Dream Warrior: (Dark Warrior Alliance Book 1) by Brenda Trim, Tami Julka

murmured.
    “Nonsense. ‘Tis nothing. The drinks are ready, but I agree with your puithar . I’d feel better if you had something in your stomach before you drink. Can I get you some food?”
    Guilt, sorrow, anger, desire, and confusion all battled within. Too much, it was all too much for her. “Drink please. I promise to eat, but I need a drink,” she uttered hoarsely.
    Feeling awkward with the bag sitting in her lap, she peeked into it and pulled green tissue paper out, revealing several small boxes. A musky, oak fragrance wafted from the bag. It was Zander’s masculine scent, and it drove her crazy. Her skin felt tight, as a zing ran through her body. Her head swam. Where was that drink?
    She clutched the paper, fighting a warm rush. He was bold. And, if she wasn’t mistaken, he was quite interested in her. She glanced over at him and the lust was back in his eyes. It slammed into her and she blushed furiously. She was in uncharted territory. She and Dalton had been high-school sweethearts, and she was not familiar with how to handle the situation.
    She picked up the first box and lifted the lid. They were all boxes of gourmet chocolates. Yum, she loved sweets. Before she indulged, she met Zander’s gaze and felt an odd constriction when his eyes revealed nothing. She stood on shaky legs and took the three steps to stop in front of him. She had to crane her neck to look up at him.
    “Do you give all your friends expensive candy? If so, I’m glad we became friends. Thank you for the treats.” She stood on tiptoes and stretched her arms around his neck, hugging him. Every muscle in his body tensed and she worried she had offended him until he softened and clasped her back. Zing!
    Her sister cleared her throat, rather loudly, behind her. It was surprisingly difficult for her to let go of Zander. Once she finally released him and tried to turn, she was unable to move. Zander still had hold of her. She looked into his eyes and murmured, “You have to let me go now.”
    One corner of his mouth lifted along with one of his eyebrows. “Do I? I’m not accustomed to following orders. Typically, I’m the one giving them,” he laughed, winking at her as he loosened his hold.
    He picked up the plate of food he had set down and she smacked his arm. “Well, aren’t you Mr. Bossy Pants?” she teased and smiled then turned to her sister and took the drink she was holding out to her. “Thanks, sis. And, I promise I will eat. In fact, I plan to start with these chocolates.”
    She sipped her drink and retrieved a box. She popped one into her mouth. Delicious. Chocolate and tequila, her favorite combination.
    Orlando stopped next to her and picked up her empty glass. “Would you like me to refresh that?” A man after her own heart and he didn’t even gripe at her about eating.
    She beamed at him and replied, “Yes, thank you.” A pleasant buzz was humming in her system thanks to her empty stomach.
    She grabbed her chocolates and went to the living room. A salted vanilla caramel was calling her name. “Mmmm,” she moaned. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the candy. They popped open when the cushion next to her dipped. Zander had joined her on the futon. A quick glance around told her Cailyn was talking to Santiago on the other side of the small room and Orlando was in her kitchen. All of a sudden her apartment felt even smaller.
    Distracting herself from his presence, she picked up a honey saffron and lavender chocolate and took a bite. Not as good as the caramel. It was impossible to ignore his magnetism. She tucked her legs up under her, sitting cross-legged and turned toward Zander. “You mentioned giving orders. What do you do?”
    He set his fork down and put his arm across the back of the futon. “I head up a large…corporation. We deal with safety and security. What aboot you? The other evening you only mentioned being a student. Do you work as well?”
    She took a bite of a peppercorn chocolate. Ugh, she