The Promise of Surrender Read Online Free PDF Page A

did what he’d been wanting to since the minute he walked through her door. He grabbed the length of her hair and twisted it around his hand. He pulled her head back and she gasped in excitement as her throat was exposed to him. She’d always loved having her hair pulled. 
    “God. This is such a bad idea. Pull it harder.”
    He grinned and his mouth roamed just below her ear. And then he did as she asked. She was a demanding woman. And damned if he wasn’t always happy to give her what she asked for.
    “It’s better than I remember,” he said against the flesh of her neck. “Hotter—wilder.”
    “We never had issues in this area,” she panted. 
    “How about we take a trip down memory lane?” He pressed against her and he thought she might orgasm just from that small touch. Her nails bit into his shoulders and he looked around quickly, trying to decide where to take her. He finally decided right where they were on the counter was good enough for him. To hell with customers or the fact that it was broad daylight. They were both so close it wouldn’t last more than a few seconds anyway.
    His hand went to the button of her jeans just as the buzzer rang. He swore and dropped his head down on her shoulder, his breath heaving in his chest. It took her a few seconds to realize why he’d stopped, and he smiled at the dazed look on her face. The buzzer rang again and she nudged at his shoulder for him to move back. He was surprised to find his legs weren’t quite as steady as they should’ve been.
    “It’s probably for the best,” she said, moving back behind the counter and pulling her hair over her shoulder so the red marks on her neck didn’t show. “Eventually we’d have to get out of bed and talk. And I know that’s never been one of your favorite things.”
    “That’s where you’re wrong, Mia. I’ve got a whole lot to talk about. We can fuck and talk as much as you’d like. Seven years is long enough to run.”
    She looked at him somberly and Zeke felt something go cold in his chest. “Like you said earlier, I never ran very far. Which is why I asked what you’re doing here. Because if you’d really wanted me you’d have found me a long time ago.”
     He wanted to argue with her. To say all the things he’d said over and over again in his mind since the last time they’d seen each other. But it wasn’t the time.
    “I’ve always wanted you,” he said, gruffly. “But I’ve got my pride too. Maybe too much of it. You said you couldn’t stay and watch me die. Well guess what, sweetheart, it’s seven years later and I’m still here. Look at all the time you wasted.”
    He turned to walk to the exit but she stopped him. “Don’t forget your music box,” she said. “I’m assuming you’ll eventually tell me why you’re really here and why Barnes wanted the authentic piece so badly.”
    “Maybe he was just laying it on thick.”
    “Nope, that part he was genuine about. Never let that kid play poker. He’s got so many tells I could’ve filled up a book. It’s a good fake, by the way.”
    Zeke sighed knowingly and took the box. The buzzer rang again. “Riley MacKenzie’s wife works at the museum. She has a contact that can recreate certain pieces.”
    “Handy. Now if I only knew why you need the piece so much and why you think it’s going to show up at my shop.”
    The corner of his lip curled up in a smile and he changed the subject. “I should probably mention that Cooper MacKenzie has loaned me the use of the apartment above the Sheriff’s Office while we’re working this case.”
    “It’s nice to have friends in high places,” she said. “But it’s good to know you’ve proved my point.”
    “What point is that?”
    Her gaze went back to his and he saw so many things there—hurt, confusion, anger. “You didn’t come here for me. You’ve always been incredible at undercover work. I’m a job just like any other. It’s all you know. All you’ve ever known.