Asking for Trouble

An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

Asking for Trouble ISBN 9781419917295 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Asking for Trouble Copyright © 2008 Kit Tunstall Edited by Shannon Combs. Photography and cover art by Les Byerley. Electronic book Publication July 2008 With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

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ASKING FOR TROUBLE

Kit Tunstall

Kit Tunstall

Chapter One Orion seethed with jealousy. He wasn’t accustomed to the feeling, especially for a woman to whom he had no claim. Why it bothered him to see one of the other partners talking so intently to his new personal assistant was a question best left unexamined. He had no right to be annoyed with the way Graham leaned in close to Natalie, or of the way his hand brushed against her side in a way that could have been accidental, but probably wasn’t. She didn’t seem to mind Graham’s attention. Just because Orion wasn’t sleeping with Natalie didn’t mean another man wasn’t, or that she wasn’t looking for one. That was the part that had him on the verge of stalking forward to shove Graham a few steps away from Natalie to impose some much-needed distance between the couple. They didn’t seem too intimate, but that could change. Orion knew Graham didn’t share his conviction that interoffice romances were a bad idea. Knowing Graham’s history set him even more on edge. It seemed likely that his partner would sweet-talk Natalie into his bed in no time. The other man had slept with most of the women who had worked at Garner, Taylor & Bosley, except for the high school interns and Mary, Orion’s recently retired PA. Only the fact that she had been old enough to be both Graham and Orion’s mother when she came to work for GT&B had spared her from his attentions. If Natalie was going to sleep with anyone in the company, it should be him. Orion gnashed his teeth in a futile attempt to push back the unwanted emotions assailing him. It had been like this since she started working for him last month. When Orion had interviewed her, he had found her womanly curves attractive, but didn’t let that influence his decision to hire her. He had found women attractive in the past and successfully resisted their allure.

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Yet Natalie was different. He spent half the day thinking about her soft body when he should be focusing on the stock market. The other half of the day he spent denying he was thinking about her, or staring at her, or inhaling her scent with his wolf senses. She haunted his dreams, leaving him aching with need and waking up drenched with sweat, his cock so hard that it might explode if he had spent even one more minute dreaming of her. To be infatuated with a woman to this extent, at the age of thirty-eight, was frankly embarrassing. He hadn’t been so captivated since Patty Smyth, way back in eleventh grade. Despite the similarities to that teen crush, this was also completely different. He wanted Natalie with a mature passion. Where he had once dreamed of mysterious actions with Patty, his adult self knew the myriad ways he could enjoy Natalie’s voluptuous figure. It was torturous to deny himself the opportunity to explore that heavenly body, to bury his hands in her mane of wheat-blonde hair. He longed to rake his fingers through her wavy curls and wrap the strands around his hands as he thrust into her, taking possession of her sweet body. All the valid reasons he’d had for not getting involved with his subordinates were thin as water when used to keep him from Natalie. As if his thoughts had conjured her gaze, she looked up from Graham, her eyes homing in on his immediately. A blush stained her cheeks and he knew he didn’t imagine the spark of heat in her brown eyes. When she turned back to Graham, her posture suggested she was trying to withdraw from the conversation. Orion waited with bated breath, wondering if she would come to him. Instead, Natalie walked right past Orion, flashing him a brief, impersonal smile as she made her way into her office. Though he had just left his office with the intent of meeting a client for lunch before allowing the cozy scene with Graham and Natalie to distract him, he followed her. Her office led to his, and he had every right to be there, but couldn’t seem to think of a reason when he walked in to find such a tempting sight. He bit back a groan and tried to ignore the jolt in his groin when he saw Natalie bent

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over to pick up something off the floor. Her buttocks were soft and shapely, displayed to best advantage by the cut of her gray skirt. She often wore shapeless skirts and dresses, so it was a rare pleasure to see part of her body so prominently displayed. She stood up and started visibly when she saw him standing there. Orion wondered if he had hidden his hunger quickly enough. Judging by the heat suffusing her cheeks and the way she smoothed her hair, probably not. “Did you need something, Mr. Taylor?” He shook his head, barely tamping down the urge to tell her explicitly what he needed. Orion reveled in her obvious nervousness. Much as it should have shamed him, he enjoyed throwing her off balance. Any sort of reaction that indicated she shared the attraction pleased him. “I…um, did you forget something?” Without speaking, Orion turned and left the office. Part of his rushed exit had to do with seeing the clock and realizing he was about to be late to meet his client. The rest was in reaction to his impulse to jump on Natalie, tear off her clothes and fuck her until they were both senseless. The animal impulse was at odds with his city persona. While in Seattle, he conducted himself in a manner that was strictly human. He was the consummate investor, wine aficionado and sophisticate. It was only on Evergreen Island that he let his wolf side take over at all, and it had been years since he’d had to struggle to keep the two halves of his life separate. Until Natalie.

As soon as she was certain Orion had truly left, Natalie collapsed into her leather office chair. Her heart was racing and she found it difficult to breathe. Absently, she lifted the Childers file to fan herself. It wasn’t at all hot in the office. The airconditioning kept the temperature an efficient seventy-two degrees. His expression was what had left her overheated. She had stood up from retrieving her pen to find him staring so intently at her that she had been flustered. Before he had been able to hide it, his face had betrayed his desire for her. She definitely hadn’t imagined it. 6

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Ruefully, Natalie looked at her chest. Her breasts were large and surprisingly perky for their size, but that was her only socially acceptable feature. She was too plump and short to be fashion-plate material. More importantly, she liked food too much to attempt to become a “perfect” size two. A life spent subsisting on celery sticks didn’t appeal to her. Her hair was a boring blonde shade and she knew no man would ever lose himself in her dull brown eyes. In short, she was average, and the kind of men she attracted was average too. Why would a man like Orion be interested in her? He was certainly gorgeous enough to have any woman. Well over six feet, he towered over most people and easily controlled any situation. Natalie knew instinctively that he would still have the same effect had he been a foot shorter. He was solid and commanding, with an air of dominance that came from somewhere other than his physical height. Regular trips to the company gym ensured he maintained a trim, muscular physique his expertly tailored suits couldn’t disguise. His bold features and dark hair were arresting, even if they didn’t meet the classical definition of male beauty. Natalie had seen a number of women throw themselves at him—some subtly and some not-so subtly—in the month she had worked for him. All of them had been incredibly beautiful, elegant creatures who clearly had no trouble finding desirable mates. To her knowledge, not one of them had succeeded. He didn’t seem like Graham, who gave off a predatory air that told her he pursued every woman who might let him into her bed. Natalie wasn’t just a potential notch on Orion’s bedpost, so what did he want from her? Added all together, the equation still left her puzzled as to why Orion would desire her. Her face grew hotter when her brain supplied several interesting possibilities. Her nipples beaded, pressing against the silk bra as she pictured Orion naked, kneeling between her thighs, prepared to enter her. She imagined his cock was as big and impressive as the rest of him. Her hand clenched as she anticipated what it would be like to hold the length in her palm, to pump his cock in her hand. Saliva flooded her

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mouth when she imagined taking his cock inside it, sucking on the thick shaft and pronounced head as he moaned and thrust deep into the back of her throat. A bead of perspiration dotted Natalie’s forehead and she wiped it away. The file fell to the desk with a clatter when she dropped it to place her hands on her lap. She balled her hand into a fist below the desk. Try as she might to push away the erotic images crowding her mind, she couldn’t seem to focus on anything else. The numbers on the spreadsheet before her blurred and she closed her eyes. That increased the clarity of her imagination. Orion’s hand was on her thigh, pushing up the hem of her skirt. Without thought, Natalie’s hand mimicked the motion, sliding under her skirt. As the fantasy Orion reached her panties, she paused. He traced a finger down her slit through the silk, and she touched herself the same way. Her pussy was wet and throbbing, and she could feel the moisture through the scrap of underwear. Orion pushed aside her panties, and she did the same in real life. Part of her brain warned her that she wasn’t acting rationally or responsibly. Anyone could enter the office at any time. She was too engrossed in her daydream to care. Her hand was a pale imitation of Orion’s as she pretended he circled his thumb over her clit. Her puffed lips shielded the little nub, but she founded it without hesitation. Orion knew just how to rub her to make her pussy clench. He cupped her pussy in his palm, pushing against her opening suggestively. Natalie gasped when he slid a finger inside her. Her two fingers seemed about the equivalent of one of his, so she thrust them in and out of her opening, occasionally rubbing her clit with her thumb. As she self-stimulated, Natalie imagined him kissing her mouth and then her neck. His hands, and hers by transference, never stilled. A barely stifled cry accompanied his phantom lips taking possession of one of her plump nipples. She shifted restlessly, trying to rub the rigid bud against the silk bra in an attempt to imitate his mouth. Suddenly, her womb tightened and her pussy convulsed. Natalie brought herself to orgasm, biting hard on her tongue to keep from

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vocalizing any pleasure from the release. Waves of satisfaction washed over her and she slowly relaxed. Sanity returned and her eyes snapped open. To her relief, Natalie was still alone in the office. One quick swipe restored her panties to their rightful place and she smoothed the skirt down over her thighs. Her fingers sought out the lacy edge of her stockings and she found each one securely in place mid-thigh, just as they were supposed to be. Once certain her clothes were in place, Natalie stood up and went to the small bathroom located in Orion’s office. She washed her hands, smoothed her hair and held a damp paper towel to her cheeks until the redness faded. Staring at herself in the mirror, she shook her head. What had she been thinking, masturbating like that? Just because Orion was safely away at a lunch meeting didn’t mean she was alone. She had to get a grip on the fantasies running through her brain, centered around her boss, before she did something incredibly stupid. What would she have done if he had walked in on her? What would Orion have done? Logic suggested he would have fired her, though her mind whispered he would have insisted on taking over for her hand. “Stop it,” she said firmly to her reflection. Though her heart still thumped irregularly, with her appearance restored she looked like the efficient assistant Orion had hired last month. She gave no obvious evidence of being a wanton who had just pleasured herself not five minutes before. Natalie left the bathroom and returned to her desk. Still lost in thought, she felt it seemed like only seconds after sliding on her reading glasses when the door to her office opened. Orion walked in. Somehow, she managed a distant smile. “Did you have a pleasant lunch, Mr. Taylor?” He paused by her desk, looking at her quizzically. “It was fine.” His nostrils flared and his eyes narrowed. He seemed on the verge of saying something, but then shrugged and walked on. Orion paused at his door. “We’ll be working late tonight,

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Natalie. Jennings wants a prospectus and custom investment options before he switches his portfolio management to us.” She nodded. “Yes, sir.” Natalie bent her head, studiously focusing on the spreadsheet. There was no one waiting for her at home, except Lucy, and she knew Mrs. Hawkins would let the retriever out to go potty by prearrangement if Natalie wasn’t home by six. Working late wasn’t a problem. If only it were so easy to get her mind off fucking her boss, she wouldn’t have any worries at all.

