Page 27 of Refuge

Once her bra was on, she turned and bent to get her panties, her ass bare for him to drool over. He was definitely an ass man, and she had the perfect pear-shaped ass. He was tempted to give it a sharp smack but knew if he touched her, he wouldn’t care whose fucking house he was in.

He could smell her desire, which made his situation worse. His self-control surprised him, but he was actually enjoying the show. Once he got her alone, he would make her pay for this little show she was putting on, teasing him. Once she was completely dressed, he stalked toward her, pressing her against the door with his body.

“I want the same show later when you’re taking your clothes off for me,” he demanded in a whispered growl. “And if you stick that pretty little ass out at me again, prepare for a spanking.”

She moaned low in her throat, her eyes heavy with need. “Promise?” she whispered back.

His answer was taking her lips with his as one hand went to her neck, holding her gently against the door, and then the other moved to her full breast, squeezing it with enough pressure to make her moan again. Pulling his lips from hers, he kept her pinned. “Honey, it’s a guarantee.”

He bent to kiss her again. He had no clue how long they stayed in the bathroom, but reluctantly, he pulled himself away and led her out of the room. He needed to talk to her and was running out of time. Leading her into the cramped kitchen, he was happy to see the pamphlets on the counter. Grabbing them, he picked them up then turned toward her.

It was really hard to switch from wanting to rip her clothes back off to talking about trailers, but he focused on what he wanted to say.

“Eric and Gemma had a different idea about the living arrangements, and they’re going to take a vote tonight.” Nerves settled in Cole’s chest and he didn’t know why. Well yeah, he did. He didn’t want her to say no. “Instead of building houses on the property next to this one, they want to put trailers over there. They’re cheaper and faster. So the people who agree can have a home within a few weeks instead of the much longer time needed while houses are being built.”

Leeza took the pamphlet he held and looked at them. “These are really nice.”

“How would you like to live in one?” Cole asked, keeping the “with me” to himself. He was trying his best to let her make the decision instead of going all alpha on her.

She snorted, putting the pamphlet back on the counter. “I can’t afford anything like that.” She glanced at the pamphlet, and he saw the longing in her eyes. “I just started my job and plan on finding a small apartment in town after I get a few paychecks.”

He did his best to keep his frustration in check. “Leeza, I have more money than I know what to do with. What our parents left me and my brothers was more than enough to see us through, not to mention Kile is a genius with investments.”

“I’m not letting you buy me a trailer, Cole.” Leeza frowned at him.

“I’m not asking to buy you a trailer. I’m asking you to live with me.” He stared at her, unable to read her. His frustration grew as she remained quiet. “Dammit, Leeza, you’re my mate. You know it. I know it. Why is this an issue? I can take care of you.”

“I don’t need to be taken care of.” Leeza sighed. “I need a—”

“Partner.” He finished for her as he ran his hand through his hair. “Why are you making this complicated? What are you afraid of? Am I that much of a bastard that being my mate is something you need to really think about?”

“No, it’s I just don’t….” She hesitated, biting her lower lip as she looked away from him. “I’m afraid.”

“Of what?” He threw his hands up in the air, his voice louder than he intended it to be.

“Love, you asshole.” Her eyes narrowed as her voice also rose. “Before the attack, we were working up to knowing each other. After the attack, you acted like you couldn’t even talk to me. Then everything moved so fast. We kissed for the first time and on the same day, ended up screwing our brains out. And never once have I heard the words love from you. That may mean nothing to you, but it means something to me.”

“I’ve never heard those words from your lips, honey.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he regretted them. Holy fuck, what the hell was wrong with him?

Her head snapped back as if she been slapped. “I love you.” She said with such ease and conviction that it shocked him into silence. A silence that lasted a little too long because it gave her the chance to walk out the door, leaving him alone.

* * *

Leeza walked out of Gemma’s house before she smacked the crap out of Cole. She knew he was a different kind of man, but this mate stuff was for life. She’d rather live alone mateless rather than with a mate and no love. It was her right, and she was going to fight for it. She knew he cared, but that wasn’t enough. Maybe for some it was, but not her.

She stared ahead at nothing, then realized how quiet it was. Looking over, Leeza noticed everyone frozen, their focus on something. Her eyes followed where they were looking to see a tall woman standing in the middle of the crowd, holding a gun. Leeza’s eyes only moved to see Eric standing there in the line of fire.

“Did you kill my brother?” the woman shouted. The rage in her voice sent fear straight to Leeza’s heart.

“Who’s your brother?” Eric’s voice remained calm.

Leeza knew exactly who the stranger’s brother was, but Eric was buying time, playing the game. She just hoped the woman didn’t realize it because Kile was trying to work his way toward her. Her eyes found Gemma, who was crying, the fear evident on her face.

Knowing she should backtrack and get Cole, she also knew she didn’t have time. If she could just get close enough, she could tackle the woman, but every time she moved, the woman’s crazed glare looked her way, the gun in her hand moving frantically from person to person.

“You know exactly who my brother was,” the woman cried out. Her voice sounded unstable; it had a childlike quality to it. “And if I fail here today, more will come to avenge his death. No one takes down a Manning. No one!”

Leeza took a few short steps but stopped when the woman aimed the gun straight at Eric. “Are you the one who killed him?”

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