The Mermaid's Mate Read Online Free PDF Page A

if you don’t have honor.”
    “Give me my hand back.” She didn’t try to pull it away.
    “Why are your hands trembling the way they used to when you were nervous?”
    “I’m not trembling. And I’m not nervous.” She stuck out her chin in mock defiance. “Why would I be?”
    “Because you feel the same things I feel and you don’t like it any more than I do.”
    “I don’t feel anything for you.” The hint of a challenge sparkled in her eyes.
    He longed to trace the petite ridge of her jaw with his tongue, to settle into those pillow-soft lips. No matter the lust spearing into Timber’s gut, he wouldn’t let the sparks between them turn to something fierce, something that could destroy him. Marian might’ve had control over him physically—damn if he knew how she’d gotten so good at torturing him—but he wouldn’t let her get close to him in any other sense.
    He couldn’t trust her.
    Hell if he could stop himself from touching her.
    “I know you feel something.” His gaze dropped down her neck to the swell of her breasts. Her nipples had hardened to tiny peaks, pressing against his shirt, and her lips parted in silent invitation. “I’ve thought of you like this, Marian.”
    Over two years, he’d thought about paying her back for betraying him. He thought about what he’d say to her if he ever saw her again. But mixed with those ideas of retribution, there was the undeniable feeling that he’d fall under Marian’s spell once more.
    “You’ve though of me like what?” Marian asked, a telltale vein pulsing on her neck.
    “I’ve dreamed of the day when I’d meet you again and you’d beg me to seduce you.”
    “Timber Jax, if it’s one thing I know—” she licked her lips, taking in the rain, then stared into Timber’s eyes, ripping the air from his lungs “—I’ll never beg you to seduce me.”
    “Tell that to your eyes.”
    As she gave a small gasp, Timber crushed his mouth to hers and thrust his tongue past her lips. Marian’s mouth tightened, just for a second, before she moaned, and plunged her tongue deep into Timber’s throat.

Chapter Five
    Don’t fall for him again. Don’t do it.
    Marian willed the words to sink in deep as Timber’s tongue traced the wet recesses of her mouth. God, he smelled good. Like fresh, clean soap and something a little woodsy. He smelled of danger and adventure.
    “I can’t breathe when I’m near you,” he said against her lips. His voice was hoarse, with a sexy huskiness that made Marian’s heart lurch. “It’s like you rip the breath from my lungs before I can catch it. How do you do this to me?”
    Before she could answer, Timber tunneled his fingers through her hair and dragged her mouth to his. His hands gripped her waist. His hips moved in a gentle grinding rhythm against her. Slowly, Timber’s hands slid over her shirt and palmed each of her breasts. Even through the fabric, his touch was electric, searing flames of desire across her skin. Never relinquishing possession of her mouth, Timber massaged her breasts, creating starbursts of sensation that surged to her middle. Between the passion of his kiss, the warmth of his hands and the swell of his cock pressing against her, Marian lost her breath.
    She was panting. Lost in him.
    Alarmed that she got lost so easily, Marian pulled back.
    “What’s the matter?” Timber asked, his entire body going still.
    She closed her eyes, stomach fluttering. Timber didn’t deserve her. He’d probably take what he wanted and leave her breathless and wanting more. But she couldn’t help herself. She wanted him... needed him , anyway. She’d had other lovers, but none had ever made her feel this way. No one had ever made her want to forget everything and everyone. No one had ever made her want to forget herself.
    After she got the information she needed from Timber, there was a very real chance that no one would make her feel this way ever again.
    “Say my name again,” she