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Chapter Two Natalie searched in her purse for her key ring as she exited the parking garage elevator and headed for the exit. She had ridden down from the seventh-floor office with Orion in virtual silence. After having spent the evening in the same state, she should have been accustomed to it. Instead, she had been awkward, shifting from foot to foot and searching her brain for small talk that refused to materialize. For his part, he had done nothing to ease her discomfort. Orion had continued to stare at her with his penetrating gaze, seeming to be searching for something in her features but not finding it. Since she had no clue what it was, she couldn’t help him discover it. The atmosphere in the elevator had suggested he was on the verge of acting on impulse. It had been both a relief and disappointment when he got off at the last car level, while she continued on down to street level, as was their regular routine when working late together. A fine mist fell and she thought about finding the rain bonnet tucked away somewhere in her mess of a bag. It was too much of a bother for six blocks, so she shouldered her bag, grasping it tightly with one hand and the pepper spray on her key chain ready in her other. She had lived in Seattle most of her life and had never been assaulted, but it paid to be cautious. As she walked, Natalie tried not to dwell on the situation with Orion. In her heart, she knew she could do nothing about it, except leave the company. He wasn’t the kind of man whose hand she could force, even if she knew exactly what she wanted to do. Her brain advised against an office romance with her boss, while her body clamored for her to seduce him. She giggled aloud at the thought. No temptress by any means, she wouldn’t even know how to begin seducing that man.

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She puffed a little as she walked up a particularly steep hill, wishing she had taken the time to change from her heels to the sneakers she kept in her desk drawer. In all the chaos of working late and rushing to finish the projects Orion assigned, all while avoiding slobbering over her boss or throwing herself at him, she had forgotten to change. Natalie grimaced, knowing that meant a return walk to work in the morning wearing heels. Maybe she would abandon her daily walking goal in the morning in favor of the bus. Preoccupied with her thoughts, it took Natalie a moment to realize she’d heard a pop. Another quickly followed and she looked around, startled. It sounded almost like a car backfiring, or maybe a defective firework. Almost. Pop. It also sounded like nothing she’d ever heard before. The last sound let her home in on the direction from which it came. She narrowed her eyes as she made out shadowy forms across the street, about half a block up. Cautiously, she took another step, just as they moved. The streetlight nearby provided enough illumination to show three men standing over a fallen fourth. The dark stain quickly spreading across the sidewalk could have been motor oil, or any number of unidentified substances, but wasn’t. Horrified, Natalie froze for a second, not sure what to do. The bloodstain spread and she watched as the shortest of the three jumped back to avoid getting blood on his expensive-looking sneakers. She couldn’t muffle a gasp of shock when another of the three kicked the person in the side, which elicited no response from the fallen man. He was dead. The realization snapped her back to reality, breaking her paralysis. Natalie fumbled for her cell phone, hanging securely from a cord around her neck. As she grasped the device, she backed away, hoping to make it to the corner and hide behind a building before any of the three looked up. Despite her efforts to remain unobtrusive, Natalie betrayed herself when the sole of her shoe hit a slick patch on the pavement. The light rain had mixed with something spilled on the sidewalk to create a hazardous spot she hadn’t noticed when crossing the

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area just minutes before. Her windmilling arms did nothing to arrest her fall or help regain her balance. With a cry, she fell backward, landing hard on her butt. The jolt transmitted up her spine and she bit her tongue. Dazed, it took her a second to collect her wits. In that brief time, the shooters had noticed her presence and were already running toward her. Acting more on instinct than anything, she kicked off the heels, scrambled to her feet and ran as fast as she could. Their shouts behind her spurred her on and she tucked in her arms for another burst of speed. At that moment, she was thankful she had stuck with her daily walking regimen for the past ten months. By no means an athlete, at least she was better prepared to run for her life than she had been on New Year’s Day when she had made the resolution. Her heart thundered in her ears, but she could still hear their footsteps gaining on her. Panicked, she cast her gaze around for someone who could help or somewhere to hide. It was only a little after nine, but the financial district was practically dead this time of night. She saw a car two blocks ahead, about to turn left, and ran toward it, waving her arms. The driver saw her as he prepared to turn in her direction. Natalie saw his eyes widen and she shouted, “No,” as he turned to the right instead and sped off. In desperation, she plunged into the parking garage from which the car had emerged, ducking under the barrier arm, never losing a step. She marveled at her nimbleness, having discovered the threat of death was a great motivator to maintain gracefulness. Natalie groaned when the level curved up a steep hill. She knew those men were seconds behind her. From somewhere, she summoned a reserve of strength to make it up the steep incline. Something sharp tore a chunk out of her foot, but she pressed on, forcing aside the pain to deal with it later. She emerged onto a smooth surface, finding few cars parked in the spaces. The level was too well lit and she saw nowhere to hide. In her mind’s eye, she had expected to

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find several vehicles and had hoped at least one would be unlocked. With no such luck, she ran on, hearing the slap of their feet echoing around the enclosed space differently than it had outside. It was even more frightening and she experienced a breathless moment of claustrophobia. The elevator was ahead and she darted inside. Natalie slammed her hand against the Close Door button, pressing repeatedly. Her fear increased to a level she had never known as the three men approached. The light clearly revealed their faces and she knew she was in even more danger than she had been. Her stomach twisted into knots when she saw one of them carrying her purse. Another dangled her key chain from his hand and she realized she had dropped both items when she slid down the hill. “Trapped, huh?” asked the taller of the two white men. When he spoke, his mouth revealed several holes where teeth should be. Other than that, he was handsome, midthirties and impeccably dressed in khakis and a leather jacket. His companions were more casual, in jogging suits and name-brand sneakers. They were only a few feet away and she wasn’t sure the doors would close in time. The Latino man cursed when the doors started to shut and he darted forward. Natalie screamed when he managed to wedge his hand between the closing doors. In desperation, she lunged forward and bit down on his finger as hard as she could. Blood flooded her mouth as he squealed. She didn’t release him until she felt his fingers withdrawing. The door closed behind him, separating her from the men by a sheet of steel. It did nothing to muffle the threatening yell of one of them. “We’re going to kill you, bitch!” She pushed a random button and waited for the elevator to rise halfway up the floor before pushing the Emergency Stop button. Her heart thumped unevenly in her ears and she tried to blink back moisture from her eyes, not sure if it was sweat dripping from her brow, or if she was crying. Natalie’s hands shook and she held the Emergency Stop button with slightly less force, but didn’t take away her hand. She had no idea if they would be able to recall the elevator if she did.

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The trembling made it difficult to lift her cell phone and dial. Automatically, her fingers entered the number and it was only as the phone started to ring that she realized she hadn’t dialed emergency services as she’d intended. “Hello,” answered Orion. “Oh, thank God. Please help me, Orion. They’re going to kill me.”

Hours later, Natalie waited in the ER exam room. A doctor had stitched the cut on her foot, examined her and ordered X-rays of her coccyx. She was already released but sat numbly on the bed as Orion finished up with the detective who had interviewed her. She watched them huddled in the corner, but didn’t strain to hear their quiet conversation. At the moment, she was too drained to care what they were saying, even though it pertained to her. It was too easy to lie back and let Orion take control, as he had done from the moment she called. He had remained on the line with her, while using his PDA to place a call to the police. She knew he must have been well on his way home by the time she called, but he had arrived at the scene just minutes after the police. From that moment, she had given up any attempt to try to maintain control and had let him take over. It was nice to feel protected and cared for, no matter how transitory the illusion. He took the detective’s card and walked back toward her. It was all she could do to remain sitting upright and not collapse into his arms when he stopped beside the bed. Her body ached from the fall and running, but the overall exhaustion seemed emotional in nature. Natalie’s brain was numb and she wanted to keep it that way. Anytime she tried to focus on anything, her mind insisted on replaying the details of the murder she had witnessed. While she hadn’t seen much of the victim, that ever-spreading blood pool would remain with her forever. “Come along, Natalie. I’m taking you home.” She made a halfhearted effort to be independent. “You don’t have to. I can catch the bus. I shouldn’t have bothered you anyway.” 15

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Orion quirked a brow. “It’s no bother, and you can’t take the bus, because you aren’t going to your home.” As he spoke, he prodded her gently from the table and wrapped his own raincoat around her. Natalie vaguely remembered hers had been torn at some point during her flight. It was so tempting to just sink into his coat, let his masculine scent wash over her and remain numb. She might have if his words hadn’t finally penetrated the thick fog obscuring her brain. “Wait… What do you mean I’m not going home?” His arm around her propelled her forward. “Those men have your purse and keys. You aren’t safe at your house.” Natalie nodded. “I’ve already figured that out.” With a start, she realized she had thought about that very thing and had come up with a sketchy plan to stay at a hotel after she checked on Mrs. Hawkins and retrieved Lucy. She wasn’t going to be like one of those stupid characters in a movie who insisted on going back to their own home, regardless of how ill-advised. While she resented having to temporarily abandon her cozy apartment, it was worth a few days’ stay at a hotel to ensure she remained alive. “There’s a hotel near my apartment. I think they take pets.” He shook his head. “I don’t want you anywhere near that place. You’ll be much safer with me until the police catch the killers.” She winced at his last word. Hearing it aloud brought a new wave of fear that was obliterating her current state of pleasant fuzziness. “I’m not stupid enough to stay there, Orion, but I do need to go home to get my things, pick up my dog and check on my neighbor. She has a key to my place, and I want to make sure she knows what is going on, so she remains safe.” He hesitated, then nodded. “Fair enough. We’ll stop by your place for a few minutes. It should be long enough. Detective Strand said they’ve posted a detail at your house, hoping the criminals will come there first.” They exited the hospital and Natalie pulled her arm away from Orion’s. “In that case, I’m perfectly safe to stay in my own home.” 16

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Without even looking at her, he shook his head. Once again, he grasped her arm to pull her toward his car. She thought about resisting but decided not to. Why not stay with her boss for a few days? Well, she could think of several reasons why she shouldn’t, but didn’t want to delve into them at the moment. Instead, she pushed aside the thoughts and waited for him to unlock the passenger door of his low-slung sports car. The charcoal leather interior was a perfect complement to the steel-gray paint job. Even in her fog, she couldn’t help but admire the way the seat cuddled her, and appreciate the leather and chrome interior, with myriad gadgets designed to do a multitude of functions. “Where do you live?” he asked after he had settled behind the wheel and ensured she had buckled her seat belt, before fastening his own. Natalie gave directions and leaned back, letting the comfortable seat swallow her up. She closed her eyes and didn’t speak as he drove. Orion made no attempt to engage her in conversation, for which she was thankful. Scrambled as her brain was, she couldn’t have conducted an intelligent conversation at that moment. When they pulled up to her curb a few minutes later, she reached for the door handle, yelping with surprise when Orion’s hand intercepted hers. A jolt of electricity sparked through her and she couldn’t decide whether to tug her hand away or lean forward to kiss him. Thankfully she did neither, and seconds later, he released her. “Not yet. There is an officer due to meet us.” He had been on the phone but she had paid little attention to the conversation. Natalie had guessed he was canceling plans with someone. She hadn’t realized he was speaking with the police. “Where’s the car that’s supposed to be watching my house?” “They can’t be obvious about their presence, or the killers might not take the bait. While they remain hidden, Detective Strand is sending over an officer in uniform to escort you inside.”

