Impassion (Mystic) Read Online Free PDF Page B

he replied, slipping one arm under her knees. He stood, picking her up with him. Then he lowered her feet to the floor. “There’s something I need before giving you your freedom.”
    “Of course there is.”
    He leaned in, stealing her breath with an intense kiss. Then he straightened and released her. “Okay, off you go.”
    She grasped his shoulder, trying to steady her balance and clear her head. “You make it hard for a girl to accept her freedom, Quin. Was that your goal?”
    “Nope. I was hoping I could convince you to willingly return.”
    “Clever,” she commended, taking a step back. If she stayed close to him, she’d never make it to the shower. “What are you going to do?”
    He stiffened as the color and pace of his aura shifted. “I’m going to go tell your grandparents what’s going on, then go home and get cleaned up. I’ll come back to make sure you’re ready before having them come over.” He took a few steps toward the door then turned. “Sound okay?”
    Though he was looking at her, waiting for her reply, Layla could tell he was distracted. “Sure,” she answered.
    He resumed his trek to the door, but when she called his name, he paused once more. “Yeah?”
    “What’s the dark green?” she asked. “Like forest green, but murkier.”
    He flinched then squarely faced her. “It represents concern.”
    “Hmm…” she hummed, watching the dark green eclipse the other colors in his aura. Only the emerald green could compete. “Would you like to tell me why you’re so concerned?”
    He hesitated, looking at the ceiling as he rubbed his tense jaw, and after ten seconds of silence, Laylagrew concerned. She hadn’t seen him this way since he revealed she was a witch. “What’s going on, Quin?”
    He released a heavy sigh and met her stare. “Your grandparents might not be too happy with the way I’ve handled the situation.”
    “Why?” she blurted, shocked by the explanation.
    “They might find my behavior inappropriate,” he answered, “considering the circumstances.”
    “I don’t understand,” she pressed, so he elaborated.
    “I doubt they would approve of me sitting here kissing you while you’re going through something so difficult.”
    “Oh,” she breathed, feeling like a fist had thumped her in the chest.
    “I don’t want you worrying about this,” Quin insisted. “It’s my problem, not yours.”
    She looked down, swallowing a lump while wiggling a toe into plush carpet. “Do you feel guilty for kissing me?”
    He retraced his path and pulled her into a firm hug, encasing her more completely than ever before. His arms covered her entire back, and one of his hands nestled her head, holding her cheek to his chest.
    “I probably should,” he answered, “but the time I’ve spent with you has been too good to regret. I just don’t want to upset the people who care about you.”
    “I see,” she whispered, crumbling in his warm embrace. “Should I keep my mouth shut? I don’t want to cause problems.”
    “No,” he objected. “You do and say whatever you want. This is my problem, one I was willing to face for just one kiss. I’ve spent more time with your lips than I deserve; I’ll gladly deal with this issue in return. It was well worth it.”
    “I’m glad you feel that way, but I’m sorry it’s gotten you into trouble. If it’s any consolation, you’ve made this easier on me, not harder.”
    “Good, because I would feel guilty if it were the other way around.”
    “Are you going to tell them?”
    “No, but they’ll know something’s up, and if they come right out and ask, I won’t lie.”
    “I’m sorry, Quin. I didn’t know this was an issue.”
    He leaned back and found her face. “Don’t be sorry. That’s the last thing I want you to feel about our kisses.”
    “I’m not sorry about the kisses,” she clarified. “They were perfect.”
    “Good,” he approved, taking her cheeks in his palms. “Now stop worrying about me and