Wild Hearts in Atlantis Read Online Free PDF

were losing his mind.
    Turning in his seat to face her as she pulled into the driveway of a small house, he slowly looked her up and down. “If an enemy approaches with such obviously deceitful ploys, you gain the advantage in any battle strategy.”
    She turned off the ignition and set the parking brake, then tilted her head to stare at him with those spectacular amber eyes. “What are you talking about?”
    “In the vernacular, anybody who sold you such a line of crap is a fool, and you will easily kick his ass.” He lifted a hand to touch a strand of the tawny golden hair that had escaped her braid. “You are gloriously lovely and would grace the arm of even royalty, were any mere man to deserve you.”
    The thought of Ven, brother to the high prince, approaching Kat crossed his mind, and he had to clench his teeth against the searing jealousy.
    Yep. Losing it.
    Kat’s eyes widened, and her pupils dilated until she looked almost more like her namesake panther than she did human. “What? You—nobody talks like that. I mean, are you some kind of poet? They sent me the poetry ambassador? But you look like a warrior—”
    She stopped. Smacked herself in the forehead. “Right. You were mocking me. I get it. Well, I’m used to it, so don’t be too impressed with yourself. Been there, done that, got the tracking collar to prove it.”
    Before Bastien could stop her, she was out of the Jeep. He slammed out of his side of the car and focused his energy to flash to the front of the Jeep. He caught her arm as she tried to pass, pulled her toward him with barely leashed fury. “Never accuse me of mocking you again, I implore you.”
    He stared down into the depths of her golden eyes and sank into her. Sank into her soul.
    Was suddenly, desperately ashamed. He released her arm and took a step back. Bowed. “I offer my sincerest apologies,Lady Katherine. I cannot begin to explain what has come over me that I would offer insult or harm to a female. The thought that you believed I would seek to harm you with my words was suddenly more than I could stand.”
    She stared at him, rubbing the spot on her arm where he’d grabbed her. “What—I don’t know what to do about you. I planned to offer you the spare room in my home for the night, but I’m not sure that would be a good idea.”
    His body tightened at the thought of resting so near to her. Seeing her out of that uniform, her wealth of hair spread across his pillow. He slowly exhaled, fought again for control. Resolved to seek counsel from Alaric as soon as possible. “I will sleep under the stars so as not to inconvenience you again. Please do not let my impertinent actions threaten your view of my mission or my people.”
    She stared at him for a long minute, and then a reluctant smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “Fair enough. If the entire ranger service were judged by my bad tempers, we’d be out of business.”
    She turned toward the house, headed for the door. He stood, unmoving, watching the sinuous grace of her walk. Her rounded hips that would fill his hands.
    She suddenly glanced back at him. “Well, come on. You can have the guest room if you promise to behave. You did try to protect me from those thugs, after all. There is…there is the small matter of an old debt, as well.” She dropped her gaze, not meeting his eyes.
    As invitations go, it had been neither the warmest nor the most encouraging he’d heard in his nearly four hundred years. But surely none had ever been more welcome. He swung his duffel out of the back of the Jeep, then followed her to the door, shaking his head.
    The poetry ambassador. Wait till Justice hears that one. On second thought, maybe I’ll just keep it to myself.

Five

    Kat tossed her keys on the table and tried to force her neck muscles to relax. Every instinct she had—both human and feline—was on the alert, revved up into a heightened state of anticipation. And, though admitting it was painful,