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“Thank you for coming.” Natalie pushed aside the hair falling into her face, wincing when she raked a deep scrape on her forehead. The memory of how she’d gotten it was a blank. “I don’t know what I was thinking, to involve you in this.” “I’m glad you did.” His husky tone caught her attention and she slanted a look at him, finding him just inches away. “It was silly. I know you had better things to do tonight. A date…?” Orion shook his head. “No.” Natalie cleared her throat, overwhelmed by his proximity and the intent way he looked at her. “All the same, I’m sorry to have bothered you. I really don’t want to impose upon you further. A hotel will be fine—” His mouth covering hers cut off whatever else she might have added. His lips were firm and moist. Their heat transferred to her, making Natalie realize just how cold she was. Instinctively, she moved closer, pressing her lips to his eagerly. When he parted her mouth to slip his tongue inside, she met it with hers. Their tongues parried in an erotic simulation of battle that soon dispelled the last trace of chill from her body. A knock on Orion’s window caused them to break apart. Before he moved his head, he said, “You are under my protection and you’re staying with me.” Natalie searched for a response to his command, torn between asserting her independence and enjoying his oddly endearing mastery. Orion saved her from having to reply by getting out of the car to meet the uniformed officer. Following suit, she slid from the car to find another officer standing beside her door. A flush of embarrassment stained her cheeks when she saw the knowing glint in his eyes. Both of the officers must have recognized exactly what she and Orion were doing in the car. Orion came to her, taking her hand in his. His grip was comforting and she let herself lean on him, just a little, as they walked up the steep steps of the hill of the apartment building. It was a charming Victorian house, converted to multi-family dwellings sometime in the Seventies, and she had fallen in love with it the moment she first laid eyes on the rental. The resentment she’d felt earlier returned with a vengeance 18

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and she narrowed her eyes as she scanned the neighborhood. Were the hoodlums who were driving her out of her home out there at this very moment, watching her every move? Rather than increase her fear, it added to her anger. “Are you okay?” Orion asked as they paused at the side door that led to Mrs. Hawkins’ basement apartment. “Fine,” she said more harshly than intended. Natalie softened her tone. “Sorry. I’m just angry at having to leave my home. It isn’t fair.” “No, it isn’t.” She searched for and found no hint of patronization in his voice. Satisfied, Natalie nodded as Mrs. Hawkins opened her door. Lucy came bounding out, rushing to greet Natalie with a half-jump. Her paws never touched her mistress, but her tongue was close enough to Natalie’s cheek to swipe a doggy kiss across it. “Yuck.” With a laugh, Natalie pushed Lucy into a more dignified sitting position. The dog’s rapidly wagging tail and pleading eyes proved difficult to ignore. She patted her golden-brown head. “Yes, girl, I missed you too.” “I hope you don’t mind me bringing her down with me, Natalie,” said Mrs. Hawkins. “It gets so quiet around here at night…” The older woman trailed off, her eyes wide at the sight of the police standing behind Natalie and Orion. “What’s going on?” “Natalie witnessed a crime.” Orion took Mrs. Hawkins’ hand. “I’m her boss, Orion Taylor.” Though close to sixty, a girlish laugh bloomed from Mrs. Hawkins’ sagging throat when he squeezed her hand. “Of course. I’ve heard all about you.” “Really?” Orion slanted a look at Natalie peripherally and she deliberately looked away, determined not to let him see her embarrassment. “Nothing bad, I hope.” “Not at all.” Mrs. Hawkins’ cheerful expression faded when she looked at the officers again. “What sort of crime, Natalie?”

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“It doesn’t matter,” said Natalie quickly. “I don’t want to discuss the particulars. I just wanted to let you know I won’t be here for the next few days. Please make sure you don’t enter my apartment while I’m gone, just to be safe. May I trouble you for the copy of the key I gave you? I lost mine.” “Of course.” The older woman disappeared for a moment and returned to the door to hand Natalie a key ring. Then she clutched the neck of her sweater, pleating it anxiously with shaking fingers. “You will be all right, won’t you, dear?” Natalie interjected confidence she didn’t feel into her voice. “Of course. I’m just being cautious.” She took a step backward. “If anything seems unusual, please call the police.” “Certainly.” Mrs. Hawkins gave Orion an approving look. “You’ll be watching out for her?” It was a question, but issued almost like an order. “Yes, ma’am.” She nodded again, appearing satisfied. “Keep in touch while you’re gone, Natalie.” Leaning forward, she stroked Lucy’s ears. “You be a good girl for your mommy, you impertinent thing.” She earned a doggy kiss for her admonishment. Mrs. Hawkins was smiling when she shut the door. The five of them continued to the main entrance. Natalie used the spare key to admit them. She would have taken the lead, but the officers went first. “It’s the penthouse,” said Natalie with a hint of mocking. She trailed along behind them, unable to escape Orion’s protective grasp on her arm even if she had wanted to. The police left them standing on the third-floor landing as they went inside her darkened apartment. Lights came on a few seconds later. In less than two minutes, the officers emerged. One nodded his head, jerking a thumb in the direction of the door. “It’s clear. Get in and out. Five minutes, do you understand?” Natalie nodded, even though the officer had been addressing Orion. She entered her apartment, unsurprised when Orion followed behind. Lucy brought up the rear,

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heading straight to the kitchen to whine hopefully at her food dish. “Later,” Natalie called over her shoulder. “I’ll feed you when we’re settled at Mr. Taylor’s house.” “Orion.” She looked at him, frowning. “What?” “Please keep calling me Orion. I like how it sounds on your tongue,” he added in a husky voice. Quickly, she turned her back to hide the heat in her cheeks. The electricity arcing between them shouldn’t surprise her, but under the circumstances, it astonished her that she could still respond so ardently to something as simple as a different inflection in his voice. Disconcerted, she made her way to the bedroom, hidden behind a decorative standing privacy screen. Built-in drawers and shelves provided a makeshift closet and she took her large suitcase from the lowest shelf. Natalie was too aware of Orion’s presence as she set the bag on the bed and started transferring necessities from the drawers. A few seconds after she started, he entered the sleeping area and took her smaller case from the shelf. Natalie knew he was trying to save time by helping, but it was almost intrusive to have him so near her bed—the bed where she had played through a number of fantasies starring him. In an attempt to hide her thoughts, she pointed to the nightstand. “Would you please empty the items from the top drawer into that bag?” She didn’t wait to see if he complied as she made another trip to the shelves for more clothes. Perhaps she was taking too many items, but having no idea how long she would be unable to return home, she wanted to take everything she could fit into the two bags. Natalie jumped when she heard the sound of the bottom drawer on the nightstand sticking. It always made a pitiful squeal before the wood yielded and the drawer opened. “No,” she said loudly, turning to stop him. It was too late. The drawer hiding her most intimate secrets stood open and Orion was staring with interest at the contents. Natalie reached past him to close the drawer, but knew he’d 21

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already gotten an eyeful of her toys, lubes, lotions and erotic romance books. She was so humiliated that she couldn’t meet his gaze. “I’m done in here, but I need to gather Lucy’s things.” She grabbed the suitcase from the bed, zipping it closed so quickly that a pair of pantyhose snagged in the zipper. His hand intercepted the handle when she started to lift it, and she practically ran from him. It was all she could do to try to walk normally, and the stitches in her foot didn’t help. Somehow, she maintained an air of composure as she went to the cupboards to grab Lucy’s treats, vitamins and an extra bowl she normally took along during leisurely summer afternoons spent at Genesee Park. A few seconds after her, Orion emerged from her bedroom, cases in both hands. “That’s everything,” she said in a voice that was too bright. His expression betrayed nothing. “Are you ready?” Was she ready to stay at his house, so close to him, feeling the way she did? How could she be prepared to get through this without ending up in bed with her boss? So, was she ready to embark on an affair with the man she worked for, perhaps during the most stressful time of her life? “All set.”

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Chapter Three His house was beautiful and elegant, just as she had expected. It had taken almost an hour to reach his place, and the events of the day had caught up with her. It was all Natalie could do to follow Orion inside, with Lucy padding at her side. In a cursory way, she noticed the modern design, sleek furnishings and a huge window that displayed a breathtaking view of greater Seattle and the Puget Sound beyond. A yawn escaped her and she was unsuccessful in smothering it behind her hand. Orion carried her bags. He didn’t break stride as he transferred both to one hand in order to put his arm around her waist. Natalie leaned against him willingly, briefly wondering what had happened to her usually strong streak of independence. “You look dead on your feet.” She nodded, wincing at his wording. If circumstances had been just slightly different, she would be dead right now. The thought of lying on a cold table in the morgue made her shiver. “Come on, love, let’s get you to bed.” He squeezed her in a gentle hug before leading her down the hallway. Natalie followed him into the room, wondering if he was taking her to his room. His wording had been ambiguous. The thought should have alarmed her, but didn’t. Instead, she experienced a rush of disappointment when she looked around the room, recognizing from its unoccupied air that it was a seldom-used guestroom decorated in white and light blue. The bed beckoned, but she somehow resisted the urge to fall straight into it. Natalie waited as Orion stowed her suitcases in the closet and then walked to the door, Lucy his companion the entire way. He paused at the doorframe. “Do you need anything? Food, a drink, perhaps a sedative?” 23

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Natalie shook her head. The ER doctor had offered her anti-anxiety medication and prescription pain relievers for her foot, but she had declined. She wasn’t opposed to taking necessary medication, but feared either of the drugs might have locked her into a nightmare world where the night’s events repeated over and over, without her being able to wake up enough to escape. To avoid that, she was making due with ibuprofen. “I’m fine. Thanks.” He hesitated for half a second longer before nodding. “If you need anything, my room is at the end of the hall. The kitchen is back the way we came, and there is a bathroom through that door.” Orion gestured to a white door in the opposite corner of the room. “Please call me if you need anything at all.” “I will.” She managed a small smile, knowing she wouldn’t disturb her boss unless it was an emergency. It was already so awkward between them, with everything changed so much in just a few hours. Natalie didn’t want to add to the tension by asking for anything else. “Good night.” “I hope you can sleep.” He closed the door behind him after a farewell pat on Lucy’s head. Natalie stripped off her clothes and fished out a nightshirt from her case. She didn’t bother with removing the remaining streaks of makeup from her face, brushing her teeth or combing her hair. Instead, she fell straight into bed. Lucy climbed in beside her and she cuddled the dog close to her. As she drifted off, Natalie remembered she hadn’t fed her canine companion yet, but the tug of sleep was too strong, and Lucy wasn’t complaining. She fell into a dark void, hoping no nightmares would follow.

