Determined (Determined Trilogy Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

shorter without those six-inch heels, probably just barely over five feet tall. Her black flats gave me more than a few inches on her. Carrie and Jenna engaged in mutual compliments regarding their outfits, allowing David plenty of time to stare at me. I found myself having a hard time holding his gaze. It was too powerful. Instead, I sipped it in, moving my eyes between each person in the group in a purposeful and egalitarian manner. But the only one I took note of was David. His masculinity was so distracting. Tall and strong, without being obnoxiously muscular. I could tell there were powerful thighs beneath those trousers. I wanted that mouth on my neck, and I wanted to feel those hands in my hair. His eyes burned over me, and I could tell he was assessing me, examining my body in the same way I was his. The area between my legs became wet, and my chest felt heavy with need.
    “David!” A man in a brown sport coat and dark jeans came up behind us and cut into the conversation. “May I borrow you for a moment? There is someone I would like to introduce you to. It will only take a minute.”
    A brief scowl passed over David’s lips, but he responded to Sport Coat.
    “Certainly. Ladies, please excuse me for a moment. Don’t go anywhere,” he raised his eyebrows, and looked pointedly at me. Was that a command? A threat?
    With David out of the room, I tried to compose myself. Carrie and Jenna were really hitting it off. I stood there for a few moments, dizzy with lust, and realized I needed to be by myself for a few minutes. I needed to give myself a pep talk. They wouldn’t miss me if I took a few moments.
    “Guys, I am going to run to the ladies’ room. I’ll be right back. Carrie, can you hold my drink?”
    “Sure thing, Sam. Hurry back.” Carrie smiled and took my glass.
    I headed down the dark hallway toward the restroom, candlelit sconces illuminating the way. I rounded the corner and almost ran into someone.
    It was David. I froze.
    “Samantha.” He didn’t touch me. He just stood there, staring at me in the low light.
    “David, I’m so sorry, hi,” I mumbled back, looking down, staring at my boots. He didn’t say anything, so I ventured to look up at him, and was caught instantly in the fire of his gaze. His dark eyes blazed at me, and everything around us faded away.
    “Where are you going?” He demanded gently, smiling, looking around as if trying to suss out his competition. The air crackled between us.
    “Nowhere. I mean, I was looking for something, err. Sorry,” I trailed off, feeling flustered. I wasn’t ready for this. I didn’t know what to say to him. I didn’t have my game plan ready. It wasn’t fair, this power he had over me. I mean, I barely knew him. I went mute. Dammit, I wished I could start over. Without saying anything, I turned on my heel and headed back down the hall.
    “Wait.” He grabbed my hand and spun me back to him, so quickly I lost my footing. I grabbed his arm for balance, and he steadied me with his other hand. “Where are you going?” He reached up to my chin and pointed it up to his. And then he put his lips on mine. Kissing me softly at first, and then deeply. He dominated my mouth as he pulled me into him. One of his hands trailed up my back to my neck and then cradled my face. He pulled his head back and looked me deeply in the eyes, cupping my ass with his other hand, pulling me into him. I remained speechless. He gazed at me a moment longer, and then released me and grabbed my hand.
    “Come,” he commanded, and before I could respond, he pulled me down the hallway and outside onto the backyard veranda. The sound of the party faded away as we moved further from the door. From a distance, I looked back at the windows, the party glowing inside. I knew no one could see us. The fog had rolled in and the air felt cool and moist on my hot skin. I looked over at David. I didn’t know what he was thinking. I didn’t care. I just wanted him to kiss me