Roaring Up the Wrong Tree Read Online Free PDF Page B

her eyes or the way her chest rose and fell, straining her shirt. He recognized the beginnings of panic in her. It was the same reaction she had at the gas station.
    She was like a scared rabbit, even if she was a hyena.
    Trista remained frozen in place, the beer in her hand obviously forgotten. One second turned into two and still she didn’t budge. Finally, the gruff voice of another man got her moving.
    “Trista!”
    She jerked, spilling some of the brew, but managed to slide it onto the bar mostly full. The smile she flashed the customer was fake, her happiness obviously dimmed by his presence.
    Just because she didn’t want to see him didn’t mean he’d leave.
    She slowly made her way toward him, checking in with different patrons, filling a glass or mixing another drink before she moved on. The closer she came, the slower she moved, as if dragging her ass would make a difference. She’d soon learn it didn’t.
    Finally she stood before him and he looked his fill. He traced her features with his gaze, noting her round face and the dimple that appeared when she smiled as well as the pale blue of her eyes. Combined with her beautiful body and her gorgeous hair… She took his breath away. Right then, right there, Keen couldn’t breathe.
    “What can I get you?” The words were flat and without emotion, but he knew better. The vein along her throat pulsed and pushed against her skin, belying her indifference.
    “Beer. Whatever you’ve got on tap.” He placed a twenty on the bar and slid it toward her. When she moved to take it, he grasped her hand and rubbed his thumb over her flesh. “And ten minutes of your time.”
    “I’m working.” She snatched her hand back, taking the cash with her.
    Keen kept his attention on her as she strode to the register and collected the change before turning and pulling his drink. In just over a minute, he had his beer and a handful of bills, but instead of taking it, he pushed the money back toward her.
    Of course, she shook her head in denial. “No. Keep your money.”
    “I’m tipping you.” He raised a single brow. “You’re so rich you’ll turn away that kind of tip?”
    Red suffused her face and—after thinking through what he’d said—he prayed it was in anger and not embarrassment. The last thing he wanted to do was mock her. He… wanted to take care of her.
    Even if it was wrong for him to have those desires. A bear and a hyena?
    No.
    Just no.
    She moved to shove it back at him and once again he pushed it back. “Take it as a tip or I’m giving it to this guy.” He tilted it toward the bear beside him. He would have selected the wolf, but wolves were assholes and he wasn’t sure the guy would refuse the cash.
    With another glare, she shoved it in her pocket and turned away as if he were already forgotten.
    Nah, that wasn’t gonna happen.
    “Ten minutes, Trista.” He raised his voice enough to be heard.
    She spun on him, eyes shooting fire in his direction. She stomped back to him and leaned over the bar. At the same time she snatched his shirt, fisting the material and dragging him toward her.
    She kept her voice low, hissing at him before spitting her words in a furious whisper. “You may have every woman in Grayslake sniffing after you and you may spend the night in their beds, but I’m not some bear whore you can buy, Keen Abrams.”
    Damn his reputation, and damn him for letting it get out of control.
    His heart squeezed and his dick went hard. He hurt for her even as he wanted her. Damn it. Based on the fierce reaction, he knew others had done the same except while he wanted to talk to her, they wanted something else.
    The thought enraged his bear and the animal stretched his skin, pushing and shoving at his control until he thought he’d bust out his fur in the middle of the bar. Fuck. He breathed deeply, fighting the need to gag as the sour scents of the room filled his lungs. At least battling the urge to vomit distracted the bear from its