Sometime in the early hours of the morning, Natalie woke abruptly. She couldn’t remember what images, if any, had haunted her dreams, but remnants of the fear clung to her, coating her body in a film of cloying sweat. She left the comfort of the luxuriously soft mattress to seek a shower. Only after she’d washed thoroughly, in water hot enough to turn her skin red, did she feel refreshed. 24

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Upon reentering the bedroom, a glance at the clock on her cell phone revealed she wouldn’t need to be up and ready for the office for several hours yet. Hoping she could somehow return to sleep, despite feeling too awake and on edge to ever rest again, she chose a pair of cotton pajamas instead of dressing in street clothes. Natalie eyed herself ruefully in the full-length mirror in the closet. In the oversized maroon PJs, she was anything but sexy. If Orion happened to see her like this, lust for her wouldn’t drive him mad by any stretch of the imagination. “C’mon, girl,” she said to Lucy. The dog fell in step beside her as Natalie took time to retrieve her water dish from the dog’s items before walking out of the bedroom. In the hallway, she made a conscious effort to close her door quietly and pad on bare feet across the black wooden floor. She didn’t want to wake Orion, but for more than reasons of consideration. It just wasn’t in her to face him right now. Her own behavior embarrassed her. How could she have been so weak? Even if she’d had a relationship with Orion beyond the office, her total dependence on him last night would have been embarrassing. As it stood, she had acted very inappropriately and had made herself way too vulnerable to the man to feel comfortable in his presence right then. Honestly, she had no idea how she was going to face him in the morning. It wasn’t as though she could pretend none of it had ever happened. For one thing, she decided as she entered the kitchen and searched for the lights, she would be moving herself and Lucy to a hotel today. Last night, his reasoning had been sound, when her brain had been so numb. In the cold light of early morning, she couldn’t justify staying with him. Of course it made sense not to return to her home until those men were locked up in jail, but there wasn’t a viable reason she couldn’t go to a hotel or short-term rental. Once she found the lights, Natalie spent a few minutes orienting herself with the gourmet kitchen. It wasn’t like her to take over someone else’s space, but Lucy needed food, and the industrial appliances beckoned. One of her passions was cooking, and any chef would feel at home with the layout of Orion’s kitchen. A quick inventory of his

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fridge and freezer revealed Lucy would be eating ultra-gourmet this morning. “Not your usual lean ground beef, yogurt, rice and peas today, Lucy,” she said as she took a thick steak from the freezer. “Don’t get used to this.” While the steak defrosted, Natalie gathered a few crucial ingredients to make Lucy’s breakfast. As soon as the steak was soft, she cut it up, combined the other ingredients and popped it all back into the microwave. Only then did she realize her own stomach was rumbling. Natalie was in the middle of scrambling eggs with Monterey Jack when Orion appeared in the kitchen. She turned around for the salt and nearly jumped out of her skin. “How do you do that?” she asked with a touch of indignation. “Do what?” He took a seat at the breakfast bar. “Sneak up on people. You’re so quiet, we should put a bell on you.” He cracked a grin and shrugged. “It’s just the way I move.” Immediately, her mind conjured up an image of Orion moving so lithely and gracefully above her, as he surged inside her. A blink cleared the image, but not the residual trace of arousal it caused. She studied the eggs. “I’m sorry if we woke you.” With another shrug, he said, “I’m a light sleeper, and something smells fabulous. Steak and eggs?” he asked hopefully. Natalie grinned. “Only if you like your steak with carrots and oatmeal.” His nonplussed expression made her giggle, and she walked to the microwave to remove Lucy’s food. It was almost cool, so she showed it to her boss before setting it on the counter to finish cooling. “What is that?” “Breakfast for Lucy.” She returned to the skillet to remove the eggs onto a waiting plate. “I hope you don’t mind me raiding your fridge, but she missed dinner. Normally, I wouldn’t feed her steak, but you don’t have many other options.” What she meant

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was options that are more economical. There had been several other cuts and varieties of meat from which to choose, but nothing of lesser quality. “I don’t care, though I am almost envious of what she’s eating.” He eyed the bowl, looking slightly queasy. “I guess we forgot her food last night. Would you like me to go buy dog food for her? There’s an all-night store down the road.” “Eggs?” At his confirming nod, she broke more into the skillet to scramble. “No, thanks. Lucy doesn’t eat commercially prepared dog food. A lot of it is unsafe, not to mention filled with fillers and by-products.” He seemed equally amused and intrigued. “I remember hearing about imported tainted dog food. So, do you cook for her every day?” “No, just a couple of times per week. I make larger batches and microwave a serving at mealtimes.” The conversation was a strange one to be having at three a.m., but it was helping her relax. Though she still felt awkward around Orion, and more than a little embarrassed, their inane chatting was low-pressure. “How do you know what to feed her?” She glanced at him, finding his interest seemed genuine. “I did some research, bought a couple of dog food cookbooks and went from there. I have several of my own recipes now.” Natalie’s cheeks warmed when she shared her secret ambition. “Someday, I hope to have a dog bakery where I can sell the meals and treats. A lot of people want to feed their pets healthy food, but don’t have time to fuss with making it at home.” “How is it you have the time?” As he asked the question, Orion rose from the stool and came around the bar, approaching the stove. The hairs on Natalie’s neck rose and her skin tingled as he got closer. When he stopped just a few inches away, she had to remind herself to breathe. Her heart forgot how to beat for a second when he brushed strands of hair off her neck. “You’re so beautiful. There must be a man who takes up a large chunk of your time.”

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“Nuh…” The unintelligible response was all she could offer when he closed the gap between them by pulling her against him. His mouth touched her throat lightly. She shivered when he breathed in deeply, as if inhaling and memorizing her scent. For some reason, the action seemed primal, almost animalistic, and it stirred her passion to newer heights. “So, so beautiful.” He growled the words against her throat. “Smell…heaven…” Orion seemed as incapable of speech as she was. Natalie’s head spun when he whirled her around to face him. His mouth came down on hers in a hot, possessive way that made the blood rush through her veins, spreading heat along the way. Her thighs quivered and cream filled her pussy as he slanted open her mouth to push his tongue inside it. The kiss they had shared before was nothing like this. His manner was completely different. Orion allowed her no time to stroke his tongue with hers, to meet each thrust of the appendage. Instead, he plundered her mouth completely, subduing any attempts she made to reciprocate. It was like being taken or marked. Branded. The word came to mind and fit perfectly. She curled her fingers into his biceps, kneading his arm through the thick terrycloth covering his skin. It was all she could do as he completely ravished her mouth. His tongue moved with swift certainty, allowing her no secret niches. In seconds, he knew every inch of her mouth and lips. A whimper escaped her when he broke the kiss. She stared at him, her body aching for him, while her mind swirled with a jumble of emotions. “Orion.” What else could she say? Nothing came to mind. It was unusual for her not to be articulate, but with him, it seemed unnecessary. Their bodies, rubbing and pressing so close to each other, seemed more than capable of saying anything that needed communicating. “Natalie.” His eyes seemed a darker shade of black than they had before. His breathing was as ragged as hers, and his chest vibrated against hers with each breath. He bent forward to press his forehead to hers, his hands holding her cheeks in a tender, yet immobile, grip.

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“We shouldn’t do this.” Logic was trying to reassert itself, despite her body’s urgings to ignore it. “We work together.” “Fuck it.” The expletive seemed to echo around the kitchen. “You are mine.” She shivered at the intensity in his voice. A frisson of fear skittered down her spine, but a wave of desire swept it away when he cupped her breast. Looking into his hungry eyes, she knew she had nothing to fear from him. Her head fell back when he thumbed her nipple through the well-washed cotton. The material abraded the tender peak in a delightful way that had her squirming. She arched her hips, rubbing her pussy against his body in search of stimulation. Orion surprised her by lifting her around the waist. Shame flooded her and she wanted to protest. She was too heavy for a man to lift her. Natalie would never be the heroine swept up by the hero and carried somewhere romantic. Even as the notion formed, he was lifting her onto the island, seemingly with no effort. She tamped down the urge to say something, to apologize for her size. It would only ruin this moment, and she didn’t want that. Orion was definitely not faking his ardor, so clearly, he didn’t care that she was full-figured. Natalie gasped when he forced her down so that she was lying across the length of the island. His hands were urgent on the buttons of the pajama top and he seemed on the verge of tearing the garment from her. Excited by the idea, she rubbed against his stomach, hoping he could feel the wet heat of her pussy through her panties and the cotton pants. It seemed like forever before he conquered the buttons and pushed open the top. Natalie watched his face, searching for a hint of ridicule or repulsion when he saw her full stomach. His eyes held only appreciation as he gazed at her large breasts. “Do they please you?” she asked in a breathy whisper. “More than anything. I love a woman with generous breasts.” Orion cupped them, each one in a hand, his thumbs caressing her large nipples. “So beautiful. I love your nipples, Natalie. They’re so red, like luscious strawberries. Ripe, sweet berries…” He 29

