Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 57257 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 286(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57257 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 286(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
He takes a step forward decisively.
Somehow, I know what’s going to happen next. He’s going to surge up behind me and drive his length against my ass. He’s been able to fight off his arousal so far, probably by sheer white-knuckle will. But not any longer. He’s going to grab greedy handfuls of my hips and drive himself against me.
And, God help me, I’m going to let him. No, I’m going to do more than that. I’m going to rock my hips up and down, grind against him, tease him until his body is bursting with desire and—
The door flies open.
Mira walks in. “That computer is boring. Can we do some more hitting, please?”
I straighten and spin toward her, almost choking on a breath. It’s like I’ve just been jolted from a fever dream.
Rhett clears his throat. “Yeah, ninja girl, of course we can.”
The ride home isn’t as awkward as it has the potential to be, mostly because Mira is humming happily and shooting questions at Rhett, all about martial arts. He answers without the slightest hint that he’s losing his patience.
I need to remember, though, how upset Mira would be if Rhett suddenly stopped coming by. I need to keep in mind that rushing into whatever this is, even if it makes me feel sexy, desired, and powerful, would be a mistake.
“It’s trash day tomorrow,” Rhett says. “Want me to carry yours to the road?”
“You don’t have to—”
“I know I don’t have to, Elle,” he says warmly. “But do you want me to?”
I smile gratefully. “Yeah, sure. Do they take yard waste too? I’ve got a bag out back.”
“Yeah, I can grab that after.”
“I can do that, Rhett.” I climb from the car, calling to Mira, “Head inside, honey.”
“I want to help Rhett,” she says stubbornly.
I bite my lip and look at Rhett. He shrugs and gives me a look. We’re getting pretty good at this silent communication stuff.
I’ve watched Mira like a hawk ever since last year, terrified something might happen to her. What if Rhett’s just biding his time, waiting for a chance to strike?
My instincts tell me no. That I need to relax.
Rhett starts, “I think you should listen to your—”
“No, it’s fine.”
I trust you.
I walk around the cabin, heading to the yard. My body is still warm from the dojo, and the aching potential. I’ve even got a small smile on my face when I lean down for the trash bag.
That’s when I hear it.
A low whistle.
I look up and see Lucian standing deep in the trees, hands in his pockets, watching me. He’s too far away to be sure, but I think he’s smiling.
I scream.
CHAPTER 9
RHETT
If I had any doubt that I was developing feelings for Elle, they’re obliterated when I hear her scream.
I drop the trash can, scoop Mira up, and drop her on the porch. “Inside. Now.”
“But—”
“Inside the house, young lady.”
I run around the cabin, instincts firing, ready for anything.
My heart cracks when I see her pressed against the wall. Hands over her face. Chest rising and falling as if she’s having a panic attack. I scan the trees, the yard. She drops her hands when she hears me.
“Where’s Mira?” She yells. “Mira!”
Mira walks around the cabin and rushes to her sister. “I’m here, Sissy. I’m here!” She throws herself against Elle, clinging to her tightly, then turns in Elle’s embrace and looks at me. “I’m sorry. You said go inside, and I tried to, but I didn’t have the key and—”
“Hush,” I say softly. “That’s my fault. Don’t beat yourself up.” I approach the pair cautiously. “Elle, what happened?”
One hand on Mira’s hair, she raises the other to the forest. Points with a trembling finger. “I suh-saw… someone. Someone was watching me. They looked scary.”
“Man, woman?”
“Man, definitely a man.”
“Okay. Did he have a weapon?”
She glares at me. “Not that I saw.”
Does she think she saw Lucian? Is that why she’s so mad?
“I’ll check,” I tell her. “But first, I need you two inside, doors locked.”
She lets out a shuddering breath. “Yeah, okay. I can make us some huh-hot cocoa or something.”
“Hey…” I lift my hand, then let it fall. She probably doesn’t want to be touched. “Slow down, Elle. Just breathe. I’ve got you. Go inside.”
She smiles tightly. “Yeah, okay. Thank you. I’ll go inside.”
I wait until she’s unlocked the back door, gone inside, and locked it again. Then I head to my pickup and take my rifle from the false compartment in the back.
Returning to the forest, I scan the trees as I go, watching for any movement. Keeping my senses on high alert, I scan the forest floor.
Just like in my military days. Just how they taught me.
The underbrush has been disturbed, snapped twigs in one direction… and a half-smoked cigarette. I bring my finger to the end. Still slightly warm.