Read Claiming Honor (Bad Boys of River City Book 3) for Free Online

mine, opens it, and hands it to me. I’m taking a long draw when my phone rings. I get it out of my purse but Hunter snatches it from me before I can answer. He turns it off and tosses it to Ryder who catches it deftly.
    “What the hell, Hunter?”
    “You can’t keep that phone, baby. The fucker might know how to track it.”
    Oh my God. I didn’t think about that. I don’t want to think about it. Hasn’t he done enough damage?
    “Don’t worry I’ll get you a new one.”
    But will he be able to trace that too? Bile surges in my throat. I set the beer down and rush to the bathroom. I haven’t eaten enough today to do more than dry heave and I can’t seem to stop. Hunter kneels down beside me and pulls my hair back. He helps me up and I wash my mouth out with water. Standing here at the sink I can’t help myself. I’m overwhelmed and scared and so incredibly pissed that someone violated my privacy, I start bawling. Once I spew the emotional garbage I'll be better.
    “Shh, sweetheart. You're okay. You’re safe with me.”
    He gathers me in his arms, picks me up, and I turn my head into his shoulder, my arms clinging to his neck. I don’t want any of the guys to see anymore of my emotional breakdown than necessary. It's embarrassing enough as it is. No one says as a word as he carries me through the kitchen and upstairs. He sits down and it takes me a couple minutes to realize we’re in his bedroom. On his bed. He holds me close, rubbing his hand up and down my back. It's soothing and I begin to relax.
    "Better?" he whispers.
    I sigh. "Yeah. I only freak out when I think about it," I try to joke.
    "You're safe here, sweetheart. I promise."
    I believe him. Well, physically at least. I'm not so sure about my heart.
    "Talk to me, baby," he orders.
    There's no way I'm talking about what I was just thinking. Stalkers somehow seem safer. "I don’t get it. Why me? Why now ? I've known Wayne Cox for years. He's never shown the slightest interest in me."
    Wayne's a couple years older than me. I knew him more from the country club when we were teenagers than from school. From what I heard, his father took a bath in the stock market crash a few years ago and Wayne, who'd already been dealing some, started doing it full time to support his lifestyle. I think he still caters to the country club set. I see him there every now and then.
    "Who knows what goes on in the head of a guy like that?" Hunter says. "You don’t have to worry about it. I'll take care of you."
    His tone is determined. Promising. I tilt my head back to look at his face and catch my breath at the tenderness I see. My stomach does a slow flip flop. As I watch his eyes darken, his lids drooping as he focuses on my mouth. He wants to kiss me. Anticipation makes me tremble. I reach up and skim my fingertip on his full lower lip. He catches it between his teeth, gently scraping before releasing me and leans down. I jump up like I've been scalded. Oh no way. Gross. Definitely not until I brush my teeth. He's looking at me like I've lost my mind. He's probably not far off.
    "I need to brush my teeth. And take a shower."
    I feel dirty and that has to stop. His eyes gleam and he gives me the sexiest half grin I think I've ever seen.
    "Lead the way."
    Shaking my head, I grab my bag. I really need a few minutes to myself. "I won't be long, okay?"
    I can tell by his expression that he doesn’t like it, but he finally nods. He leans back against the headboard and reaches for a tv remote control. I dig the bag with my toothbrush, hair products, and assorted accessories and go try to regain my composure. Damn, it feels good to brush my teeth. I hop in the shower and wash my hair. I'm tempted to linger, but Hunter calls out.
    "You okay in there, baby? Want some company?"
    Apparently, I have an inner sex kitten because my body responds immediately. The rest of me thinks it's not a bad idea either. If I'm going to be here I might as well enjoy the benefits while they last.