one of the stables.

Lorenzo snatched out his cellphone. “Luca, it’s begun.”

As he talked with his brother, Riley darted out of his room, careful of the broken glass littered across the floor, and rushed into her room. She yanked on some clothes and shoes. When she returned, Lorenzo was shoving the phone in his pocket and pulling on his boots.

He skewered her with a look. “Stay here and lock yourself in.”

“No.”

“I don’t have time for this, Riley.”

She set her hands on her hips. “I’m not leaving you to face them alone.”

“It is my duty.” He strode up to her, pulling her close. “I don’t want you hurt.”

“I can help.” He opened his mouth to argue, but she cut him off, rising onto her toes and kissing him.

The kiss turned wild, fueled by fear. She pulled back. “I’m coming, Lorenzo. End of argument.”

Chapter Seven

Lorenzo stepped through the doorway to the enclosed stalls, Riley close behind him. The wind still howled, but the Tempest Winds, entrapped in their equine bodies, were silent. But he felt the power humming through the air.

They were waiting for their moment.

He flexed his hand, prepared for anything. One of the horses gave an angry scream, and the sound was eerily human. It kicked against the walls. The other three joined in, smashing their big bodies against their enclosures.

He raised a hand. “Calma.”

But the winds didn’t settle. Instead their frenzied actions increased. He ground his teeth together. “Arresto!”

No reaction. The screams and smashing continued. Then four dark winds flew out of the stalls, squeezing through the air slits. They flew into the room, chaotic and angry, like wild bees on a rampage.

When the darkness flew toward Riley, Lorenzo’s chest contracted. No! An image of her broken, bleeding body flashed into his head and adrenaline surged through him.

He wouldn’t let them take her, too.

He jumped in front of her, threw up his hands, and urged his own power forward. The wind stung his eyes and skin.

Air crashed into air, birthing a small storm packed with primal power.

Madre di Dio! The Tempest Winds were stronger than he’d guessed. All this time, they’d been building their strength beyond what he’d thought possible.

If they were freed…his mind shuddered at the horrible possibilities. He had to stop this.

A plank of wood vibrated off the wall and flew at them. Before he could react, Riley lunged in front of him and the plank smacked into her shoulder.

“Stay back!” he yelled. She had no right to put herself in danger.

She shook her head, her scar stark against her skin. “We’ll fight them together.”

The stables rattled with the force of the wind. Breaking wood screeched overhead. The lights flickered, then went off.

Riley held her hand up. When he saw the ball of fire resting on her slim palm, the flames licking up her arm, his mouth dropped open. Another plank flew at them, illuminated by the firelight.

She threw the ball and the board disintegrated into ash. More debris followed, and each time she burned them to dust.

No one other than his brothers had ever stood at his side. No one had ever tried to stand between him and danger.

With Riley beside him, Lorenzo twirled his hand in the air. A spiraling whirlwind developed in front of him, his power singing through his veins. He thrust out his arm, and directed it toward the dark winds.

A groan of wood filled the air. A beam crashed down from the roof and landed a few feet from them.

“They’re tearing the stables apart.” Riley shot another streak of fire. “We need to free the horses and get out of here.”

Another beam crashed down. It glanced Lorenzo’s shoulder and he staggered under the force. White spots danced in front of his eyes and he fought back the pain.

“I can’t leave.” He was the only thing keeping the winds from escaping. “It’s my duty.”

“Screw your duty.” Riley grabbed his arm. “You can’t do anything if you’re dead!”

***

Riley felt the fear of the terrified horses beating at her. She tried to tug Lorenzo toward the doors, but suddenly the wind died away. It was like stepping into the eye of a hurricane.

Lorenzo slid an arm around her and pulled her closer.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

A frown marred his face. “I don’t know. A new tactic, maybe?”

She stared hard at the stalls. Why had the winds backed off?

Then Lorenzo cried out and dropped to his knees. He pressed his hands over his ears. “No!”

Riley’s heart kicked into overdrive. “What is it?”

“Make them stop!”

She dropped beside him, afraid to touch him. Pain was etched on his face. “Goddess, Lorenzo, tell me what to do.”

“They won’t stop.” His voice cracked.

Now she heard them, four voices carried on the air. The whispers were taunting.

Do you remember when we ripped your father from you? The voice was loud and harsh. You did nothing. We killed him. You should be angry. Let the anger through.

“No…no.” Lorenzo shook his head side to side.

Do you remember staring at your father’s broken body? A different voice this time. You lost your childhood and his love. You deserved better.

Lorenzo was gritting his teeth. Something had nicked his face and blood slid down his cheek.

Riley dropped down beside him. The fucking winds were tormenting him. “Shut up, damn you.” How could she fight them? Wildly, she glanced at the horse stalls. There had to be something she could do to stop this.

Do you remember your life before? Love. Laughter. Fun. This voice was wistful, then turned hard. Do you remember that after it was pain, anger, and duty? Didn’t you want more?

Do you remember the first time you kissed a girl? The first time you were with a woman? This voice was seductive and edged in malice. There was no father to offer advice. No father to care.

They were shoving at his worst wounds. No, you fucking don’t. She’d healed him and she wouldn’t let them drag him back. She gripped Lorenzo’s face and forced him to look at her.

“I’m here with you, Lorenzo. I’m here and I care about you.” She wanted to protect him.

Do you really think you can heal him?

Riley’s head jerked up. A frigid breeze swirled around them and for a second, she thought she saw the shapes of men forming in the wind.

You don’t want to heal. The voice sounded faintly amused. Remember your mother, the stench of her burning flesh. Remember her screams.

Riley’s stomach roiled, bile rose in her throat like acid. Lorenzo wrapped an arm around her.

You did well to embrace your fury. The harsh voice was flooded with approval. It festers and lives inside you. Hold onto it.

Despite Riley’s efforts to remain in control, rage oozed inside her, charring her insides. She did remember, as she had every day for the last twenty-eight years.

You killed them all. Your hands are coated with their blood. They deserved it for what they did to your mother, to you.

Lorenzo lifted his head. “Riley.”

You aren’t worthy of love. He’ll never love you. His duty will always come first.

