Touch of Desire Read Online Free PDF Page A

also left them vulnerable in the event they needed to retreat to the den—like now.
    The sound of small feet rushing down the hall drew her attention, and Cora glanced left to find the Russell twins racing toward her. She laughed and squatted down so they could surround her in hugs.
    “Where is your sister?”
    “She’s on the balcony with a boy,” the twins said in unison, then giggled.
    Cora stood and studied the double-trouble team. “Who is this boy?”
    Cole smiled shyly while Kyle grinned and said, “Dane.”
    Interesting . A moment later, Jasmine entered the living room and regarded Cora with a shake of her head. Dane, however, offered a slight smile and nodded.
    “Hi, Cora. Thanks so much for heading the team. Alec briefed me on your design, and it’s brilliant.”
    Her cheeks heated, and she lowered her gaze at the Beta’s praise. “You’re welcome.”
    Dane nodded, shifted nervously on his feet, and shoved his hands into the back pockets of his jeans. “Did you go into the field?”
    “No, just planning and mapping today.”
    He gave another nod and paced to the door. “Let me know if you want to brainstorm or something.”
    “I will, thanks.”
    Dane held the door open and glanced at the twins. “You two don’t look ready to go.”
    They squealed and ran down the hall, skidding into their shared room. After a few moments of arguing, they raced back and right out the door, backpacks swung over their shoulders. Dane laughed as he shut the door.
    Cora glanced to Jasmine and raised a brow. Jasmine rolled her eyes and turned to the kitchen.
    “He stopped by to take the twins to Luna. They’re having a sleepover at the nursery.”
    “Oh, yeah. I thought they stopped those until we returned to Ashwood.”
    Jasmine pulled out two bottles of water and handed her one. “Luna couldn’t take it away from the kids. So Keegan and a couple of sentries will be there, too.”
    A sense of guilt filled her. Jas would be alone. “What are you going to do tonight?”
    The other female studied her for a long moment, a slow smile lifting her lips. “You have a date.”
    Cora picked at her water bottle. “I can stay….”
    “No way. You’re not getting out of it that easy. It’s about time you gave into Torin. I mean, the male has been chasing you for the last few months.” Jasmine tried to hide her smile behind the bottle. She failed terribly when it came to teasing Cora about Torin.
    “Well he isn’t leaving much room for me to run anymore. Working on the security system means also working with him.” She sighed and leaned against the counter. “I don’t know how to handle him. He’s so much male and dominant.”
    Jasmine laughed. “You don’t handle a male like Torin. You tease, love, and bite him.”
    Desire settled in her abdomen and traveled farther south. The thought of sinking her teeth into his flesh made her ache all over.
    “I don’t have bite.”
    “Yes, you do. Be yourself, and do whatever comes natural. But never, ever let him push you. Don’t be afraid to push back. Dominant males like for their females to put them in their place from time to time.” Jasmine leaned into her so their shoulders touched.
    Cora rested her head on her friend’s shoulder. “What will I talk about? All I can think when I’m around him is how I want him naked, and I want to run away at the same time.”
    Jasmine laughed. “Talk to him about Jason and your family.”
    Heart stuttering, Cora went to move away, but Jasmine wrapped an arm around her, holding her in place. “You have to talk to someone. Torin knew your parents, worked with them on occasion. He was also friends with Jason. I bet he hurts from their loss, too.”
    Cora stilled, her heart breaking. Pain consumed her at the thought of her family, but Jasmine was right, and so was Keegan. It was time to let them go, honor the happy memories and their love. Hugging her roommate and best friend, Cora nodded. “I’ll try.”
    “It was so hard