Provoked Read Online Free PDF Page A

got that unpleasant reality out of the way, the sooner she could help him find Jase.
    “Sure. Yeah, you’re totally trustworthy.”
    He turned west along darkened streets toward the bar. “The demons took my youngest brother hostage four years ago—and you of all people know what they’ve done to him.” A rare rage heated in Kane’s gut, and he shoved all emotion down.
    “Me of all people?”
    “Yes. As the only demon destroyer we’ve ever found, you must know what they can do. What they will do.”
    “Demon destroyer, huh?” She shifted in the seat. “You sure you have the right gal?”
    His hands tightened on the wheel. “I’m sure.”
    “You poor, crazy man.” She sighed. “How many brothers do you have?”
    So, she was going to humor him. “I have four brothers—Jase is the youngest.”
    “Where do you fall in the lineup?” Her smile whispered sweetness.
    “Smack-dab in the middle.” He fit the middle child cliché to a T. The peacemaker, the brilliant one, the one in the middle. “When the first war intruded, and my older brother had to step up as king, we all fell into place. I’m his confidant when he needs logic and order. And a plan.”
    “Sounds lonely.”
    How odd. Kane narrowed his eyes, glancing at the woman. “No. We all do our jobs.”
    “What about when you don’t want to be logical? What about when you’re angry and want to hit something?” Streetlights from quiet storefronts glinted off her nearly white hair, turning her into an angel.
    He shrugged. “That’s an indulgence I can’t allow. The king needs me logical, so I am.”
    “Maybe that’s why you went a bit . . . off the track.”
    Good Lord. Was she back to that? “Stop playing with me, sweetheart. Logic can kick your butt as quickly, if not more efficiently, than a good broadsword.”
    “Was that a threat?” Her posture went ramrod straight.
    “Would a threat work?” he asked, an unwilling smile tingling his lips.
    “No.”
    That’s what he thought. Bright lights spilled from the all-night diner and cut through the softly falling snow like an invitation. He maneuvered the truck into the parking lot. Regret filled him as he grabbed Amber and hauled her across the seat. “We can’t have you jumping out, now, can we?” He turned to shove Chuck in the shoulder. “Wake up.”
    Chuck groaned.
    Good enough. Kane cut the engine. “They’ll awaken soon and head inside. We need to get out of here.” Jumping out, he kept a firm hand on the woman, even while helping her to the ground. What kind of a moron lifted his truck so high a lady needed assistance getting out?
    Her boots scattered snow as she landed and then regained her balance. “Thanks.” She kept her gaze on his chest.
    “Sure.” He shut the door and waited patiently for her to make a move.
    She remained still. Snow billowed softly to coat her lovely hair. A small shiver racked her shoulders.
    He peered down at her. “Amber?”
    “Yes?”
    “If you’re going to attack with whatever’s in your right hand, could you hurry it up? We need to get going.”
    She started, her gaze slashing up to him. “How did you know?”
    He shrugged. “What kind of a knife do you have?”
    Her cheeks pinkened, and she drew her hand forward. “I have a pen.”
    A blue ballpoint pen. He blinked twice, his gaze on the harmless tool.
    Maybe it was the ridiculousness of the pen. Maybe it was the woman’s courage in planning to use it on him. Or maybe it was the sheepish half-smile she gave.
    Either way, his heart rolled over.
    Warmth flushed through him, so hot, so fast, his ears rang. His mind blanked. For the first time in centuries, his brain shut off. The woman was crazy. Stepping in, he grasped her chin and tilted her head back.
    Her eyes widened, and then her gaze lowered to his lips. A soft sound of surprise emerged with her breath.
    He dove in, allowing the animal within to awaken. For the first time in three centuries, there was no thought. All instinct