“Fuck you,” she screamed into the wind.

Lorenzo’s hands tightened on her shoulders. “Leave. I’ll try to stop them.”

He was crazy. Here he was being selfless, like her mother had been right up to the moment they set her alight. True love was sacrifice. True love was being there for the person you loved.

“Forget it. I’m not leaving you.” And screw these mind-messing winds.

She stood and called the Flame. It ignited on both her palms, burning red hot. It chased out the sorrow of her memories. She tossed the flames at the stalls.

“No,” Lorenzo yelled.

The wood caught fire. The flames licked hungrily at the stall and the horse inside squealed. The winds picked up again, tearing through the stables and extinguishing the fire.

Lorenzo snatched Riley up and she found herself tossed over his shoulder. With an arm wrapped around her, he raced for the entrance, fighting the windstorm with each step. Around them, wood splintered and horses screamed.

“The horses.” Riley struggled against him. She could feel the fear of the horses beating at her, warring with the need to get to safety.

He cursed and lowered her to the ground. “We need to get out.”

She couldn’t leave the horses. She pressed a hand against his chest. “Please.”

He muttered a curse, then unlatched the nearest stall’s door. She reached for the next one. Horses thundered out, heading for freedom.

When the last animal was freed, Lorenzo grabbed her hand and they raced outside. The strength of the cold gale tore at them with savage claws.

There was a crash of sound and she saw a patch of roof tear off a building. It flew toward them. Lorenzo dived at her, knocking her to the ground. They rolled across the grass as wood and tiles swept past them.

“Come on!” he yelled.

Holding hands, they ran toward the villa. An uprooted tree rushed at them and they dodged. Next, a fence post swung through the air and they ducked.

Riley realized they weren’t going to make it to the house. “They’re tearing the island apart!”

“The old stable.” Lorenzo waved at the closest building. It was old, but solidly built, and made of stone.

He held her close to his side as they ran. Once inside, he crashed the wooden doors closed.

The sound dulled, but the fury of the winds still roared outside. The empty stable was dark and reeked of rotting wood. Moonlight made a courageous attempt to penetrate the grimy windows.

“What can we do?” she asked.

Lorenzo shoved a hand through his hair. “I can’t stop them by myself. I need my brothers.”

“How long until they arrive?”

His face turned grim. “Too long. I can’t allow the Winds to attack the village or get off the island.”

She swallowed. “So what do we do?”

He lifted his chin. “We do nothing, but I can slow them down and keep them busy until my brothers arrive.”

Dread solidified in her belly. “Sacrifice yourself, you mean.”

He yanked her close and kissed her. “I’ll do whatever I have to do to keep you safe.”

“Lorenzo.” She kissed him back, pouring all her feelings into the kiss.

Suddenly the wind outside cut off, leaving a deafening silence.

“Stay safe, Riley,” he murmured. “You have to stay safe.”

Before she could respond, he turned, striding across the stable. He opened the doors and stepped outside. His gaze caught hers, then he slammed the door closed behind him.

Riley hurried over. Damn, the man. He wasn’t doing this alone.

That’s when she realized he’d barred the door and locked her inside.

Oh, no you don’t. Her eyes narrowed.

Chapter Eight

Dawn’s weak light was creeping over the island as Lorenzo strode out into the open. It illuminated the mess the Tempest Winds had wreaked.

Lorenzo stared at the trees and wreckage strewn across the ground. The roof of the main stable was torn away.

His heart thudded dully in his chest. He would face the winds here, and he knew they were more powerful than they’d ever been.

But he felt different, too. His senses felt more acute, the power in him hotter. Riley had changed him and he felt more alive.

The specter of losing his father still hid in the back of his mind, but it didn’t hurt quite as much. Riley had given him that. He realized the emotion didn’t make him weak, it made him feel stronger. Dio, was this bright, bursting feeling love?

Suddenly a horse broke through the doors of the adjacent stable with a furious scream. The black stallion was big, and its eyes glowed demonic red. It was the one infected by anger.

Lorenzo’s heart hammered, hard and violent. He raised his hands and called his power. He sent it streaming at the horse. The stallion reared and screamed in anger.

Three more massive beasts moved up behind the black stallion—a bay roan, a gray, and a white stallion.

Wind swirled around him like a terrible tornado, picking up speed. He felt sticks and rocks prick at his skin.

The raw power of the Tempest Winds clashed with his wind. His jaw clenched. Too. Strong. He shoved his arms out but his wind was falling under the tempest of his foes.

Suddenly he heard the crackle of flames and the creak of wood. He spun and saw the old stable door was on fire. Riley stomped through the flames like a goddess on a mission of vengeance. No.

“Do not ever lock me in again.” She strode up to him.

“I want you safe.”

“So, let’s fight these bastards…together.”

The black stallion screamed and rushed forward. Riley ran to meet it, leaping between the horse and Lorenzo.

“Riley!” He knew what she was trying to do. Trying to connect with the beast, even knowing what lived inside it. Trying to reach the poor creature that had become evil’s prison.

It wouldn’t work. The horse’s rage flooded the air with the need to conquer and destroy.

Sharp hooves slammed close to Riley. Time slowed, like some god had messed with the clock. Lorenzo charged and knocked her out of the way.

They stumbled but Riley spun and thrust her hands out. Flames flickered on her arms, and a searing flash of red light blasted out. For a second, Lorenzo thought he heard the distant symphony of voices raised in chant. The light was so bright he had to shield his eyes.

His vision cleared and he saw the black horse standing there, docile and dazed, tears streaming from its red eyes. He knew it wouldn’t stay quiet for long.

“Riley—”

“Don’t tell me to run. We fight.” Her gray eyes blazed with flames.

He nodded. He poured all the power he had into the wind and beside him, Riley sent ball after ball of flames at the circling horses.

Lorenzo had no idea how long they fought. He spun, dodged projectiles carried on the wind, watched Riley sear several of the Tempest horses. She was incredible, a pint-sized superhero who never once faltered.

But exhaustion was threatening and he saw Riley’s fire was losing power. Her sweat-damp hair was slicked back against her head, her face pale. His own muscles were burning from exhaustion, and his wind was sluggish to respond.

