Protector of the Pride (Lions of Pride Island Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

him.
    He was much easier to resist as her stressed-out, uptight boss. Now, no matter how professional she tried to be, she’d still see him as that sexy, sensitive lover that overtook her like a storm.
    His hands stroked over her arms, alighting the sensation there, and she groaned.
    “Stop that,” she said, not really meaning it.
    “Tell me the next step,” he said. “Courting you, I mean.”
    “First off, stop calling it courting,” she said as his hand trailed down to her belly, stroking her there and then coming to rest on her hip. “And stop that. I can’t think.”
    “I can’t,” he said, squeezing her hip. “You’re so soft and delicious. My hand just wants to keep doing it.”
    She squirmed, liking the feel of his touch, the acceptance of it. But she needed to think straight. What had he just asked her? Oh yeah, about courting.
    “Call it dating,” she grated out, relieved as his arms settled around her again, caging her in. “And I don’t know. I guess flowers, chocolate. And we should go out.”
    “I work during the day, as you know,” he said. “But how about tomorrow evening?”
    She nodded, loving the feel of his chest on her back. When they were done discussing this, would he leave? She didn’t want him to.
    “What do you think about sexuality?” he asked. “Should we cut it off? I don’t want either of us to get overwhelmed.”
    “And you aren’t already?” she asked tersely, bitter at her own body and its constant begging for him.
    He laughed. “Yeah, I am. But I’m trying to be sensitive. Which is a feat for me, as you know.”
    She laughed, feeling some of the tension seep out of her. “I guess so. I don’t think we have to cut it off. We just have to have some control.”
    He nodded, his chin grazing the top of her head. He felt so big behind her, like a large, steadying wall she could depend on. She’d never had anyone like that, and she hadn’t ever expected it to be Axel.
    After all, he supported and protected the country. But this was more personal. Better. More than she’d hoped for.
    She honestly hadn’t thought she was this into him when she’d suggested helping him. But now she was realizing she was, and it scared her.
    But not enough to back her off. Fear had never been enough to keep her from doing stupid things. The rush got to her. The risk.
    It had been good working with Axel because it kept her out of trouble. And now she was taking both of them right back in.
    “Speaking of control,” he said. “I think this position is getting a bit tough for me.” His deep voice was tight with control, and she realized he hadn’t even gotten off before.
    That was thoughtful of him, just taking care of her. What would Axel look like when he lost control, that tight face lost in pleasure?
    She turned around and knelt in front of him, looking pointedly at his crotch. “Nice.”
    His fact twisted as he turned away from her. “Thanks.” His tone was terse. “I should get back to my room.”
    She reached for his face, turning it toward her. “What if I’m not done?” she asked. “What if it wasn’t enough?”
    He looked into her eyes frankly. “I thought you were overwhelmed. I thought you were worried.”
    She came closer. “Right now, I’m more worried you’ll leave before I can have everything I want.” And she meant it. Her body was humming. She couldn’t resist him, no matter how stupid it was. “How about just once, to seal the deal before we start dating?”
    He raised a perfect blond eyebrow. “Isn’t that a little backward?”
    She growled and shook her head. “I don’t really care at the moment what direction it is. I just want you.” She put a hand over him, and his eyes widened as he scooted back slightly. He put a hand over hers and removed it from his member, eyeing her warily.
    “Look, I want you, too, Lucy. So much. But I don’t want to do anything we’d both regret.”
    She could see want mirroring hers, shining in his eyes. “We