198 EMERALD RIM - PART 2

Upon reaching their vantage point at the volcano's edge, Faye's eye scanned the height from the craters floor to where they stood.

The sight made her feel lightheaded. Her body swayed for a second and she felt as if her legs would give way and she would go plunging off the ledge.

Sterling's brawny arm jutted out and wrapped around her waist to secure her.

"Don't look down, you might fall. I may call you my butterfly…but you have yet grown wings. We wouldn't want anything to happen to you now," he asked humorously, "would we?"

Faye shook her head no as she regained her composure. "You can let go now, I—I will be fine."

Sterling kept his hands firmly gripped around her hips. He said, "I will be the judge of that. I think your legs are tired and unstable from the climb. I have no plans to let you out of my arms right now."