They couldn’t hold them back much longer.

You thought you could protect her? You thought we would let you keep what you love?

The whispers were like a dark frenzy in his ears. No. He turned to look at Riley, but for a second, he was a boy again, watching his father ripped away from him.

A funnel of wind appeared and caught Riley. She screamed and was lifted off the ground.

“Riley!” He sprinted toward her.

She was dropped on the ground and she rolled several times. Suddenly, the white stallion charged through the wind and flames.

Right at Riley.

Lorenzo ran, his heart lodged in his throat. He wasn’t a helpless boy anymore and Riley was his. He threw his arms out.

His wind slammed into the horse, sending it off balance.

But one hoof still hit Riley and sent her rolling.

Lorenzo skidded to his knees beside her. She lay motionless on the ground. Her eyes were closed and her lips were blue.

“No.” With frantic hands, he pressed two fingers to her throat and a palm to her chest. A fluttering pulse tickled his fingers, but her chest was still.

She wasn’t breathing.

Without another glance at the winds, he leaned down and pressed his lips to Riley’s. He forced air into her lungs. He did it again, praying, begging, for her to breathe on her own.

“Breathe, Riley.” He clutched her face in his hands. “Breathe, damn you.”

She needed air and he was the master of it, yet all he could do was force the tiniest breath into her lungs.

“Please,” he whispered.

When she coughed, dizziness overwhelmed him. He pressed his hands against her chest, and felt it rise and fall.

The sound of clapping had his head jerking up.

The stallions were gone. Four well-built men stood in front of the stables, lit by the morning sun. The one clapping had a tough face and a dark beard. The two men flanking him were tall and lean, one with a fall of silver-blond hair brushing his shoulders, the other had a shaved head.

“A great show, Keeper,” the bearded man said with a final clap. “Nothing like watching a Keeper forsake his duty for love.”

Riley sat up and when she saw the men, she stilled. “The Tempest Winds?”

Lorenzo nodded, failure a heavy load on his shoulders. The Tempest Winds were free.

With an arm across Riley’s back, he helped her to her feet. He pulled her tight against his side, angling his body between her and the men.

“The emotion on your face when she fell was incredible, Keeper. The shock, the anger, the fear.”

Lorenzo stared at the bearded Caecius, the Northeast wind, and leader of the Tempest Winds. He was also the holder of anger, and renowned for his vicious temper.

“Aren’t you going to introduce your friend?” The final man spoke from where he leaned against the stable wall, a smile flirting on his lips. He was striking, with dark hair and a handsome face. He looked like he’d stepped out of a painting by some Italian master. His gaze raked over Riley. “She’s quite a specimen.”

Lorenzo ignored Corus, holder of lust and the Northwest wind. His mind whirled. How far away were his brothers? The winds were free and there was nothing he could do to stop them. The gods help them all.

Caecius looked out into the brightening morning, an eager smile on his face. “I regret we must be leaving now.”

“My brothers will hunt you. You won’t get far.”

One of the men beside Caecius laughed. His too-pretty face and long mane of blond hair told Lorenzo he was Africus, holder of pride and the Southwest wind. “The Warriors of the Wind don’t scare us. We’ve had many years to contemplate how to defeat our rivals. We know their weaknesses.”

A bitter taste filled Lorenzo’s mouth. His brothers were powerful and would hunt down the winds. But he knew that now the Tempest Winds were free, his brothers would be susceptible to the dark vices the wind carried.

The so-far silent man with the shaved head stepped forward—Apeliotus, keeper of greed and the Southeast wind. “Let us leave this place.”

“Not until the Keeper watches his woman die.” Caecius’ eyes glittered.

Lorenzo’s muscles locked and his hands curled into fists. There was no way he’d let them touch Riley.

***

“You kept us imprisoned,” Caecius said. “I have a score to settle.”

“Do your worst, asshole.” Riley stepped forward, fire igniting on her palms. “If you think I’m some hand-wringing damsel, I’ll have to help you reevaluate.”

Then Riley felt a whisper of power along her senses. Her pulse leaped. What was that?

Lorenzo moved closer to her, lowering his voice. “My brothers are close. Help me keep the Tempest Winds busy until they arrive.”

She smiled at her man. “I thought you’d never ask.” She spun and tossed a torrent of fire at Caecius.

With a shout, the man dived out of the way. Wind blew up, harsh and biting, and she watched Lorenzo meet it with his.

“I need some height,” she yelled at him, both her hands glowing.

Lorenzo used his power and lifted her into the air. She kept her arms out. Wow. She felt like she was flying. She threw more fire down at the four Tempest Winds, watching them roll and dive.

Apeliotus sprinted toward Riley and waved his arm. A beam from the ruined stable picked up, flew through the air, aiming right for her. Uh, oh.

Lorenzo moved her and her body jerked. The beam shot past her and she blew out a breath.

But she saw Africus charge at Lorenzo, knocking him down. The wind holding her up cut off and Riley plummeted. She squeezed her eyes closed.

Strong arms caught her. “Oof!”

She looked up into Lorenzo’s strained face.

“You okay?”

She nodded. “Thanks.”

They both looked up and saw the four Tempest Winds closing in on them. Caecius had a dark smile on his face.

Suddenly wind whistled around them and a dark cloud swept in between Lorenzo and Riley, and the Tempest Winds. Hail slammed down around them, hitting the winds but leaving Riley and Lorenzo untouched.

The darkness materialized into a tall, broad-shouldered form.

Luca Venti straightened, wearing dark trousers and a crisp white shirt. His dark hair had a curl to it and fell over a hard-edged face dominated by ice-blue eyes. His intense gaze zeroed in on the Tempest Winds.

“This ends here,” he said in a deep voice that vibrated with power.

Behind the Tempest Winds, three more forms materialized and she recognized the powerful forms of Dante, Antonio, and Soren Venti.

The Venti men all looked alike—olive skin, patrician noses, dark hair curling around their handsome faces—and there was no doubting they were brothers. Lorenzo was more of a loner and more rugged than his brothers. Luca was raw power and liked to be in charge, while Antonio was the charmer with the face of a dark angel. Dante was the easy-going outdoorsman, and Soren was the smart one who lived for wheeling and dealing.

