“She stood, moved to stand in front of him, and held out her hand. “Thanks so much for fixing my hip and helping me.”He lifted a brow as he glanced from her hand to her face. “Sit down. You’re not going anywhere.”

“Hands on hips, she cast him a narrowed-eye gaze. “Move.”“You’re not leaving.”“And you’re not stopping me.”

“He raised his hand to brush a stray hair from her face. Instead of dropping his hand, he slid it behind her neck and drew her closer. His earthy pine scent enveloped her. When his lips touched hers, she lost any hope of control.”

“His hand came out and captured her by the chin. She froze, finding it hard to breathe as he gently raised her face to meet his gaze.”

“Before he could answer, the front door flew open and a little girl ran out, skidding to a halt inches from them. “Daddy?” The concern in the tiny child’s eyes melted Shay’s heart.“Josie,” Shay whispered.Josie propped her fists on her hips, and she cocked her head to the side. “How do you know my name?”“Joselynn, be nice and go get your nana.”Her lower lip trembled, but she turned and ran back inside.”

“His power reached out to her like physical touch of a lover, sending tingles over her skin. His sculptured body moved in a sensual, yet deadly manner. Her hands itched to touch him, to feel his warm skin under her palms. She closed her eyes to stop the urge to go to him, shivered, and cursed her body for responding to him.”

“When he reached his own room again, he found Khloe curled up on his bed, asleep. He stood over her, watching her sleep peacefully for a few moments before taking a deep breath and moving to the other side of the bed. He sat down on top of the covers next to her and watched the rise and fall of her chest as she slept. He withdrew a leather bond journal from the nightstand drawer and tried to push Hecate’s words from his mind.Khloe is yours to deal with.”