Shaping Destiny Read Online Free PDF

take longer to go back than to just keep going. You should go
back. Why risk it? Going against my fear,
I kept my legs moving forward. In a fast movement, I was lifted
from my feet and swooshed into a dark corner of trees. Just before
a scream could erupt, a hand covered my mouth. A face came inches
from mine with his finger up to his lips.
    “Shhhh.”
    My eyes bulged. It was
him, the green-eyed stranger. He slowly released his hand, being
cautious I wouldn’t scream. We sat on the grass, staying close. He
held me so we were inches apart. My heartbeat was out of control,
and my hands were shaking.
    Footsteps started up the
sidewalk; the noise caught my attention. I pushed away from the
stranger gently and turned to see who was coming. He pulled me back
and slowly came close to my ear.
    “Please don’t
move.”
    A shiver ran down my body,
and from the glow of his eyes I knew he noticed. He took off his
coat and placed it over my bare legs. Gratefully, I took the coat,
but instead of listening to him I turned to get a better look at
the oncoming footsteps.
    Gasp! I covered my mouth
this time. The attacker paced back and forth.
    “Did you find her?” a
static voice sounded.
    He raised a handheld radio
to his mouth. “No, not yet. Are you sure she was walking this
way?”
    “Yes. I was told that’s
the direction she would take.”
    “Well, like usual, you
have failed me. I don’t know why I ask such incompetent people to
help me.”
    “We’re sorry, boss. But
don’t worry, we’ll get her.”
    He mumbled in anger and
stormed off.
    I turned then to the man
that saved me again. “They’re after me . . . ”
    He smiled and held my gaze
a second longer. “Yes, but I won’t let them have you.”
    Our chemistry flowed
between us.
    “Thank you.” I was either
in shock, scared, or speechless.
    “You’re welcome.” He
smiled even bigger.
    “Who are you?”
    He looked away, got up,
and helped me stand to my feet. “Max.” He held out his
hand.
    I had never met anyone
like him. Of course, I only lived in a small town, so the number of
people was limited.
    He saw my hesitation, but
waited patiently. I slowly raised my hand and placed it in his.
“Leah.”
    He nodded. “I’ll walk you
home.”
    “That would be very
nice.”
    He picked up his coat and
my bag, put his hand on my back, and guided me to the sidewalk. I
felt safe with Max, but that safeness made me skeptical. Who was he
really? And why did he help me? My heart beat faster than it
should. Breathless feelings invaded my whole body, and being next
to him was a rush that I had never felt before. Being attracted to
someone was one thing, but I was drawn to him. The more we met the
more this feeling grew, and this time I needed to know why before
he disappeared again.
    His hand still rested on
my back, but when I glanced up at him he looked so serious. He
looked behind us and all directions, making sure we were still
alone. His posture remained as firm as a board. My folded arms felt
stiff and my muscles were still tense. I reached over with one hand
slowly and touched his side. He covered my hand with his. His touch
sent a burning feeling though me,
    “Are you OK?” He looked
down at me with concern.
    “Why did you save
me?”
    A low growl vibrated his
throat, which made me pull my hand away. “It’s my job.”
    Job? “I don’t
understand.”
    He pulled me to a stop to
look at me. “I know. I was hired to protect you. I’m a bodyguard.
The problem is, I’m supposed to be discreet about it.” He let his
hand fall to the side, but I only felt absence. “Only helping you
when you need it, then leaving. Walking you home or even speaking
to you are against the regulations of this assignment.”
    “Who hired you? I didn’t
know I needed protection.”
    “I’ve said too much
already. I can’t tell you who hired me. I should go . . . I
shouldn’t be here.”
    “Wait. Why can’t I tell
anyone about you or the attacks?”
    “It’s another rule