“No, Warrior of the North Wind,” Africus said, smiling. “It is only the beginning.”

“This time you’ll lose this fight,” Caecius drawled. “Past Warriors have only succeeded because they were aided by the Aurae.”

“Aurae?” Riley murmured.

“Keepers of the Seasonal Breezes,” Lorenzo said. “Female warriors with the ability to calm the dark vices of the wind. And potential mates to the Warriors of the Wind.”

“But the Aurae are all gone.” Caecius sounded very sure, his smile mean. “They are dead.”

Lightning split the air with a flash of light and a deafening crack. Riley looked up and saw black clouds boiling and churning overhead.

“Enough.” Luca lifted a hand and then slashed it down. Lumps of hail hammered down at the Tempest Winds like missiles.

Wind blew and the clouds opened, drenching them in rain. Lorenzo pressed Riley to the ground as the Warriors battled the Tempest Winds, shielding her with his body.

“Lorenzo!” Dante’s yell. “The village.”

Riley and Lorenzo looked up, and Riley gasped. A huge tornado was racing across the hills, heading toward the village.

Both of them leaped up, sprinting toward the tempest. They dodged the fighting, pushing against the brutal wind. Lorenzo raised his arms, trying to push the tornado out to sea.

She watched his face turn pale, lines bracketing his mouth. She pressed her hands to his back. “Lorenzo.”

“Can’t…shift it.” He gritted his teeth and threw his arms out straight. “It’s too strong.”

God, those poor people. She bit her lip. A pained cry was ripped from Lorenzo and when she looked at his face, she saw blood dripping from his nose.

He was killing himself. “Lorenzo!” She spun and saw Luca nearby, the oldest Venti’s eyes were glowing an unearthly blue. “Luca! Help!”

Chapter Nine

Lorenzo pushed everything he had into his wind. He had to stop the tempest. He had to save all those innocent people.

“Lorenzo, stop!”

Fingers digging into his arm. A familiar female voice.

He blinked. Riley.

“Forget the Tempest Winds,” Luca shouted at his brothers. “We all have to work together to stop the tempest heading for the village.”

Lorenzo’s brothers surrounded him, and Riley pressed close to his side. He and his brothers lifted their arms.

Their combined power swirled together and hit the tornado. The wild column wobbled and then was swept off its path and down to the beach. It hit the water, churning and wild. A huge wave rose up and crashed back to the shore spraying them all with water.

Suddenly, there was quiet. Looking up, Lorenzo saw the black clouds dissipating and a streak of sunshine peeking through.

Riley swung around to face him, her soaked hair was plastered to her head. “Are you okay?”

He nodded and checked her over. “You?” It would be a long time before he stopped seeing her lying motionless on the grass, not breathing.

Then she stiffened and looked over her shoulder. “They’re gone.”

He followed her gaze. The Tempest Winds were gone. He looked to the sky. “There.” He pointed to the north.

A stream of darkness marred the sky, like a cloud of dark insects.

“We’ll go after them,” Luca said. “We’ll hunt them down.”

Lorenzo closed his eyes. He’d failed. He’d let them escape.

Luca clamped a hand on his shoulder. “They were too strong, mio fratello. Stromboli gave them too much power.”

He nodded but he knew the situation was grim. “Something’s different this time, Luca. They’re more cunning, they’re thinking, planning.”

“They will split up,” Luca said. “They always do. They’ll be less powerful alone and easier for us to catch.”

“They mentioned the Aurae,” Lorenzo said. Their mother had been Aurae, but she’d gotten sick when they were all young and died. Their father had still grieved for her before his own death.

Luca nodded, his jaw tightening. “I have had people searching…we’ve had no contact with any Aurae for almost thirty years.”

Dread trickled into Lorenzo. Since their mother had died.

“So they’ve died out?” Dante asked.

“I don’t know,” Luca said. “But it doesn’t matter, we will stop the Tempest Winds.”

“Luca,” Soren said. “The vices the winds carry will start to affect us. It was only the Aurae that enabled past Warriors to win against the Tempest Winds.”

“We will stop them.” Luca’s tone was unyielding. His blue gaze settled on Lorenzo. “In the meantime, rebuild your island, Lorenzo, and be ready to trap them again.”

Lorenzo nodded. “I will. But first, there is something more important I have to take care of.”

Luca raised a brow. “Oh?”

Lorenzo turned and swept Riley into his arms. She gasped, her hands gripping his shoulders. He took her mouth with his.

The taste of her flooded him and he deepened the kiss. She made a hungry sound, winding her arms around him, and kissing him back.

When he finally raised his head, her face was flushed and she looked a little dazed. He heard his brothers chuckling and Antonio whistled. Even Luca had a small smile on his face.

“I have an announcement,” Lorenzo said.

“You’ve decided being a grouchy loner isn’t the best path in life?” Antonio asked.

Lorenzo shot his brother a mock-scowl. “I’m falling in love with Riley.”

His brothers all smiled and Riley stared at him. “Really?”

He lowered his forehead to hers. “I am. Ti amo, Riley. You’ve filled me with a warmth that was missing from my life.”

She pressed a hand to his cheek. “I love you, Lorenzo. Every grumpy inch of you.”

“Be mine? Show me what our life could be.”

“I’m already yours. And we’ll work out this love thing together.”

Luca cleared his throat and gave Lorenzo a rare smile. “Congratulations. Both of you.”

Lorenzo pulled his woman closer, staring into her smiling face. “Sorry, Luca, you’re going to have to find a new trainer for the American arm of Island of the Wind Estates. This one’s mine.”

***

Riley led the young, feisty colt across the yard, the Mediterranean sun was warm on her skin.

Work was going on all around Isola del Vento to repair the damage the Tempest Winds had left behind. Shiny new fences were up and people crawled all over the largest stable building, hammering and sawing as they replaced the roof.

She took the colt into one of the newly re-built stables and when she headed out, she heard more hammering from nearby. She rounded the building and spied Lorenzo ahead.