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lowered his head. “Inviting a taste.” Orion swiped his tongue across one nipple, causing the already rigid bud to harden even more. “Juicy.” His mouth sent numerous sensations through her. She clutched a handful of his dark hair to anchor herself when he sucked the nipple and part of the areola into his mouth. She arched her back and cried out as he sucked on her breast. His tongue was delicious torture against the sensitive peak. Each swirl and thrust made her hips jut higher. As he worked one breast with his mouth, the other received an equal measure of attention from his hand, tugging and twirling that nipple until the pleasure was almost unbearable. Relief and disappointment filled her when he lifted his head. Both reactions were temporary. He was merely changing positions. The bud he hadn’t yet tasted received lavish attention while he cupped and squeezed her other nipple. Orion laved her nipple until she was arching her hips against him at a frantic pace and begging him to touch her. “Where?” he asked against her breast, his tongue still lightly stroking her nipple. “Please.” It was impossible to form a coherent request. Orion lifted his head. “Tell me where you want to be touched.” Natalie moaned in frustration. “Everywhere.” A teasing glint made his eyes sparkle. “So, here?” He lightly poked her in the rib. “Lower.” His fingertips were soft pioneers, blazing a trail down her belly. He paused to dip his index finger shallowly into her bellybutton. “Is this the spot?” “No.” Natalie tossed her head, knowing she would have more appreciation for his teasing if she weren’t so aroused. “Please go lower. To my pussy,” she amended. “Touch my pussy.” All trace of humor disappeared from his expression and he set about the quick task of stripping off her pants. He removed them, and the panties, in one quick motion. Natalie assisted by lifting her hips so he could slide them down. When she lay before

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him in just the pajama top, which provided minimal coverage, it was unnerving. He was so perfect from what she had seen, and she wasn’t. Yet he didn’t seem to care. Orion took a step back. With efficient movements, he stripped off his robe and let it fall. Natalie was unsurprised to find him nude underneath, though his erection was almost a shock. Long and thick, with a bulbous head, his cock was an intimidating specimen. She had expected him to be blessed, judging from the size of his frame, but not that endowed. Anxiety made her shiver. When he took a step back, Orion’s attention seemed homed in on the curls shielding her pussy. He plunged his fingers through the silky-soft hair, immediately finding her slit. Natalie clenched her teeth to keep in a cry of pleasure when he touched her clit. His fingers worked her to a fevered frenzy with deft strokes. She cried out when he traced a circle around the swollen nub before venturing lower. Her slit was slick and welcoming, and he found her opening unerringly. She tightened her thighs instinctively around his hand when he plunged two of his thick fingers inside her. Natalie’s pussy provided some resistance, but soon relaxed and embraced his digits. Orion pushed in and out of her rapidly, seeming to enjoy her squirming and sounds of ecstasy. “Come on, baby,” he coaxed more than once. “Come for me.” “Orion, I, oh…” Convulsions swept through her womb, radiating outward. Her muscles clenched around his fingers and it took her a moment to realize he was withdrawing from her pussy. “No. I’m right there.” “I know.” A slow, sensual smile curved his lips. “I want to taste you as you come.” Just imagining how it was going to feel nearly made her orgasm as he lowered his head. In a similar fashion to his possessive kiss, he tongued her pussy, drawing most of her mound into his mouth. He breathed against her, making her moan. His tongue invaded her slit, taking the place his fingers had recently occupied before sweeping outward and upward to swirl around her clit. Natalie fell apart when he sucked hard on her clit, bringing her to climax. It swept over her in a millisecond, with no chance to stem the tide. She arched against his face and each swipe of his tongue increased the

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intensity of her release. Before the first orgasm had even faded, he was wrenching another from her, followed by a third. She had no chance to stop or think. She could only feel and she surrendered to his ministrations. As he licked every drop of satisfaction from her, once again it seemed as though he was marking her as his. Eventually, he had mercy and let her ravaged flesh have a break. Orion lifted his head from her pussy and lowered his mouth to hers. “You taste exquisite, baby.” His mouth tempted hers to open and she kissed him. It was strange to taste her essence on his tongue when she plunged inside his mouth, but arousing. She gave herself to instinct and explored his mouth in the same way he had laid siege to hers, branding him as hers. He didn’t seem to mind. She had to break the kiss to take a deep breath. Lightheaded, it seemed as if she hadn’t breathed for weeks, and she inhaled a greedy lungful of oxygen before turning back to look at him. Once again, their bodies seemed to say everything, and as she stared up at the man about to become her lover, Natalie marveled at how clearly she could understand him without him saying a word. His expression seemed to be demanding her compliance. He wanted her to yield. Without knowing what she was agreeing to exactly, she nodded. “Make love to me. Please.” Orion shifted her slightly and rose to his full height. The island might have been made specifically to facilitate their coupling. On it, she was the perfect height, and her parted thighs welcomed him. Her wet pussy opened to his cock as he thrust the head inside her. Out of instinct, she tensed at the unaccustomed girth, but he allowed no quarter. As Orion pushed inside her, demanding but never hurting, she relaxed and accepted each inch he offered. At some point, when he was buried deeply inside her, with the walls of her pussy clenching around him, she met his gaze. The raw, blazing desire was so intense that it should have frightened her. Instead, his naked need excited her. No man had ever reduced her to a primitive creature driven solely on impulse— until Orion. As she met each thrust of his hips, matching his pace, her brain resonated with the knowledge that this was more than sex. On some deeper level, they were

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forging an unbreakable bond. Desire fueled their frenzied mating, but it was definitely about more than physical sensation. When they came together, his cock convulsing inside her pussy, his semen filling her, she knew she belonged to Orion. Not just right then, but forever. She was his. It might have frightened her if she didn’t have equal conviction that he belonged to her just as much. “Mine,” she growled, amazed at how much her voice sounded like a wild animal’s. Natalie clenched her thighs around his hips, forcing him deeper yet, and holding him inside her as her sheath contracted, milking the last of his release. “Mine,” she said again. He didn’t speak, but his eyes reflected the same message. Mine. Forever.

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Chapter Four The eggs were a lost cause. At some point, the smoke and acrid smell of them burning penetrated their hazy afterglow, and they separated. Natalie scrambled off the island and rushed to the stove to lift the skillet, turn off the burner and drop the mess into the sink. Cold water sizzled when it met the hot cookware, eliciting a cloud of smoke. Coughing, she turned away from the sink in time to see Orion turning on a huge exhaust fan with a switch on the wall. The fan sucked all the smoke to the ceiling and into the vents within minutes, leaving just a faint stench behind. With that crisis narrowly averted, they stared at each other without speaking. Natalie dropped her gaze, feeling awkward now that the sex was over. It had been earth-shattering, had rocked her to the core and had her thinking some very emotional thoughts at the end. How did she get past that to pretend everything was normal? It wasn’t possible to pick up the threads of their dog food conversation and go on as if they hadn’t just made wild, passionate love on the kitchen island. He moved first, coming back to her. Natalie sighed with relief when he took her into his arms. This embrace offered only support, demanding nothing. “Thank you,” he said. She lifted her cheek from his chest to look up at him, confused. “You’re welcome?” Orion smiled. “I have never experienced anything like that.” Natalie arched a brow. “You’re a virgin?” He laughed. “No, and you know that’s not what I meant.” “Yes,” she confirmed, an ember of happiness sparking to life in her chest, making it difficult to breathe. “No woman has ever…well, it’s never been like that before.”

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“For me neither.” Natalie made the confession against his chest, unable to meet his gaze, for fear of revealing the intensity of her emotions. What had started as an attraction had cemented into something much more substantial with the exchange of their bodies. She couldn’t face him if he didn’t feel the same way. If he rejected her, or even worse, pitied her for loving him, she couldn’t handle that right then. Her emotions were still too raw after their heated lovemaking and the emotional epiphany it had catalyzed. “I wish I could take you back to my room and make love to you all day.” Her stomach quaked at the idea. “Sounds delicious.” Natalie managed to lift her head, feeling slightly more composed. “Unfortunately, I have several appointments I can’t reschedule.” Orion lowered his head to kiss her briefly before continuing. Natalie sighed, easily thinking of at least three very important clients he couldn’t afford to inconvenience. “I know.” “It’s going to be difficult to get through the day, knowing what will be waiting for me when work ends.” He cupped her breast, gliding his thumb over her nipple. It hardened at his touch, though she winced from some lingering sensitivity. “So hard.” He arched against her and she couldn’t mistake his erect cock for anything else. “Maybe we can squeeze in a quickie between appointments.” Natalie tried to make the suggestion sound light, but there was definitely an audible tinge of hope underlying the words. Orion shook his head. “No, because you are not going in to work today.” Natalie frowned. “What?” “I want you to rest. You’ve been through a lot.” She took a step back, making no attempt to hide her displeasure. “I’m perfectly fine. You don’t think I’m some weak little thing who faints at the drop of a hat, do you?”

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Orion blinked. “No, of course not. I just want you to rest up and take care of yourself.” His voice lowered an octave. “I want you well-rested for tonight.” Her hands found purchase on her hips. “My job is to act as your personal assistant. I’m not going to let all this get in the way of doing my job.” His eyes narrowed. “All what?” “Those killers, being displaced from my home, sex.” She faltered on the last word for a second and paused to gather her wits. “I am not going to let everything in my life go off-kilter. I want to feel normal, and a normal day involves me working.” His expression had started out dark, but gradually lightened as she spoke. Orion appeared reluctant when he nodded. “Fine, you win. If you’d rather slave away in the office than spend the day lounging around, it’s your choice.” “I just want to be with you,” she said in a throaty voice, knowing she revealed more than intended with the words, but unable to call them back. Orion embraced her again. “I want that too.” Lucy pushed in between at that moment, sniffing both of them. “It seems like Lucy wants the same thing.” Natalie let out a small laugh. “No, she just wants her breakfast.”

Orion groaned as Natalie knelt down in front of his chair. The kisses they had shared all morning had left her lips swollen, making them all the more desirable. Passion painted her cheeks a rosy pink and her eyes gleamed with enthusiasm for her self-appointed task. From his vantage point above her, he could clearly see down her pearl-pink blouse, unbuttoned halfway down her stomach. The demure white bra binding her gorgeous breasts played havoc with his ability to focus on the task at hand. Not that he had to do much. She had insisted on reciprocating and was now on her knees, prepared to do just that. The door wasn’t even locked. It wasn’t like him to behave so irresponsibly, but when she came near him, he couldn’t help himself. At the moment, it was all he could

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do to grasp the arms of his chair and sit still while she undid his leather belt. Her hands brushed against his cock as it strained against his slacks, eager for release, and he stiffened further still. She was inspiring him to new heights, while stretching the boundaries of his patience. Natalie seemed to be in no hurry as she worked his zipper and button to part the material. He sucked a ragged breath through his teeth when she ran her fingernails down the length of his cock through his briefs. Her touch was electric and he had to tamp down the wolf side of his nature that urged him to slide out of the chair, join her on the floor and mount her from behind. “When I first saw him this morning, he scared me.” Natalie smiled up at him as she took his cock from his underwear. She cupped his erection. “He’s so big.” Orion had to remind himself he was too old to blush. Her words were just sweet nothings, designed to make him hotter still. They were working. He couldn’t resist the urge to thrust into her hand. She licked her lips in a provocative fashion that almost snipped his last thread of self-control. With fascination, he watched her lick her palm, her adorable pink tongue hinting at the pleasures awaiting him as she swirled it around her thumb. He couldn’t tear his gaze from her hand as she brought it back to his cock. Dry, her hand had felt good, but wet it seemed to directly ignite each one of his nerve endings. “Natalie.” Her name was husky when he spoke due to her sliding her hand up and down his shaft. When she touched the bundle of nerves at the V of his head with her moist thumb, his nails dug into the chair. “Stop this.” Natalie ignored the command. She continued to massage his shaft with her palm, while rubbing that special spot with her thumb. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that she was trying to kill him. Slowly, by means of sexual torture, she was going to do away with him. “Please.” It humbled him to ask, but his gruff tone probably masked that. He hoped. “Stop teasing me.”

