Page 10 of The Mountain Man's Mail Order Temptation
“No. Don’t,” she whispers, thrashing against the blankets.
The chill hits me as soon as I step inside. It’s fucking cold in here. With the door closed, the heat from the fireplace didn’t penetrate the room. I should have checked on her sooner. Whatif she gets sick because I had my head up my ass trying to keep her at a distance?
Ellie twists in the bed. “No, please… Don’t.”
My chest tightens at the fear in her voice. I move to her side and press a hand to her shoulder to wake her. The moment I touch her, a different chill hits me. Jesus, her skin is ice cold and clammy from the nightmare. She’s freezing. I have to warm her upfast.
You should have taken care of her, asshole. No excuses.
I’ve fucked up big time, and Ellie is suffering because of it. I strip off my T-shirt and sweats and climb in beside her. She startles when I pull her close, but I don’t let go. Even when her cold skin hits mine.
“You’re okay,” I whisper against her hair.
She frowns, pushing against me as her eyes flutter.
“You’re safe, Ellie. No one will hurt you.” Not even me. Not after this.
She slowly relaxes against my chest, her breath evening out. Her body starts to warm, and her shivering slows. Ellie sighs and tucks her face against my throat, curling into me. Subconsciously she knows she’s safe, right here in my arms.
Jesus, she feels good. So soft, with that sweet vanilla scent that clings to her hair and skin. I stroke a hand up and down her back, following my instincts to offer comfort I didn’t think I was capable of giving.
Her warm breath skates across the base of my neck. It’s… soothing. My body relaxes, muscle by muscle, as a different sort of peace settles in. One I’m unfamiliar with.
I lay in my bed with Ellie in my arms and try not to think about how right this feels. Earlier, in the kitchen, the sharp desire I felt for her shocked me. I wanted to fuck her right there on the counter. Make her come on my cock until we were both sated. Until I saw her casually wielding my Ka-Bar andmy protective instincts burned away the lust and brought back clarity.
That blade is stained with the blood of many. It shouldn’t have been anywhere near her delicate skin. It was a potent, painful reminder of why she needed to go. God knows, I didn’t want to hurt her. When she asked me if I wanted to know anything about her, it almost killed me to say no. The lie tasted like ash on my tongue. Because I want to know everything about Ellie.
What makes a beautiful, sunny young woman risk herself to a stranger?
As if in answer, her phone buzzes and lights up. I reach over to shut it off and freeze.
On the screen is a sinister message that makes my neck prickle and my senses sharpen.
Grant Chamberlain: I’m bringing you home.
Though it’s a violation of her privacy, in that moment, I don’t fucking care. My inner radar says this is why she ran. I open the message and read the string of texts going back months. They start off flirty, then become more and more possessive. Even vaguely menacing.
Until today.
There’s threat in every word.
Whoever the fuck this Grant Chamberlain is, he wants my girl. From the few texts she sent back, it’s clear she doesn’t return the feelings. If she did, she wouldn’t be lying inmyarms right now.
I toss the phone on the nightstand and gather her closer. Grant Chamberlain made this sweet girl run, and she found me.
She’s not going anywhere with him. Not while I’m still breathing.
Light filtersin through the window, dragging me from sleep.
Shit. I slept. Again.
My next breath is laced with vanilla sugar, and I’m instantly aware of three disastrous facts: Ellie is sprawled on my chest, one bare leg tucked between mine with her soft breath fanning the skin of my neck, both of my hands are full of warm, delectable curves, and my dick is harder than granite.
Jesus Christ. Her ass is amazing. Smooth and supple. Her satiny pajama shorts have ridden up during the night, just enough for my touch. I should move my hand, put some fucking distance between us, but fuck… my fingertips are right at the juncture of her thighs, and her heat is… I suck in a shaky breath. My other hand is spread across the curve of her hip and lower back, under the hem of her shirt.
She murmurs something I can’t catch and curls closer. Her body molds to mine.
Jesus.