Her man was stripped to the waist, working on repairing a fence.

Her heart skipped a beat. It had been two weeks since they’d started their tumble into love with each other, in the middle of a tempest.

She hated that the Tempest Winds were free, and she knew that weighed on him, but the rest of the time, life was pretty darn awesome. They were both gorging on each other, on living and loving, and moving on from the pain and violence of their pasts.

Riley watched him bend down and reach for some nails, enjoying the flex of muscles covered in smooth bronze skin. She smiled. She was pretty sure her Ma would approve.

She headed over to him. “Nothing like a shirtless hunk of Italian sexiness to brighten a girl’s day.”

He turned and smiled. He was doing that more often. Oh, he was still her Signor Orso sometimes—the man had grumpy brooding down to a fine art when it suited him. But she didn’t want to change him. No, she loved him just as he was.

Lorenzo wrapped an arm around her. She pressed her palms to his slick chest. “Hey, you’re all sweaty.”

“Part of the Italian hunk package.” His mouth took hers, hard and sure.

She moaned, sliding her tongue against his. It didn’t matter how many times they kissed, or made love, her desire for him was as hot as a flame.

He pulled back, rubbing his nose against hers. But then she saw his gaze go over her shoulder, looking north toward the mainland and his face turned serious.

Riley knew he worried about his brothers and their dangerous hunt. She’d woken quite a few nights to find him awake and staring out the window.

“They’ll be okay,” she murmured.

“Still no news. Luca and the others are running themselves into the ground hunting.” His tone was dark.

“They’ll find them. I know your brothers, Luca best of all, and my money is on them.”

“The Tempest Winds are stronger this time, Riley.” His dark eyes were troubled. “And they’re starting to spread the vices and affect people.”

She’d seen the news. There were reports of increased riots, assaults and thefts all across Italy.

“It’ll start with Italy and then it will spread.” He shook his head. “It’s affecting my brothers, too. I can hear it in their voices. Luca’s temper is worse than ever, and even easy-going Dante is feeling the taint of pride.”

She tightened her arms around him, offering what comfort she could. “We’ll be here for them, Lorenzo. No matter what.”

He buried his face in her hair and held on.

“Is the Keeper of the Winds not affected by the vices?” she asked.

“I was affected. You heard the whispers.”

She studied him. “But you fought off the effects quite easily.”

He stilled, his gaze on her face. “You’re right.” Hope leaped in his eyes. “I think I have you to thank for that.”

“Me?”

“Maybe it has something to do with your powers,” he said. “Or it’s possible you have some Aurae blood.”

Her eyebrows rose. “Not that I know of.”

“It could be diluted. But maybe that’s enough.” His face turned considering. “I need to do some research, and see if I can find a way to help my brothers.” He pulled her closer. “Whatever the reason, if you weren’t a confident, stubborn, pushy woman, I would have kept ignoring you.”

She snorted. “I would not have allowed that, Signor Orso.”

He mock-growled, kissing her neck and making her squirm. His hands slid down and cupped her ass, pulling her closer. She felt the hard ridge of his erection against her belly and she jumped up, wrapping her legs around his hips.

Lorenzo walked into the nearest empty stable. He shouldered into an empty stall covered in fresh hay and laid her down.

As she breathed in the familiar scent of hay, he lowered his big body to cover hers. She felt his hands tugging at her jeans.

“Mine,” he said against her skin, his hands shoving her jeans down. “My other half, my perfect match, my mate.”

She gripped his bare shoulders. “Mine.”

Whatever the future brought, they’d face it together. But right now, Riley was ready to make her own tempest with the Keeper of the Winds who’d captured her heart and soul.

–

I hope you enjoyed Lorenzo and Riley’s story!

The stories of the Warriors of the Wind were some of the first stories I ever wrote and published. I wanted to mix action, mythology, and romance into sexy, short reads. I am so excited to have the chance to give them a little polish and release them again.

Warriors of the Wind continues with STORM & SEDUCTION, which contains two novellas, one starring Dante Venti, Warrior of the South Wind, and the other starring Antonio Venti, Warrior of the West Wind. Read on for a preview of the first scenes of both stories in Storm & Seduction.

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Preview: Storm

(from Storm & Seduction)

The hunt had begun.

Dante Venti stood at the top of the Spanish Steps, Rome spread out before him. The wind swirled around his body, carrying the noises and scents of the Eternal City.

He lifted one hand and waved toward the night-shrouded buildings. The wind hurried to obey his order, searching for any sign of his prey.

Power pumped through his veins. Like his father and grandfather before him, he was a Warrior of the Wind, one of five brothers gifted with the power of the wind. Since the day he’d inherited his power, he’d been the Warrior of the South Wind.

His warm breeze brought back the blaring horns of the frantic Rome traffic, the laughter of late night diners, the exclamations of wandering tourists, and the whispers of lovers.

It also brought him the taint of his foe.

You’re better than them. The sly, nasty voice slid inside Dante’s head. Why do you waste your time protecting them? Succumb and accept your true power.

“There you are.” Dante ignored the ugly whispers, but he knew there wasn’t much time. He felt it inside him, each beat of his heart like the ticking of a clock.

Two weeks ago, the evil Tempest Winds had escaped from their prison warden, Dante’s brother Lorenzo, the Keeper of the Winds. Lorenzo had fought hard but the eruption of the Stromboli volcano had fueled the Tempest Winds.

Now they were free.

The news was filled with reports of the havoc the Tempest Winds were spreading. They carried dark vices and they were starting to infect whoever they could. Dante and his brothers were hunting them, had gone without sleep for days, but the fucking Winds were proving to be very cunning.

But Dante was close to finding his adversary. Somewhere in the twists and turns of Rome’s streets lurked Africus—the Southwest wind and keeper of its dark vice of pride. Dante eyed the group of tourists gathered at the bottom of the steps, eating gelato and snapping photos, unaware of the danger bearing down on them.

But humans weren’t the only ones susceptible. Dante already felt the pull of pride inside, heard the ugly whispers on the wind. That was the weakness of the Warriors…they were even more susceptible to the vices.

