"Nica...look, I don't want to treat you like that, alright? Like a one-night stand. What right do I have to upset your world that way?"

"Gib," exasperation hugged her voice and she found his honor as wonderful as she did infuriating. "Why does it matter if we both want it?" A warning bell tripped in the back of her mind and signaled that her boldness could come back to haunt her. She'd fret over that later. She'd had about all she could stand of relying on herself to douse flames of sexual need that arrived to torment her at the most inopportune moments. This night there was the promise of more and she wanted it.

Gib's dark and devastating face still reflected traces of uncertainty when he leaned close to Nica. Propping her chin on his fist, he used his thumb to outline the shape of her mouth. "I don't want to hurt you-" his words silenced when she moved suddenly.

Nica had pushed the comforter down to her waist. "Do I look so fragile to you, Sheriff?"

Gib lost the clear-headedness not to mention the will to voice any further arguments. His desire for her back built to a scorching ferocity. In moments, he was subjecting her to a crushing kiss.

Nica couldn't decide whether she wanted to moan or gasp. His kiss stole her breath, leaving her with little ability to do either. He took her mouth with a potency that seemed capable of snapping her neck, but she had no cause to fear that happening.

Gib kept one hand at Nica's nape, effectively supporting her there. Vaguely, Nica mused that he could encircle her entire neck in his palm, it was just that expansive. His strength wooed her like some aphrodisiac and she wanted all he intended to give her. She took pride in meeting his force in equal measure. In no mood to wait, she inched closer until she was nearly straddling his lap.

Gib closed their remaining distance. Hands smothering her hips, he settled Nica to his lap with very little effort.

The move sent a shiver along her spine. At a height of 6 feet, she didn't often meet a man who could make her feel dainty. Perhaps, she was betraying herself to admit she enjoyed the sensation. She didn't care. Her chances of meeting another man like Gib Taylor were slim. His appeal went far beyond his very pretty face and formidable body and she planned to indulge every fantasy she could think of.

**************** Bonded... The bonds of parenthood take shape as Rutger and LuCarolyn become parents with Slayte and Prin to follow. Mercuri and Tee struggle with the potential risks involved should such a joyful occurrence come their way while Pope and Bear consider whether they should even embark upon such a life-altering adventure. A Sleeping Giants Story... Meanwhile, Sheriff Gibson Taylor and a mysterious newcomer Nica Sloane emerge with a new love story. Also to emerge, are dark consequences that will open the next explosive chapters in the Giants saga.