Read Cole: Black Bear Outlaws #3 (Mating Fever) for Free Online

eyebrow.
    He mirrored my expression.
    “You’re sleeping in here?” I asked, not sure which response I was looking for. On the one hand, it was all I could do to keep my hands off him. On the other, I didn’t know if I wanted him to just assume we were sharing a room.
    He cast his gaze down my body, slowly perusing my long limbs. And when he finally met my gaze again he said, “That’s completely up to you.”
    I opened my mouth, but no words came out. Hell, I had no idea what to say to that. I knew with one hundred percent certainty that my body wanted him there, but my head was flashing a warning signal. Getting involved in the middle of this mess was likely the worst idea ever.
    Cole’s brilliant blue eyes turned almost gray as he moved toward me. The stormy desire raging there nearly brought me to my knees. And when he slid his hand up my bare arm, my skin burned from his touch. The craving inside me grew as my body tightened with anticipation.
    I wanted him.
    Needed his hands on me, his lips covering mine as we devoured each other.
    “You seem a little flushed,” Cole whispered, trailing his fingers up my neck until he brushed his thumb over my rapidly beating pulse.
    I cleared my throat and whispered back, “It’s a little warm in here.”
    “There’s a light breeze coming off the bayou,” he said, nodding his head toward the window. “Join me out on the porch?”
    I nodded, so turned on I was ready to follow him anywhere.
    “Good.” He bent his head, stopping just before our lips met. He held his gaze there for a just a moment before he met my eyes. “I meant what I said, Amberly. This, whatever’s happening between us, it’s completely up to you. It’s obvious I want you. I want you so much it hurts. But it won’t be me who starts it. Not now anyway. Your choice.”
    Then he let me go and disappeared from the room.
    The breath I’d been holding came out in a whoosh as I tried to collect myself. My body ached with need. He’d barely touched me, just my arm and neck, but he’d reached that place inside of me that made me crave everything he had to offer.
    Holy fuck.
    I’d never make it. I wanted him. Now.
    And why was I denying myself? Because he was my bodyguard? Because I’d hired him and was paying him? Because someone was hell-bent on harming me, possibly even killing me, and a distraction was reckless?
    I moved to the window and spotted him leaning against the railing, studying the calm waters of the bayou. The moonlight shone down, casting him in an eerie glow—a hunter in his element as he guarded what was his.
    His .
    I was already his. I hadn’t let him into my bed, but he was right there in my heart, already claiming it. There was no question. No matter how hard I fought it, or what I told myself, the choice was already made. All I had to do was give in.
    After quickly freshening up in the surprisingly modern bathroom, I rummaged through my bag until I found my favorite lingerie. It was a silk camisole slip that was fitted and laced up on top, creating some serious cleavage. I’d only brought it along from L.A. because it was the perfect complement to one of my more dressy gowns. And in my business, one had to be prepared for anything. Maybe not living out in the bayou while your security team tracks down your stalker, but most things, anyway. And the lingerie was definitely going to be put to good use.
    I pulled the garment on, considered the matching stockings, but ruled them out quickly. It was too effing hot for that, and I didn’t plan to be clothed for long. I did pull on a sexy pair of lace panties and slipped my six inch tall Louboutins onto my feet. After a glance in the mirror, I held my head high and joined Cole on the porch.
    “No matter how long I live here, I never really get used to it,” he said, not turning to look at me.
    “Used to what?” I asked, moving quietly toward him.
    “The untamed beauty.”
    I smiled at that, thinking it was the perfect description