Starting down the steps, Dante turned his focus to his prey. He would scour Rome until he found Africus and destroyed him. Once all four Tempest Winds were released from their human bodies, the Warriors of the Wind could entrap them again.

Dante pushed through the throng of tourists.

So many people with nothing better to do than eat, gawk, and take photographs. They knew nothing of holding power, of keeping others safe.

Dio. He cut off the thoughts, turning into a busy piazza. It was pride speaking, not him. His hands flexed.

A fountain bubbled in the center of the cobblestone square and the restaurants lining it were pulsing with diners enjoying their meals, wine, and espressos. The sound of crashing plates and raised voices caught his attention. Across the piazza, he saw two men swinging punches. One tackled another to the ground, a woman screamed.

Dante’s gaze drifted beyond the fight. In the shadow of the fountain, he saw a tall man with shoulder-length blond hair watching the conflict. Dante stiffened.

Africus.

Moving fast, Dante headed for the Tempest Wind. But before he reached him, the brawling men and their onlookers barreled into his path.

He felt their boiling emotions. Hatred and anger twined with pride. Africus was feeding them, encouraging the fight.

“I’ll make you wish you hadn’t insulted my country.” A short, stocky man with a heavy British accent swung a fist at a taller Italian man.

The tall man dodged. “You come here and enjoy our country, then insult our women.” The man dived, taking the other to the ground in a tangle of limbs and curses.

The dark energy spilled into Dante, flooding his system.

Dio. Indecision vibrated through him. He wanted to skirt the fight and attack Africus, but he needed to stop the men.

The fight escalated, the sound of flesh hitting flesh filling the square. The others watching started to feel the infection of pride, their shouts growing angry. A darker part of Dante urged him to ignore these small humans who were beneath his notice.

The smell of blood rose up. No! Dante couldn’t let them kill one another.

Let them. They deserve it. Dante looked up and his gaze clashed with Africus’. The blond Wind smiled.

Dammit. He wasn’t like Africus. Dante leaned down and ripped the brawlers apart.

Tossing the local to the side, Dante waved a hand and barked in Italian. Then he gripped the smaller tourist by the scruff of his shirt, dangling his feet an inch off the ground. The man’s right eye was swelling closed and his split lips were bleeding.

“I suggest you get your wife and leave.” Dante thrust the man toward a woman wringing her hands under the awning of a restaurant.

The man scowled and opened his mouth.

Dante straightened to his full six feet two inches. “Go.”

The man swallowed, then grabbed his weeping wife and left. The crowd dissipated.

The situation diffused, Dante swung back to the fountain. Africus was gone.

Cazzo. Dante’s jaw throbbed from clenching his teeth. He sent out the wind, hoping his enemy hadn’t gone far. But the wind brought him back multiple trails.

Africus was getting smarter. He was leaving false trails for Dante all over the city. Jaw tight, Dante headed through the square and into a narrow alley. He had to find his prey’s true trail.

Suddenly, a cold wind swirled up around him, ruffling his hair. He paused and watched a darkness appear in front of him. It coalesced into the tall, broad form of a man.

“Mio fratello,” Dante said, so damn glad to see his older brother.

Luca pulled him in for a quick hug. “I sensed a spike in your power.”

Dante pulled in a deep breath. “Africus was here. He got away.”

“We don’t have much time.”

“I know,” Dante replied. “I’ll find him.”

Dante looked at his brother. They could have been twins with their big muscled builds and dark curly hair. But Luca was the oldest Venti brother, and he had a far quicker temper than Dante. Clothed in his designer suit, a white shirt stark against his bronze skin, and cufflinks winking at his wrists, Luca looked like the billionaire CEO he was…until you looked into his hard face and blue eyes. Then you could see the Warrior of the North Wind.

“Caecius has left Rome and gone north.” Luca turned, his blue eyes ice cold. “I’ll follow him, find the bastardo, and end him.”

Caecius was the Northeast wind and keeper of anger. Dante studied his brother. Luca looked calm and controlled, until you looked at his hands. They were clenched into fists, his knuckles white.

Luca would never succumb to anger. Dante knew his brother was as stubborn as he was strong. Dante wanted to share that he could feel the pride building in him, filling him with thoughts that horrified him…but he wouldn’t burden Luca.

Dante clasped his brother’s shoulder. “And I’ll beat Africus. How are Antonio and Soren going with the hunt?”

“Antonio knows his quarry is in Florence. He’s trying to flush him out.” A muscle in Luca’s jaw clenched. “Soren’s gone north to Como on the trail of his wind.”

“The Tempest Winds have never hidden like this before.” Worry nipped at Dante with sharp teeth. He carried the memories of his Warrior of the Wind ancestors. He remembered all the times over the centuries their foe had escaped. They usually hit hard, spreading their vices as hard and fast as they could. “It feels like Africus is toying with me, taunting me.”

Luca’s frown deepened. “Brute force didn’t work for them in the past. I think this time they’re being more cunning.”

“I spoke with Lorenzo today,” Dante said.

Luca made a noise. “So he wasn’t busy kissing my horse trainer?”

Dante smiled. “You’re just mad he stole your American horse trainer and now you have to hire a replacement.”

“And no one is as good with horses as Riley. Still, I’m glad Lorenzo found love.” Luca shook his head. “It isn’t for me, but I can see that Riley has soothed some of Lorenzo’s sharp, brooding edges.”

“He told me he thinks Riley has Aurae blood.”

“What?” Luca’s head whipped around. “All my evidence points to the keepers of the seasonal breezes being extinct.”

In the past, the Warriors of the Wind had an advantage—the Aurae. Warrior women who controlled the seasonal breezes, and who were potential mates.

“He’s not sure, but he thinks that mixed with her other supernatural heritage is Aurae blood. That’s why they were so drawn to each other. She is his true mate.”

Luca sucked in a breath. “I have no desire for a mate, but if there are still Aurae in existence, they could help us in this battle.”

Suddenly Dante felt a ripple of something in the air. He narrowed his gaze. “Africus is causing trouble again. I have to go.”

“Be careful, Dante.”

“You too, mio fratello.” He clasped Luca’s arm. “Good hunting.”

