The Two Towers Read Online Free PDF Page B

amusement.
    “You might want to be careful,” he warned. “It packs a hell of a punch, especially if you’re not used to drinking it.”
    He reached into the desk drawer and pulled out a small tube of cream. She recognized the OmniLab medicinal cream used to promote healing. It was extremely expensive and, in Kayla’s experience, should only be used in dire emergencies.
    He tried handing it to her, but she pushed it back toward him with a look that clearly let him know she thought he was nuts. “It’s a bruise, not a gaping wound.”
    He shook his head and said in exasperation, “Use it. It’s a medicinal cream that reduces healing time. You ruin rats don’t take care of yourselves and wait until someone’s near death before trying to fix the problem. If you use it, you’ll heal faster and it could help prevent further injury.”
    Kayla rolled her eyes. “If you say so.” She put a tiny amount of cream on her finger and rubbed it halfheartedly on her neck before handing the tube back to him.
    He sighed at her lackluster display. “Well, there’s not much point if you’re going to do it that way.”
    He flipped open the cap and squeezed a generous amount of the cream onto his fingers. When he touched her neck with the cream, she yelped.
    “Hey! That’s cold.”
    “Shh. Don’t be such a baby.”
    She scowled, but kept silent. Gentler than she thought he’d be, he massaged the cream into the back of her neck and shoulder. She relaxed against him and closed her eyes as his fingers caressed her skin.
    He pulled his hands away far too soon and closed the cap on the cream. Kayla opened her eyes in disappointment and watched as he dropped it back into the drawer.
    “That’s much better. You looked like you were starting to fall asleep. I can’t let that happen when you’ve got important reading to do.”
    “Yeah, right,” she grumbled and turned back to the detailed document. She was relatively quiet for several minutes while she skimmed the monotonous legalese, making occasional colorful mutters about boring contracts. When she finished, she pushed the tablet away and hopped off the desk. She pulled out her ponytail and shook her hair.
    “All done. Is that it?”
    Carl nodded and crossed the desk to stand in front of her. “For now.”
    He looked down into her eyes and a warm feeling crept into the pit of her stomach. Yep, I should have clocked him yesterday when I had the chance . He’s too damn pretty for his own good.
    “Ah, looks like I missed some,” he added when he spotted a tiny bit of cream still on her shoulder. He ran his hand along her shoulder and gently massaged it into her skin.
    Yeah, too damn pretty and I’m a sucker. A sucker with a bug to plant. Kayla placed her hand on Carl’s chest, curling her fingers into his shirt. With her other hand, she discreetly slipped the listening device out of her pocket and attached it to the underside of his desk.
    She leaned closer to him, closed her eyes and tilted her head back. That was all the invitation he needed.
    Carl lowered his mouth to hers, capturing her lips with his. He tasted like the scotch, warm, spicy and surprisingly soft. Damn, the man could kiss . Might as well enjoy this.
    He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him. This time, she didn’t resist. She pressed her body against his, winding her arms around his neck. She let out a soft moan and he deepened the kiss in response. His mouth moved against hers, nipping and teasing and she clutched him tighter, wanting more.
    A loud beep interrupted them.
    “Damn,” he swore as he broke the kiss.
    Kayla blinked in confusion, trying to get her head around what happened. He pulled back slightly, but didn't release her. Running his thumb along her swollen bottom lip, he gave her a long heated look. Kayla swallowed and managed, “What was that?”
    She wasn't sure if she was talking about the kiss or the noise. Carl smiled, looking amused and smug by her flustered state.