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“Payback.” She licked her lips again, deliberately wetting her lower lip. A drop of saliva glistened on the very center and his groin ached when he pictured lifting her onto his lap to lick it off. Her soft body would conform to his perfectly as he sank deep inside her tight pussy. His hands clenched as he imagined cupping her buttocks to surge deeper into her before spending some quality time caressing her breasts. His cock spasmed in reaction to his imaginings and it took every shred of self-discipline not to come right then. No, he was wrong. As Natalie put her hot mouth around him, her tongue tracing his corona before zeroing in on the super-sensitive spot her thumb had first found, he knew he was now exerting every bit of control not to come like a virgin getting oral sex for the first time. “Oh, that—” he broke off as his door swung open and Natalie tensed under the desk. Automatically, he scooted his chair closer to the desk, forcing her into the cramped space underneath. “Dan, you’re early.” What the hell was his client doing here, just barging into his office, ten minutes early? Right then, he didn’t care if Dan was one of his best clients for whom he managed a multimillion-dollar portfolio. He wanted to tell him to get out—especially since Natalie’s mouth was still around his cock. “Hope you don’t mind. Susie wants to head back to the ranch early. She’s waiting at the airport with the plane.” Dan’s slight Southern twang lent him an uneducated air upon first acquaintance, though that was completely false. His acumen and intelligence had made him incredibly wealthy before he was Orion’s age. It had also allowed him and his wife to retire to an animal rescue ranch located on their own island. It occurred to Orion that Dan and Natalie would probably get along well, with their common love of animals. If she weren’t crouched under the desk, giving him head, he would have mentioned their mutual interests. “Of course not. Have a seat.” Dan crossed the distance of the office and Orion was aware of Natalie tensing. Her mouth tightened around his flesh as she did so, making him groan. “You all right?” asked Dan as he took a seat.

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“Oh, um, fine.” He stretched his arms. “I’m just a little stiff. Guess I’ve been sitting behind the desk too long.” Dan nodded. “Come up to the ranch for a weekend. We’ll make sure you get plenty of fresh air and exercise.” He cast a glance around the office. “Where’s that pretty secretary of yours? You can bring her along.” “At lunch.” Orion managed not to cry out or moan when Natalie began sucking his cock, bobbing her head to work the length of him. Obviously, she intended to complete her mission, despite Dan’s arrival. Somehow, Orion would have to get through the experience without humiliating himself or losing a client. When Dan left, he was going to turn Natalie over his knee and spank the plump, sweet cheeks of her ass until they glowed pink. The mental image did nothing to help him maintain control and he did his best not to think about it, or what Natalie was doing to him, as he led Dan through an update of his portfolio. A few minutes in, halfway through a breakdown of Dan’s current international stocks, Natalie concentrated her efforts on sucking his head. The wet confines of her mouth, wrapped so snugly around his cock, proved to be his undoing, especially when she gripped the base of his cock to pump his length, while judiciously applying a perfect amount of pressure to the spot she knew brought him the most pleasure. His buttocks clenched and every muscle in his body tensed as his cock convulsed, spilling the culmination of his arousal inside her mouth. He filled her with several spurts of satisfaction, but she never flinched or broke away. “Uh…” God, what had he been saying? “What do you expect the long-term growth of the Pacific funds to be?” Dan didn’t seem to think he was acting strangely and the question prompted Orion, helping him remember the thread of the conversation. Somehow, he managed to finish the last few minutes of the meeting and part ways with his client without losing composure. Natalie hadn’t made it any easier by holding his semi-hard cock in her mouth and flicking her tongue across the tip in an effort to prolong his orgasm.

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As soon as the door closed behind Dan, Orion shoved back his seat to confront an unapologetic Natalie. She dared to giggle. Droplets of his come remained on his shaft, and he buried a hand in her hair to pull her forward. “Clean me up.” Instead of pulling away or refusing the task, she attacked him with vigor, thoroughly cleaning him, while renewing his erection in the process. When she was done, Natalie sat on her heels and smiled up at him. Despite the pose, her posture suggested anything but submission. “Anything else?” “Yes.” Orion pulled her to her feet. “I can’t believe you did that. You know how important a client Dan is.” “I couldn’t believe it either.” She giggled again. “Your cock was just too tempting.” He shook his head. “You are just undisciplined.” “Definitely,” she said, deadpan. Remembering how he had planned to punish her, Orion bent her forward on the desk, not allowing her to protest. A flip of her gray skirt revealed a thong that covered little of her flesh. Her pert cheeks were inclined, beckoning, and he flexed his hand before bringing it down on her ass with a resounding crack. She squirmed and cried out, but not with pain. “You need to learn self-control.” He punctuated each word with his palm against her butt. Each spank made her writhe and moan. It was hypnotic watching his hand connecting firmly with her cheeks and he couldn’t cease until a rosy glow appeared. At that point, he stopped spanking and started rubbing the flesh. “I love your ass.” “There’s so much to love.” She sounded amused. He frowned, not liking her self-mockery. Natalie wasn’t supermodel material and he liked that. He’d been with his share of perfect women. They made beautiful pictures and silhouettes, but were often poor lovers. For him, there was nothing like sinking into his lover’s soft body, running his hands over her curves and knowing he held a real woman. Natalie was the epitome of the kind of woman he loved to love, and he was determined to make sure she knew that. 40

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Bending his head, he kissed her cheeks, laughing when she jumped in surprise. Natalie tensed when he blew a draft of air down her cleft. The white thong provided no resistance when he breached the side of it to dip a finger into her pussy, testing for wetness. She was slick and hot, clearly ready for him, and enjoying his ass-play. Orion kept his finger inside her as he licked her crevice, eliciting a gasp from her. He reveled in feeling her squirm as he licked and kissed her taboo areas. She moaned and arched against him when he swept his tongue from her anus to her pussy, bypassing her opening, where his finger plunged in and out of her, in favor of her clit. The nub was a siren calling to him, and he swirled his tongue around her, lapping up her feminine moisture. She was sweet on his tongue and he had to have more. With single-minded determination, he focused on her clitoris, sucking and licking on the little bud as she pumped her hips and tried to find release. With one hand stroking her and his face buried between her thighs, Orion found it difficult to reach the bottom drawer of his desk. He fumbled sightlessly for the handle, forgetting to pull open the drawer for a moment once he found it as her thighs clenched, drawing him deeper. Tremors racked her body and he knew she was close to coming. That brought him back to his task, and he opened the drawer, grasping the item he sought from where he’d left it atop a pile of papers. The sight of Natalie’s ass tilted in the air, with her skirt pooled around her waist, pleased him immensely when he lifted his head. Her sound of protest and look of annoyance amused him, but he held in the laugh. She didn’t look like she would appreciate him laughing right then. “What are you doing? I’m about to come.” “Be patient. Close your eyes.” To his surprise, she obeyed his instructions. Orion looked down at the toy he had smuggled from Natalie’s nightstand, hoping it was one of her favorites. She twitched when he dipped the smaller end of the toy into her pussy to wet it. “What is that?” A hint of outrage colored her tone. 41

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He slapped her butt just once. “Wait and see.” Orion twirled the toy inside her pussy to tease her before withdrawing it completely. He waited for her to protest, but she didn’t speak. With a satisfied grunt, he filled her pussy slowly with the larger side of the vibrator, until he reached the shorter piece. It nestled against her anus and the small bud yielded to the toy with an ease that seemed born of experience. “So, do you like having your pussy and ass filled, love?” Natalie arched her hips, moaning a sound that could be interpreted as affirmative. “What is that?” “You should know.” He turned on the wireless remote at the medium setting, making the toy vibrate inside her. “It’s yours.” Natalie’s head snapped around and her eyes were wide when she looked at him. “Mine? What do you mean?” “I stole this little toy from your stash last night.” Orion grinned. “I grabbed a couple of other things too, but there was no time to hide them in my briefcase this morning before you brought me coffee in the bedroom.” “Orion, I…” Her voice faded away when he increased the speed of the vibrations. She twisted and jerked as the toy worked its magic. Orion dropped the control on the desk and stretched over her to cup her breasts through the cotton shirt. He squeezed the generous orbs and fingered her nipples. Carefully, so as not to dislodge the vibrator, he positioned Natalie so that her vibrating pussy cradled his cock. He couldn’t enter her without removing the toy, so he contented himself by just rubbing the head against her clit, nearly climaxing just from her slick heat enfolding the head of his cock. When she convulsed with release, he gritted his teeth to keep from coming, determined to take her as he had imagined doing so earlier. As her orgasm faded, he brought a hand between them to remove the toy. It fell on the floor, vibrating against the wheel of his chair with a buzzing sound that wasn’t annoying enough to distract him from her waiting pussy.