With a nod, Luca turned away and summoned his power. Dante felt the icy prickle of the cold North Wind. He watched his brother’s big body dissolve, turning into the wind itself. Then Luca was gone.

As Dante moved deeper through the back alleys of Rome, the whispers in his head grew.

You’re better, stronger, more powerful. Humans are ants beneath your feet. Embrace your power and do as you please.

He gritted his teeth and kept moving. Dio, he wished he was in his office in the shipyard at Naples. Or better yet, out on the deck of one of his container ships, supervising the loading, the salty sea air in his face. He much preferred the challenge of his job at Venti Shipping to the bustle of Rome.

Do as you please. Take what you want. You deserve it.

Dio, he was tempted. Just walk away and go back to his ships and his weekends spent out on his yacht.

Fuck. In an empty alleyway, he pressed his back against the brick wall of a building. It was the pride talking. He would remain in control. Scraping a hand over his face, he closed his eyes. Tiredness rode him hard. He hadn’t slept in three days.

He had to stop Africus before pride drove him mad.

Stalking down the darkened street, he moved farther from the crowds. The quiet helped soothe his ragged nerves. His wind came back to him, carrying Africus’ stench. His shoulders tensed and he followed, turning through the maze of city streets. It wasn’t long before he realized his wind had led him to the Forum.

Once the heart of the Roman Empire, it was now an amazing collection of ruined temples and buildings. In his mind, he recalled the memory of a previous Warrior of the Wind, and saw what it had looked like in its heyday. Exquisite temples with rows of columns, travertine paving and crowds jostling to greet their emperor.

In modern times, it still bustled with crowds, but tour groups instead of citizens. At this time of night, it was empty and dark.

He moved with silent steps, not wanting to alert his target. His warm southern wind brushed over him, and warned him that someone lurked in the shadows.

Dante paused. It wasn’t the Tempest Wind. It was someone else.

He tensed and waited. Seconds turned to minutes. Nothing.

The sense of danger melted away. With a frown, Dante moved forward. Who would be stalking him other than his enemy?

He continued deeper into the Forum.

Afraid of the shadows, Warrior? Why should you, someone so powerful, be afraid?

Dante ignored the voice drifting on the wind. Ahead, he saw a flicker of movement in the darkness. For a second, he spotted a lithe figure moving in the shadows. When he looked again, he saw nothing.

But someone or something was watching him.

He called the wind. It grew up around him, hot and scorching, carrying a hint of far-off deserts. It ruffled his hair and caught at his clothes.

Then a body came out of nowhere and leaped at him.

Dante didn’t have time to react. His attacker slammed into his chest and the momentum took him down. Dante’s back hit the dirt, the air rushing out of him. A long, slim figure pressed two knees into his chest.

He felt the sting of cool metal against his throat.

Preview: Seduction

(from Storm & Seduction)

He was naked and chained to a wall.

Antonio Favonius Venti shook off the fog clouding his head and yanked on his arms. Cazzo. Where the hell was he? The silver chains wrapped around his wrists rattled, but held him firm.

Dio. The restraints had been designed for a supernatural being with superior strength. And that included him.

He shook his aching head, trying to remember what had happened. He’d left a party at the museum, and then headed out to hunt his enemy. He lifted his head and eyed his prison. It was a damn elegant one. The bedroom was decorated in an ornate style—silver and black wallpaper and an elaborate four-poster bed with red covers.

Memories poured in. Chasing Corus through the twisting streets of Florence. The Northwest wind was a cunning bastardo. For the last few weeks, he’d eluded Antonio while infecting the people of Florence with the vice of lust.

Antonio sagged in the chains, his chin touching his chest. The rise in sexual assaults alone… His throat tightened. He had to stop Corus. It was his duty as a Warrior of the Wind.

He’d cornered Corus in the Piazza della Signoria. The Tempest Wind had been raping a woman. Oh, she’d appeared to be enjoying it, but Corus had the power to make people want things they didn’t truly desire. Antonio’s fingers curled into fists. He knew that all too well.

He’d ripped Corus off the woman, but high on lust, Corus had caught Antonio with a huge gust of wind and knocked him out.

Now Antonio was trapped.

But not for much longer, dammit. He summoned his wind.

Air swirled around him, the West Wind filling the room. It was familiar, carrying the brisk scent of ocean from the Atlantic, and the warmth and promise of the spring.

Like his brothers, like their father and grandfather before them, he was a Warrior of the Wind and he existed to hunt the evil Tempest Winds.

The chains rattled and Antonio pushed with all his strength. His power swelled inside him and he felt the metal give. An inch. Two. He thrust with everything he had.

Nothing. They wouldn’t budge any farther. Cursing, he cut his power and the wind died away.

Before he could regroup, the door opened.

The man who stepped inside gave Antonio the eerie feeling of staring in the mirror. Strong jaw, straight nose, and a muscled frame. But his dark, curly hair was longer than Antonio’s, and instead of green eyes, this man’s were black, soulless pits.

As the man stepped forward, the atmosphere in the room grew warmer. A lazy push of air curled around Antonio, carrying the scent of sex. Two women stepped in behind the man. They wore very little—only wispy scraps of black lace. The blonde had a long winsome body with slim legs and small, high breasts. The redhead had the lush curves of an artist’s muse. Antonio smelled warm female flesh and arousal.

He swallowed hard and spat out the man’s name. “Corus.”

Corus smiled, rolling up the sleeves of his white shirt. “Such venom, Antonio. You should think of me as a friend. We’re the same, you and I.”

“We’re nothing alike.” Antonio jerked against his bindings. It was the truth. He had to believe it.

Corus stalked closer. “Our winds both carry lust. I embrace it.” He reached for the blonde and cupped one of her breasts. She arched into him with a purr. “And you want to embrace it.”

Antonio’s chest heaved. Since the Tempest Winds had escaped from his brother, Lorenzo, the Keeper of the Winds, they’d started spreading their vices. Antonio had been inundated with the heat of lust. His wind carried the promise of new life, and that made him more susceptible to Corus.

