Tempted by the Bear - Complete Read Online Free PDF Page B

Rozier, I hope you realize I’d like for you to live with us.” She turns to me as I open the fridge to get the vegetables for the salad. “I have a thing about family being close.”
    “I’ve noticed. And if you plan to keep me well fed like now, I’d be happy to live with you.” I throw in a bit to go with my cover story and my alibi tonight. “But I wonder if you’re thinking clearly. I fear you don’t approve of my wild side.”
    A large bowl clatters on the counter, and Annie says, “Oh, no. I’m sorry if I gave you that impression. I’m quite aware of our animal urges. I’m more concerned about what drives you to be so reckless.”
    She hands me a cutting board, and the wood handle is cool in my palm. I turn from her gaze abruptly so she doesn’t discover my shock. I can’t recall a time that someone really cared enough about my well-being to be worried about me. “No reason. I’m a free spirit and want to taste adventure before I settle down.”
    My knife chops steadily as I slice a cucumber. I stop and resist the urge to glance over at Annie. “I’m merely sowing my wild oats, as my grandmother would say.”
    Annie smiles at me. “Glad to hear it. Because I care about you.”
    My ice cube of a heart might be glistening as it melts a little at her kindness. “I care about you too. I’m glad you’re Tristan’s true mate. He deserves a good woman like you.”
    She snorts. “I’m not sure about that. I think I’m about to test him as much as he tests me.”
    Without thinking, I reply, “That’s a good thing. Tristan needs someone to call him on things and remind him that being the alpha doesn’t always mean he’s right.” I wince internally at my words. I’m supposed to be playing him off as carefree and make her think he’ll be easy to manage.
    Annie just nods, and it occurs to me she already knows about his need for control. She confirms it when she says, “I suspect our first fights are going to be epic as we battle for power over running the household.” She flicks the bread knife at me in jest. “I hope he’s prepared to die before I compromise over anything in the kitchen, because this is my domain.”
    I grin at her. “As long as you promise to keep cooking, I’ve got your back.” Surprisingly, I think I do. I like Annie and want to be her friend. But dread wraps around my insides with a firm grip as I think about the next phase of the plan I’m about to set in motion tonight. Eventually, friendship with Annie will be out of the question.
    Heat blows Annie’s curls as she puts the bread in the oven. She’s welcomed us with open arms since day one. It’s unfortunate she won’t trust so easily when we’re through.
    I catch myself before I sigh. I’m getting too involved if I’m beginning to care about what happens to Annie. I focus on the prize, and my encounter later tonight. One thing the De Roziers do well is win. And nothing’s going to stand in the way of Tristan and me getting what we want.

Chapter 9
    A nnie

    T he moment Tristan’s foot finds mine under the dinner table, I know we need to finish things up quickly, before I lose myself in the intensity of our attraction. I still need to clear up the issue of his children he neglected to share. Although once we mate, I might be able to think more clearly.
    My chair scrapes on the tile as I push away from the table to begin to clear dishes. Carly says, “Just one trip. You have a date.”
    I set my plate on the counter and turn to her. “Thank you.” I glance at Tristan and try not to focus on the plump lips I’d like to sample for dessert. “I’m going to go upstairs and get my things.”
    “Me too,” he says and gets up to follow me.
    A low growl comes from him once we begin to climb the steps, and my insides twinge in reaction to the sound and the knowledge that he’s looking at my bottom and likes what he sees. I’m not a thin woman, like most werebear, and I know my round backside tempts many a