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Orion sank to the hilt inside her sheath. Natalie cried out, pushing back against him. He lifted her hips to plunge deeper still and she clawed at the desk, clearly in need of something to hold on to as he thrust into her. He couldn’t keep the pace slow and smooth as he’d hoped. His animal side took over and he pushed inside her heat frantically, lost completely in the sensations she evoked. Her cries and moans spurred him on, helping him hold out against the passionate onslaught. He refused to allow himself to come before Natalie did again. “Orion, oh, I love you.” The spontaneous confession burst from her lips as her pussy tightened around him and convulsions signaled her climax. Orion surrendered to his own release, finding her declaration more erotic than her pussy squeezed tightly around him like a vise. Spent, he collapsed atop her for a moment, hugging her before leaning back. Orion dropped into his chair, taking Natalie with him. She cuddled into him, but wouldn’t meet his eyes. With gentle fingers, he tipped up her chin, forcing her to look at him. “What’s wrong?” “I didn’t mean it,” she said in a rush. “I’m sorry. Heat of the moment…” Natalie trailed off, her eyes teary. Her words hurt him more than he expected. Orion’s first instinct was to push her off his lap, but he hesitated. She was trying so hard to look detached but he could see the other emotions peeking through—uncertainty and resignation. His nose detected her fear from the way her scent changed. “Liar.” Natalie’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry?” “You’re a liar.” Orion brushed a tender kiss against her cheek. “You meant every word.” A tear trailed down her cheek. “I didn’t mean to fall for you. I know this isn’t what you want. Please just forget I said anything, okay?” Orion shook his head. “I can’t do that. It would be so awkward to see you every day, knowing how you feel without hearing you say it.” 43

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Her mouth drooped and moisture from suppressed tears made her brown eyes gleam. “Do you want me to resign?” “Why would I do that? I love you, Natalie.” Orion’s heart squeezed painfully in his chest at the way her expression brightened. Her love for him was as obvious as if she had painted a sign on her forehead. He held her close to him, savoring holding his mate in his arms. A trace of fear marred the perfection of the moment. How was he going to explain to Natalie what he was? Would she be able to accept he was a werewolf? Not only that, but he was the Beta of the Sundown Pack and would someday have to return to Evergreen Island permanently to support Jared, the Alpha. He imagined her on the island as his mate, mother of his children, and running a pet bakery in her spare time, but didn’t know if she would be willing to try such an existence. Most importantly, could Natalie still love him once she saw his animal side? A glint of humor made him smile as he hoped her love of animals would carry over to him when he revealed the truth. Orion didn’t know when he would tell her about his true nature, but he knew it had to be soon. It wasn’t fair to either of them to keep getting closer and plan a future if she wasn’t going to stay once she found out he was a werewolf. Nor could he tell her too quickly and risk having her run from him while she was still in danger. Until those killers were locked up, she wasn’t leaving his side. Looking inside himself, he acknowledged he had no idea how he would let her go if she wanted to when the danger passed. Wolves mated for life, and he was wolf enough to feel that way. Natalie was the other half of his heart. How could he carry on with only half a heart? Pulling her even closer, he prayed he would never have to find out.

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Chapter Five Due to an afternoon spent indulging in lovemaking between appointments, Natalie and Orion ended up working late in order to finish up the day’s work. She knew they would have to behave themselves tomorrow, or they would never get out the door. Another day like today and she might not physically be able to walk out of the office anyway. Tender spots made themselves known as she strode beside Orion out of the elevator, headed toward his sports car. Places that hadn’t ached this way in years, if ever, and the flush of satisfaction coloring her minimized the discomfort. At his car, she walked around to the passenger side, not giving him a chance to be chivalrous. After a hesitation, Orion went to the driver’s side, clearly nonplussed that she hadn’t allowed him to open her door. He pushed the button on his key fob, but she didn’t open her side when the lock disengaged with a soft click. Movement from the corner of her eye made her turn her head just in time to see three men emerge from the shadows. The one who had grinned so coldly at her last night held a gun in his left hand, pointed right at her. “Secure him,” he said to his two partners, jerking his head in Orion’s direction. “I’ll take care of her.” Natalie backed up as he neared, until the car bumper against her legs kept her from going any farther. She couldn’t tear her gaze from the gun until Orion grunted. She jerked in his direction, shocked to see one of the two goons go flying through the air. The concrete connecting with his body made her wince when the man landed, not uttering even a groan before succumbing to unconsciousness. She took a step toward Orion as the other man circled him, a switchblade in hand. “Stop right there.” Automatically, she froze, but the gunman was pointing his pistol at Orion.

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“Why should I?” He sounded bored, though his watchful eyes darted between Mr. Knife and Mr. Gun. “None of you are wearing masks, so you don’t care if we see your faces. That means you’re going to kill us.” With speed that made him almost a blur, Orion lunged at the man holding the knife, knocking him down to the concrete and smashing his fist into the side of his head with a sickening thud. Still crouched on all fours over the man, he looked up at the one holding the gun. “Why should we let you do that?” Natalie was stunned by how quickly Orion had dealt with the two men. Apparently, the one holding the gun hadn’t expected it either. Seconds before, he had seemed to be darkly thrilled with the forthcoming violence. Now a sheen of sweat made his pale face glisten in the weak illumination from the nearest light. The gun in his hand trembled noticeably for a moment before he secured it with his right hand, gripping the pistol in a professional shooter’s stance. “Don’t move. I damn well mean it.” Orion leaned back to shove aside the body of the gunman’s fallen comrade. “Shoot me if you’re going to. Why draw it out?” “How about I shoot her?” Natalie flinched when he trained the gun on her again. “I could splatter her guts all over your eighty-thousand-dollar car. How’s that sound, man?” As though it didn’t concern him at all, Orion got to his feet, stretching to his full height. “You’re planning to anyway. It all comes down to speed, doesn’t it? Can you shoot her before I get to you? Or are you fast enough to shoot her and then me? That will be the only way you walk out of here.” “You’re crazy.” A bead of sweat coursed down the man’s face. “Why’d you have to be there on that street, lady? You weren’t supposed to be there. It was supposed to be an easy robbery. Fucking guy had to fight back and then you saw me deal with it.” He thrust the gun at Natalie. “This is all your fault, bitch.” Orion’s strength and calm supported her, and she faced the barrel of the pistol with what she hoped was cool disinterest, while praying her lover had a plan. “If you’re 46

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going to do this, just get it over with. I really don’t want to hear you talk us to death first.” At that moment, Orion moved. Natalie and the gunman noticed simultaneously. As he moved the pistol toward her lover, his finger already depressing the trigger, she jumped at him. Her momentum knocked him off his feet and she landed atop the gunman, clawing at his hand for the gun. He swung blindly, connecting with her temple, and pain exploded in her head. Her vision blurred before coming back into focus but she didn’t let go. Tenaciously, she clung to the gun, determined to pry it from his hand as he tried to shove her away. When the wolf appeared, Natalie was certain it was a hallucination brought on by the blow to the head. Though she hadn’t lost consciousness, hadn’t even come close, the injury must be more severe than she thought. Reflexively, she released the gunman’s hand and reeled backward, bringing a hand to her head. The spot was tender, but seemed superficial. The wolf clamped his jaws around the man’s wrist, making him scream in agony. The gun clattered to the concrete and she had the presence of mind to reach for it. Natalie scooped up the pistol and held it in her hand, pointed directly at the gunman. The solid weight of the weapon was reassuring in her hand, though she had no experience with firearms. Stunned disbelief kept her crouching on the ground as the wolf dragged the shooter a few feet from her. Slowly, the animal released his grip and backed away from his prey. When the former gunman moved to sit up, the wolf lunged forward, growling menacingly. Instantly, the man froze again, his eyes never leaving the wolf. “That’s right, don’t move,” said Natalie, keeping the gun on him as she got to her feet. The man didn’t even look at her or the weapon. His gaze stayed on the wolf as it backed away to the side of the car. As she walked closer, to discourage the man from trying to run away, she saw a pile of clothing on the ground by the wheel. It took a halfsecond to register they were the garments Orion had worn all day. Even as the

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realization dawned, the wolf was shifting back to her lover. An unintelligible sound was all she could manage at the sight of his nude body. “I can explain,” he said, before his gaze switched to their would-be assassin. “Don’t move an inch.” Orion looked at her again. “Keep the gun on him, Natalie. I have to change before the police arrive.” He knelt to lift his clothes, rifling through the pocket of the torn trousers and emerging with a cell phone. In seconds, he had dialed the police and summoned them. Natalie kept the gun pointed at the man on the ground, though her attention stayed on Orion, aside from an occasional glance at their prisoner. He seemed unable to look away either as Orion went to the small trunk of the car and pulled out a bag. Transfixed, still not able to believe what she had seen, she watched him remove a pair of slacks and a white shirt from the bag. He dressed quickly and stashed the torn clothes in the duffel before putting it back into the trunk. Without thought, she recoiled when he came to stand beside her. Her chest tightened when she saw him flinch at her reaction. It pained her to hurt him, but she wasn’t in the frame of mind to reassure him. Reassure him of what, exactly? How was she supposed to react? There were no such things as werewolves. Everyone knew that. So, what had she just witnessed? Orion took the gun from her and she managed not to wince when he touched her. “I know you have questions, Natalie.” “Yeah. Questions.” About a million of them, if she could organize her thoughts long enough to ask them. “You’ve probably figured it out already, but I’m a werewolf.” She might have laughed hysterically if the gunman hadn’t chosen that moment to do it for her. He started laughing, but soon broke down into sobs, punctuated with barely understandable prayers for deliverance. Relief radiated from him when the sounds of sirens reached them, coming ever closer.

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Orion looked at her, his gaze studying her intently. “It’s a lot to digest, but please give me a chance to talk to you.” He jerked his head in the direction of the first patrol car pulling into their level of the parking garage. “Don’t run off after we’re through with the police, please. And don’t say anything about…my abilities…to them. I beg you. If they believed you, the knowledge would put a lot of people in danger. If they don’t believe you—and they probably won’t—it won’t go well for you.” He must have seen her eyes widen at those words. “I meant with the police. That wasn’t a threat. I’m not going to hurt you.” Natalie wanted to believe him. It seemed impossible that he would ever harm her, but the man she had fallen in love with could transform into a wolf at will. How was she ever supposed to accept that, or feel safe with him again? Detective Strand was the third on the scene and he nodded at Natalie but went directly to Orion. As they shook hands, she realized they knew each other. Last night hadn’t been their first meeting. His reaction to the gunman’s insistence that Orion was a werewolf supported her supposition. “Yes, I’m sure he is.” The detective sounded bored. “I’ll be sure to make a note of it.” Only a subtle glance at Orion betrayed that he knew the man was being truthful. Natalie wondered if anyone else had seen the exchange. “I have to say, this is the most original approach I’ve yet seen to set up for a psych defense. Did the werewolves tell you to rob and murder Hal Coleman too?” The arrestee’s assertions of Orion’s wolfish talents clearly amused the two officers handcuffing him. As they hauled him off toward a waiting car he continued to babble about the wolf and they traded grins and jokes at the man’s expense. Natalie might have felt sorry for the gunman if he hadn’t been intent on killing her just a few minutes ago. She stood stiffly when the detective drew her and Orion off to the side for statements. Fear of ridicule kept her from confirming the shooter’s allegations. That, and she owed Orion something for his protection. He had saved her life, even as he had

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complicated the hell out of every aspect of it. Natalie remained silent as Orion gave an abbreviated, slightly altered recount of overpowering the three men. The other two were in ambulances headed to the hospital. Booking at police headquarters upon release from medical care awaited them. Her suspicions that the detective was one of Orion’s kind grew stronger when he never questioned anything or asked for her version of events. When he presented a form for her to sign, she did so without protest. Natalie managed to stand stiffly as the detective lightly touched her forearm. “You have nothing to fear anymore, Ms. Bell.” She slanted a look at Orion peripherally. “Don’t I?” Without awaiting a response, she turned and walked away from them.

