Unleashed by Shadows (By Moonlight Book 10) Read Online Free PDF Page B

head, threading his fingers through its short wavy length. He gave a slight tug.
    “I like this.”
    Her fingertip traced the thin line of hair on his upper lip and chin. “I’m not sure about this yet.”
    “It’ll grow on you,” he murmured contentedly.
    “Not if it continues to grow on you.” She fell silent, rubbing his empty earlobe, mood pensive.
    “It’s somewhere safe,” he assured. “I’m not a Terriot king here in New Orleans.”
    “But you’re sleeping with his bonded female.”
    “Shame on you for betraying me with some lowly dock hand.”
    “How could I help myself? He’s such a hottie.” She chuckled and pushed slightly away. “You’re right. You do stink.”
    That made him laugh when he’d begun to fear nothing ever would again. “I’m so glad you’re here.”  His gruff honesty broke their tension at last. They nestled together for a moment longer before he had to ask. “Why?”
    She tipped her head back to look at him. “Why what?”
    “Why did you shanghai my brothers and go through so much trouble to get here?”
    “Your brothers didn’t need any convincing. Please don’t be angry with them.”
    He gave her chin a pinch. “Who could deny you anything when your mind’s made up, and you’ve got that big-eyed thing going on?” He still smiled but his gaze grew intense. “Why, Katy?”
    “You’ll think I’m foolish.”
    “No, I won’t.”
    Big dark eyes fixed on his. “Because you need me here.”
    Cale didn’t move, didn’t blink, or even draw a breath.
    Flushing slightly, Kendra hurried on. “I know you told me everything was fine, but I had to come and see for myself.”
    “And what do you see?” he asked quietly.
    “That I wasn’t wrong, even if you won’t tell me what is.”
    She watched his features closely. He gave so little away. But the slight snag in his inhalation confirmed her fears.
    “I don’t deserve you.”
    She smiled at his claim. “Yes, you do, or I wouldn’t have come all this way. I brought you something. Close your eyes.”
    Puzzled, even cautious, he did so, waiting, brow slightly furrowed for her to withdraw the sealed bag she carried and open it beneath his nose. “Something from home. Breathe in.”
    He inhaled, then again more sharply, releasing a sigh. His eyes opened. He took the bag she’d filled with soil and needles and took another leisurely draw, letting the aroma of mountain pine fill his senses.
    His kiss wasn’t dramatic or passionate or even sensual. Her emotions trembled at its sweetness. Finally, he whispered, “Thank you,” against her lips. “You have no idea how much I needed that. I’ve been missing home. Missing you.”
    And her worry notched a degree higher, prompting her to ask, “Why are you still here?” She couldn’t mistake the instant veiling of his mood.
    “Ask Silas. It’s his game. I’m just along for the ride.”
    “Who was that handsy fellow at the club?” When his expression tightened, she pushed, “He’s a danger to you. Don’t try telling me I’m wrong about that.”
    “No. You’re not wrong,” he admitted in a flat voice that terrified her. “A player. A criminal. A predator. I don’t know yet. That’s what your cousin wants me to find out.”
    “Why do you have to? Why can’t Silas take care of him?”
    “Because he looks at my ass the same way you do.” He grinned, but she wasn’t amused. She was even more alarmed.“I’ve got to take a load off, baby. My feet are killing me. I may look hot in smelly work clothes, but I’m damned out of shape when it comes to eight hours on the job.”
    He steered them to one of the comfy leather sofas and dropped down on its cushions, positioning her on his lap. Her arms looping loosely about his neck, she snuggled against his shoulder, aware he was guiding her away from the question of Lee but allowing it for the moment.
    Brushing her newly bobbed hair with his lips, he murmured, “How are things at home?” Longing pooled like