Bearing the Black Ice (Ice Bear Shifters Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page B

for words.
    “Let’s huddle,” he finally said.
    “Huddle?”
    “Yeah, I know it’s a little weird since we barely know each other. But, whatever, we’ve spent a few days together in some pretty extreme circumstances. We’re not exactly strangers anymore. And we could use the body heat from each other to help stay warm. It’s stupid to sleep on separate rocks under these circumstances.” He ran his fingers through his hair again, looking really nervous.
    Hannah tried to smile through her chattering teeth. “Okay,” she said. She felt warmer just at the thought of him laying next to her. Somewhat awkwardly, he walked over and gingerly laid down on the layer of clothes that made up her bed. The clothes didn’t provide much cushion, but at least they made a small barrier between the cold rocks and Hannah’s body.
    Alan nestled himself up against Hannah, and wrapped his arms around her. He didn’t turn the flashlight off. Maybe he felt complete darkness would make the intimacy of the moment too great. Hannah didn’t care whether he felt awkward. The warmth of his body against hers felt like heaven. She closed her eyes and breathed in his scent. Even though he had been in the cave for several days, sweating and soaking up the dank atmosphere, he still smelled woodsy. A faint hint of pine clung to his sweatshirt, and Hannah figured that must be his usual scent. She wondered if she would ever have an opportunity to know him outside of this horrid cave. The sensation of his arms around her felt incredible. The security she felt in that moment overwhelmed her, and a single tear managed to escape from her eyes and roll down her cheeks. She hoped he hadn’t noticed, but the tear must have slid down onto his own cheek, because he pulled back his face to look at her.
    “Hey,” he said, his voice soft and concerned. “Don’t cry. It’s all going to be okay, I promise.”
    His sensitive tone only made her cry more. “It’s not that I’m worried about things not being okay. I mean, it sort of is, I guess. But, it’s just… It’s been so long since anyone has touched me for any reason other than to torture me. I forgot how good real, caring contact feels.” Hannah felt stupid as she said this, and an all out river of tears started streaming down her cheeks as sobs began to shake her body. She told herself to stop being so emotional. She was making a fool of herself in front of him. But she couldn’t stop crying.
    But Alan didn’t seem fazed by her outburst. “Shhhh,” he whispered in her ear, pulling her closer and holding her tighter. He stroked her long black tresses and buried his face against hers. Hannah slowly calmed down, her sobs fading into sporadic shudders. She forgot to feel self-conscious, and she buried her face against his chest. He felt so good. His arms were so strong. His chest was so sturdy. He was the most magnificent bear she had ever seen. And no matter what happened in the next few days, at least she had this one last gift. This chance to feel him holding her, and comforting her. In spite of the bleak circumstances, Hannah sighed happily.
    The next thing she knew, his lips were on hers. Tentatively at first, as though he was asking if this was okay. She felt a thrill of warm heat run through her as he pressed his mouth against hers, and she returned the soft kiss. The fact that she didn’t pull away seemed to bolster his confidence, because he deepened his kiss. He slipped his tongue gently between her lips, and let it slide over her tongue. She pushed back with her own tongue, daring him to go deeper. He didn’t need to be asked twice. With his body pressed against hers, and his hands holding the back of her head, he kissed her deeply, passionately. She felt his erection growing against her. He was large, and hard as the rock on which they were lying. Her shivering ceased, and her lack of energy was forgotten as he let his warm hands run down from her head, to her neck, past her