Hope (The Virtues #1) Read Online Free PDF

creep in the bar. I knew what Trask was capable of, and his power was like pure desire.

    I wanted to speak, but his body moved closer and closer to mine and I was having enough trouble breathing, let alone speaking. He wrapped his hands wrapped around me, and I felt him lift me into the air like I was nothing. He squeezed me close to his hard body and took a deep breath. I could smell the cigarette smoke on him, but there was more behind it. It was something... manly. Gasoline, maybe.

    When he set me down, I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face. His hands were back at my shoulders, touching my bare skin. He looked me over again, but closer this time. It was the way he’d look at me when I was lying beside him on the beach. I remembered those hungry eyes that I once loved to feed. I hated to admit it, but the feeling of those eyes on me again was electrifying. It was also different.

    Trask seemed so much more sure of himself as he stood before me. His disarming smile and hard body were always an asset to him, but now there was a confidence in his eyes that could only have come from life experience. Seeing it on him made me wonder if I had that same confidence. Spending endless years of med school wasn’t exactly living life to the fullest.

    “How are you? That's my first question.” I loved the eagerness I could hear in his voice. His heart was racing; I had felt it when he pressed me to his broad chest.

    I was still a little stunned, “I’m doing all right. You?” Nick was still in the back of my mind, but in the three minutes since finding Trask, he had already saved me and swept me off my feet. I had to be grateful for what he had already done before bringing up the bigger problem.

    “Can’t complain, but I do it anyway. Are you Dr. Cantwell yet?” His eyes seemed to soften as we spoke.

    I shook my head, “Two more years, but I’m almost there.” I got the impression that he’d kept up on me in the same way I’d asked mutual friends from school about him. My fears about any animosity faded.

    “What about you? Are you gunning for ‘Most Changed’ at the reunion next year? A Marine, a biker, Sergeant at Arms—whatever that means.” I read the patch on his vest over his heart, laying my index finger on it. I knew it had to do with his rank in the club, but beyond that, it was just words to me.

    Trask smiled and looked down at the patch. “It’s been a crazy couple of years.” His gaze fell on me again, and I felt a heat rise inside me. Trask had those eyes that just set your soul aflame. “You look amazing.”

    I turned away as I smiled. I could feel my cheeks getting red again. His voice, his body, his stance; everything was making me remember every night of passion and pleasure we’d shared years ago.

    “Not exactly appropriate for The Bandolero, but amazing none the less.” He stepped forward, his voice lowering to a whisper. “Why’d you come back, Hope? Why’d you come looking for me?” I felt his finger on my chin. I struggled to ignore my weakening knees as Trask turned me to face him.

    I couldn’t hide my feelings. “God, Trask, you know you can’t do that to me.” I closed my eyes as that musky, masculine smell got stronger.

    He got even quieter, “Can’t do what?” He pressed his body against mine again, and I felt a changed man. In high school, he was passionate but modest with me. I showed him where to put his hands, and I urged him on. The biker that was in front of me wasn't looking for permission.

    “Can’t do this?” Trask crushed me against him, and I felt that beautiful weight pinning me to the wall. I didn't even notice that he’d taken my hands. He lifted them above my head, keeping me squarely under his control.

    A whine escaped me like a prisoner in the dark. It was almost unheard, but even if Trask hadn't heard it, I was sure my face gave away everything. I felt his manhood between his legs. It was throbbing, and I almost gave in to the heavenly