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Chapter Six No one called her back and she kept walking. Her mind wasn’t on anything except putting distance between herself and Orion. Automatically, her feet led her in the direction of home. She was less than a block away when lights appeared behind her, followed by the screech of brakes. It took no deductive reasoning to figure out Orion was following her. Even before his hand fell on her shoulder, she knew he was there. Her body recognized the proximity of his and responded, though she tried desperately to quell the physical reaction to his touch. “Natalie, please? I need to talk to you.” She shook her head, shrugging off his hand. “I can’t. This is too much to deal with.” Natalie expected him to protest or try to stop her again, but he didn’t. She turned her head to look at him, surprised by his lack of resistance. The defeat in his stance tugged at her heart and her eyes burned with unexpected tears. “You’re just going to let me go?” His expression revealed he was as confused by her words as she was. “I can’t make you stay. I can’t force you to accept my…differences.” Natalie sucked her lower lip between her teeth, torn between the need for space to process what had happened and the need for answers. “This is difficult to comprehend.” “I know.” He took a step back. “I’m going home. I would like you to come with me so we can talk, but if you don’t want to, I will have to live with that.” “Well, I do need to get Lucy and my things.” Hesitantly, Natalie walked to the passenger door, making sure not to brush against him. Orion was equally careful not to touch her and she was slightly miffed at his fatalistic attitude when she should have

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been appreciating his respect for her requested space. She slid into the seat of the car, sitting stiffly. “Jason wanted me to tell you that you’ll need to come in sometime tomorrow to do a lineup and identify the men who attacked you. You’ll also need to confirm they are the ones you saw shoot that man.” He sounded remote. “After that, you’ll only be bothered again if there is a trial. Jason expects they will all plead out, unless Connors— the leader—does cop an insanity plea.” At the stoplight, he turned his head to look at her. “We both know he isn’t crazy.” “No, I guess not.” She smoothed her skirt, picking off invisible lint to avoid his eyes. “I infer Jason is Detective Strand?” “Yeah.” The light changed and he looked straight ahead again, accelerating as traffic flowed. “Is he one of you…people?” “We’re quite human,” he said with a trace of impatience evident in his tone. “To answer your question, yes, Jason is a member of the Sundown Pack.” She blinked. “There’s a pack of you?” Orion maneuvered onto the freeway before answering. “Hundreds of packs, actually. Hell, maybe thousands. It’s not like we’re all in a network, or have some werewolf UN.” “How many w-werewolves are there?” Natalie almost pronounced the word without stuttering. Her tongue was reluctant to accept the word, though her mind was already wrapping around and absorbing the news of their existence. “In my pack? Or in the world?” Natalie shrugged. Orion kept his attention focused on traffic, though he was clearly focused on their discussion. “I don’t know how many there are in the word. It’s not a disease with a statistic. I can’t say X percent of the population carry the gene. I don’t know.” He

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paused to change lanes before continuing. “Maybe no one knows. All I know about is the Sundown Pack. We have more than five hundred members, though only about three hundred live full-time on the island.” “Island? What island?” Her mind conjured a wildly inappropriate image of a hairy wolf-man sprawled on a chaise lounge, wearing a miniscule thong and drinking margaritas on a tropical beach. “We own an island in the San Juan chain, out in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It’s our sanctuary.” She frowned. “Why do you need a sanctuary? Couldn’t you deal with any human who threatened you?” He glanced away from traffic long enough to give her a look that made her feel small. “I suppose we could kill any human who challenged our right to exist, but we aren’t cold-blooded murderers. Nor do we want a war, fearful of extinction. We are stronger than humans, but you people outnumber us. You would win.” His mouth twisted, as though he had tasted something unpleasant, and he fell silent. Natalie had other questions to ask but held her tongue. Clearly, she had offended him, and it was best to marshal her thoughts before the discourse continued. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him. She still loved Orion, without a doubt. If only she could be so certain of sharing a future with him as she was of how she felt, there wouldn’t be an icy ball in the pit of her stomach right then. Neither spoke until Orion had parked his car in the garage at his home and led her inside. Lucy came to greet them and Natalie was able to postpone the coming discussion a few minutes longer by letting her out to do her business. Once the dog finished, she had no other reason to avoid facing Orion, except that she was frightened. What she might learn scared her, but even more than that was finding out something so earth-shattering that she wouldn’t be able to stay with him. Part of her was so tempted to beg him not to say any more, to try to pretend she had never discovered her lover

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was a werewolf. Since neither of them could live that way, she had to face up to everything. Natalie sat in a beige lounge chair that drew her in and conformed to her frame. Orion didn’t bother to sit. He just paced in front of the fire. “How did this happen to you? Were you bitten?” He paused to look at her. “No. I was born a werewolf. It isn’t something you catch. I’m not infected with a disease, as I said. It’s a genetic difference. I couldn’t turn someone into a werewolf any more than a human could bite a dog and make it human.” She swallowed hard. If she stayed with Orion, any children they had would face the same type of existence. It was daunting to bring a child into such a situation. “So, your offspring would be werewolves?” she asked to confirm her fears. “Yeah. It’s a dominant trait. Very few hybrid children don’t have some kind of wolf characteristics.” Orion resumed pacing. “I might as well tell you upfront that I am not willing to have a relationship if not having kids is one of the stipulations. Much as I love you, Natalie, I can’t imagine a life without children. Even if I could, it isn’t possible. As Beta of the Sundown Pack, my line must continue. Stability is a cornerstone of any pack. A change in leadership is disruptive for every member.” Her head spun. “Leadership? What do you mean? You’re king of the werewolves or something?” Orion managed a small smile, though it seemed painful to allow himself any amusement. “No. The leader is the Alpha, and mine happens to be Jared Sundown. I’m his Beta, which means I’m his second-in-command. If something happens to him, I would take his place, unless he was deposed. In that case, my family is in danger too. Traditionally, my children would be potential mates for his, though I don’t think Alyra will let that archaic practice continue.” The influx of information made her head ache more than the blow from that man Connors. Later, she would ask more about pack dynamics, members and the like. Right now, she needed only the most critical information. “What does that all mean to you?” 54

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Finally, Orion stopped pacing to sit on the couch cushion nearest her. “Eventually, I’ll have to return to Evergreen Island and assume my responsibilities. I always knew that, so I have taken the chance to live a life away from the island for the past fifteen years. I still go home from time to time, but I wanted to be something other than the pack’s Beta while I still could.” He shrugged. “I’m ready to go home, and it won’t be long before I do.” “Do you have to marry someone from your pack?” Orion shook his head. “I can marry whomever I choose. I can’t think of a Beta in recent memory who has chosen a human partner, but I can’t see anyone objecting. Not now, anyway, with an Omega as Lupina.” He must have seen her confusion. “The Lupina is the Alpha’s mate. For the Sundown Pack, that’s Alyra, who used to be an Omega. That’s the lowest tier in pack hierarchy. Our pack has accepted her. My mate will be accepted too.” Determination radiated from him, making it clear he would not allow anything less. She twisted her fingers. “What kind of future can we have, Orion?” Natalie didn’t resist when he leaned forward to take her hands between his. “I don’t know what to do.” “We’d have the same future as most mates, um, married people. We’d spend our lives together, loving each other. There would be children and happiness. I’m sure we’ll have tough times, like everyone else in a committed relationship, but we’ll get through them.” He squeezed her hands. “We’ll also have obligations to the pack. You’ll have a husband who can change to a wolf and your children will probably do the same at puberty.” Orion’s pitch lowered an octave. “You’ll also have a devoted mate, one who will never stray.” Natalie smiled at the pun. “How much like a wolf are you?” “I’m as much wolf as I am human. In either state, I’m the same person, with the same feelings.” He shrugged. “It’s more difficult to control some impulses when I’m a wolf, like the urge to make love, but the ability comes with age and practice. I am never 55

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going to turn feral and attack anyone, and I won’t forget who I am.” He lifted a hand from hers to push the hair off her face. “I will never forget whom I love. If you walk away, you’re taking my heart with you. Eventually, I will have to find a mate and have children, but it will be a shallow union. The wolf in me mates for life, even if the human side of me knows relationships don’t always work.” His honesty and open vulnerability were her undoing. Natalie looked into his dark eyes and melted. There were still questions, and there would be details to work out, but all seemed inconsequential in comparison to a life spent without Orion. How could she consign either of them to live a half-life with a broken heart by leaving? “I love you, Orion.” She touched his cheek. “I don’t care about anything else. We can work it out.” “Are you sure?” He leaned closer, his gaze drilling into hers. “Right now, I can maybe let you walk away without it killing me. If you accept me for a while and then find out you can’t be my mate, I won’t survive you walking out. This is your one chance to leave.” “I know.” Natalie slid out of the chair and onto his lap, forcing him back. She straddled his thighs. “I don’t want to leave.” Cupping his face, she pressed her lips to his for a long kiss. When she broke the kiss, she rested her forehead against his. “I love you. I can’t imagine my life without you. You might be able to watch me leave, but I don’t think I could survive walking away from you.” Orion’s eyes revealed cautious hope. “Do you really think you can make a life with me?” “Definitely. Any kind of life with you has to be better than the one I’d endure without you.” She kissed him again. “I was lucky to find you, Orion, and I’m not going to let this one little thing come between us,” she said saucily. He chuckled, making his chest rumble. “If you keep wiggling your bottom like that, something else is going to come between us.” Natalie reached down to touch his stiffening cock. “I’m counting on it, love.”

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About the Author Kit Tunstall lives in Idaho with her husband, son and dog-children. She started reading at the age of three and hasn't stopped since. Love of the written word, and a smart marriage to a supportive man, led her to a full-time career in writing. Romances have always intrigued her, and erotic romance is a natural extension because it more completely explores the emotions between the hero and heroine. That, and it sure is fun to write.

Kit welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

Tell Us What You Think We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email us at [email protected].

Also by Kit Tunstall A Christmas Phantasie A Matter Of Honor Ablaze Blood Lines 1: Blood Oath Blood Lines 2: Blood Challenge Blood Lines 3: Blood Bond Blood Lines 4: Blood Price By Invitation Only Dark Dreams Eye of Destiny Heart Of Midnight Lions and Tigers and Bears anthology Pawn Phantasie Playing His Game Sundown Pack 1: Only Love Sundown Pack 2:Fortune’s Fool Wrong Groom

Also see Kit’s story at Cerridwen Press (www.cerridwenpress.com): Beloved Forever

Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

www.ellorascave.com