Give Me Desire (Reason Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

and stand to get some more, but he stops me.  
    "I can get it," he says and stands quickly.
    "I'm not broken, Mikah, I can do it." I try to sound sweet about it, but he scowls at me. I mentally shrug it off and go to the fridge for the milk.  
    "I never meant to imply you're broken."
    My heart sinks a little bit as I realize it was more of an act of chivalry than waiting on me.  
    I return to my seat with the milk and begin eating some more. Before I know it, my bowl is empty and I still feel hungry. Just as I'm about to reach for the ladle, there is a knock on the door. I freeze.  
    "It's just Red," he says quietly as he takes in my frozen state. "He said he would be back with a change of clothes for me. I was hoping you wouldn't mind if I stayed on the couch tonight?" His gaze is warm, soft.  
    "Yes, please." I smile slightly. I hadn't thought about staying here alone, and Mikah's willingness to stay on the couch warms my heart, though I kind of wish he would sleep with me.  
    He walks toward the door. "I thought the couch would make you more comfortable," he says as he checks the peephole in the door. "Oh, it's Celeste." He reaches for the knob and then turns back to me, like he is seeking reassurance.
    I nod hesitantly. I've at least met Red. Not sure if I trust him, but I've met him. Celeste is another story. I'd never realized I was so skittish about people before.
    Then, as he opens the door, I'm reminded of the dream right before we left the hospital. Hearing Nyssa’s name in that dream has given me the idea that people really aren't always as they seem. But I also don't yet know why she would be in my dream in the first place.  
    "Thank you," I hear Mikah say, pulling me from my thoughts.  
    "I'd love to meet her," a sweet, soft voice says from the doorway, and I watch as Mikah turns toward me.
    I take a couple steps in his direction, and he opens the door a little wider.  
    "Come on in." He steps aside.  
    On the other side of the door is a very pretty yet average-looking woman with blond hair; big, blue eyes; and a warm, welcoming smile. She is taller than I am, though that’s not hard to accomplish. I guess she's in her early thirties.  
    "Hi, Vivienne. I'm Celeste, Mr. Blake's housekeeper. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."  
    "Hi, Celeste. Your soup is fabulous," I say with a small smile.  
    "Thank you. I'm glad you like it. Can I get you guys anything else?" she asks, looking from me to Mikah and back again.  
    I shake my head.  
    "No, I think we're good for now," Mikah says to her, and she hands Mikah a bag.  
    "Vivienne, I'm not sure if you saw or not, but your closet has some clothing for you, mostly yoga pants and t-shirts. If something doesn't fit, let me know and I can exchange it for you."
    I'm pretty sure my face shows the shock I'm feeling at the idea that there are clothes, not to mention that Mikah has spent money on me. "Th-thank you," I finally manage to mutter.  
    I see concern in Mikah's face as his brows knit together.  
    "You're welcome." She turns to Mikah. "Call if you need anything else. I'm going to take off for tonight, but I can come back if there's a need."
    "Thanks, Celeste. See you tomorrow," Mikah says, and she waves at me. I wave back halfheartedly as she steps back out the door and Mikah closes it.

NINE
      "Why did you buy me clothes?" I ask.  
    His back tenses and ripples at my words. The tension in his back is not anger; it's fear or worry.  
    "Mikah?"  
    I watch him come to a decision.  
    With his hands against the front door and his head down, he says quietly, "I wanted you to have a fresh start." He turns and leans against the door. His eyes are closed. "When you walked out of that hospital today, I wanted you to have a fresh start on everything. A new place to live, clothes on your back, proper food in the kitchen, and..." He pauses and opens his eyes. "I wanted to give you the tools you'd need to be able to take care of yourself." His voice is soft