For almost three weeks, his skin had been tight and hot, his gut churning with the need for release, his cock semi hard all day long. He was balanced on the edge of giving into the seductive vice. “I fight it. I’ll always fight it.”

“Why not give in?” Corus ran a finger over Antonio’s shoulder. “It’ll make you stronger. You won’t have the agony of battling your desires. Slake the lust, Antonio. It feels so good.”

Antonio tore his gaze away from the Tempest Wind. He stared at the silver swirls on the wallpaper, but Corus’ words dug under his skin. Antonio wanted, he craved. He yearned for sweet, feminine skin. To press his lips between a woman’s fragrant thighs and feast. To bury his cock in tight, wet warmth.

Dammit, control yourself. Air sawed in and out of his lungs. He heard the taunting whispers in his ear, carried by Corus’ wind. Every hour of every day since the Tempest Winds had escaped, those whispers had been tormenting him.

And if he gave in…then Corus won. Antonio would turn as rotten as Corus and lust would infect Florence, then Italy, then Europe. The tourists would carry it around the world like a virus and the entire planet would descend into lust-fueled chaos.

The redhead slinked closer, like a hungry lioness, her green gaze locked on him. He tensed.

She ran a long red nail down the center of his bare chest.

“Why not let them take care of you?” Corus’ tone lowered. “Katya has a mouth from heaven and Nadine loves to fuck. Any hole, any position, any time.”

Antonio gritted his teeth. The woman fingered the hard ridges of his stomach and dammit, her touch felt good.

He couldn’t succumb. Not for an all-too-brief moment of pleasure. “Africus has already been defeated in Rome.” Antonio pulled strength from the fact his brother, Dante, had already defeated his Tempest Wind. “I will banish you. I swear.”

As the woman grasped Antonio’s hardening cock, he closed his eyes and swallowed a groan. His thoughts went to the one person he wished was touching him like this.

Luscious curves, a foxy face with a stubborn chin, large blue eyes and a full mouth a little too wide for true beauty. His forbidden temptation.

A woman with a passionate love for art that rivaled his own and a brilliant skill at restoring damaged paintings. A woman who’d made it very clear when she’d arrived from the US three months ago to work at his museum that she had no interest in men—especially wealthy, privileged men. A woman who wanted to uncover secrets Antonio didn’t want revealed.

Still, the thought of her and her fresh, floral scent was enough for him to regain a tiny scrap of control. He kicked out and caught Corus. The man stumbled sideways, knocking the redhead away from Antonio.

Corus righted himself and sighed. He grabbed a handful of Antonio’s hair and yanked his head up. “I will break you, Warrior.” The friendly tone was gone, replaced with a cold, dark voice. “And I think I know just the thing to do it.”

He spun and barked at the women. Abruptly, the trio left, the door slamming shut behind them.

Antonio sagged, letting the chains take his weight. He welcomed the sharp pain as they dug into his wrists. His skin felt sensitized, the blood in his veins hot and pounding. The air was saturated with lust, and filled with whispers. Touch yourself, work your cock, find sweet release.

He was at the very edge of his control.

The door opened again and he tensed.

A large man backed in carrying something in his arms. He didn’t look at Antonio, just dumped his cargo on the blood-red covers and left.

Antonio stared. Every muscle in his body tightened, so hard it was painful. His gaze traced the naked curves of the unconscious woman’s body. Slim limbs, curvy hips, beautiful full breasts topped with cherry-pink nipples. Her dark hair fell over her face, hiding her features.

Oh, no. He didn’t need to see her face. Her scent teased him. Like a spring meadow in full bloom.

The newest employee at Museo Venti—Dr. Sophia Crane.

Corus had just locked Antonio naked in a room with his greatest temptation.

Warriors of the Wind

Tempest

Storm & Seduction

Fury & Darkness

In the aftermath of a deadly alien invasion, a band of survivors fights on…

In a world gone to hell, Elle Milton—once the darling of the Sydney social scene—has carved a role for herself as the communications officer for the toughest commando team fighting for humanity’s survival—Hell Squad. It’s her chance to make a difference and make up for horrible past mistakes…despite the fact that its battle-hardened commander never wanted her on his team.

When Hell Squad is tasked with destroying a strategic alien facility, Elle knows they need her skills in the field. But first she must go head to head with Marcus Steele and convince him she won’t be a liability.

Marcus Steele is a warrior through and through. He fights to protect the innocent and give the human race a chance to survive. And that includes the beautiful, gutsy Elle who twists him up inside with a single look. The last thing he wants is to take her into a warzone, but soon they are thrown together battling both the alien invaders and their overwhelming attraction. And Marcus will learn just how much he’ll sacrifice to keep her safe.

Hell Squad

Marcus

Cruz

Gabe

Reed

Roth

Noah

Shaw

Holmes

Niko

Finn

Devlin

Theron

Hemi

Also by Anna Hackett

Treasure Hunter Security

Undiscovered

Uncharted

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Unfathomed

Galactic Gladiators

Gladiator

Warrior

Hero

Protector

Champion

Barbarian

Hell Squad

Marcus

Cruz

Gabe

Reed

Roth

Noah

Shaw

Holmes

Niko

Finn

Theron

Hemi

The Anomaly Series

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Anomaly Series Box Set

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Anthologies

A Galactic Holiday

Moonlight (UK only)

Vampire Hunter (UK only)

Awakening the Dragon (UK Only)

For more information visit AnnaHackettBooks.com

About the Author

I’m a USA Today bestselling author and I’m passionate about action romance. I love stories that combine the thrill of falling in love with the excitement of action, danger and adventure. I’m a sucker for that moment when the team is walking in slow motion, shoulder-to-shoulder heading off into battle. I write about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.

My books are mixture of action, adventure and sexy romance and they’re recommended for anyone who enjoys fast-paced stories where the boy wins the girl at the end (or sometimes the girl wins the boy!)

For release dates, action romance info, free books, and other fun stuff, sign up for the latest news here:

Website: AnnaHackettBooks.com

Table of Contents

What readers are saying about Anna’s Action Romance

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Preview: Storm (from Storm & Seduction)

Preview: Seduction (from Storm & Seduction)

Also by Anna Hackett

About the Author