Read Colters' Lady: Colters’ Legacy, Book 2 for Free Online Page B

have to be.”
    “It was only for one night,” she whispered.
    “It doesn’t have to be.”
    She cocked her head, unease sliding across her face. He ran his fingers gently over her cheekbone.
    Whether she meant to or not, she nuzzled into his palm and closed her eyes.
    The gesture told him a lot. He also knew the moment she realized her slip. She stiffened and drew away, but not before he saw the longing in her gaze.
    In a lot of ways she reminded him of the animals he loved so much. Wary. But starved for love and affection. Both needed an extremely gentle hand.
    He tried a different tack. “Lily, honey, it’s cold and wet out here. Seth is running all over downtown freezing his ass off, and he’s worried sick about you. Come with me so we can all get out of the weather.
    I’ll make some hot chocolate and we’ll get you into some dry clothes. My hot chocolate is better than Seth’s anyway.”
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    Colters’ Lady
    She frowned and shifted slightly then grimaced. His brow furrowed as he stared at her in question.
    “Are you all right? Are you hurt?”
    She shook her head. “No. No, I’m fine.”
    He held out his hand to her, hoping she’d take it, that she’d agree to come with him. He hadn’t exaggerated the fact that it was damn cold.
    Instead of slipping her hand into his, she pushed herself upward with the hand on the ground but kept the other arm tight against her chest. Her posture was awkward, and his frown deepened as she staggered to her feet.
    For a moment she stood, hand resting against the wall of the alleyway, and she leaned, head bowed as if catching her breath.
    He waited, not wanting to press her, but he held his breath as he watched to see if she’d agree to come with him.
    She took a step away from the wall and nearly fell.
    Michael lunged forward and caught her before her knees completely gave out. She felt light and infinitely fragile against his chest. She shuddered and quaked, and her breaths came in rapid bursts.
    For a long moment he simply held her, enjoying the sensation of her curled into his arms. And he wanted her to feel safe, so he made no sudden movements. Just let her grow accustomed to having him so close.
    “I’m okay,” she whispered. “You can let me go.”
    Reluctantly he drew away, but he was careful to keep his hands on her shoulders. Her clothing was damp through, and he was more determined than ever to take her back to Seth’s so they could get her into dry clothes and warmed up. After that? Who the hell knew? What was he going to do? Move in on a woman his brother had clearly staked a claim on?
    His lips drawn into a grim line, he drew her protectively into his side so he could shield her from as much of the weather as possible. They walked down the alley, and at the end, she stared apprehensively down the street.
    “I’m not far,” Michael murmured. “Let’s get you inside where it’s warm and I’ll call Seth. He’s looking for you.”
    She shivered and frowned as he ushered her forward. “He shouldn’t have.” Michael turned in surprise. “Shouldn’t have looked for you? Shouldn’t have cared?”
    “Either.”
    He wanted to argue but didn’t. Seth could fight his own battles. Michael had to figure out how the hell to get past Lily’s defenses himself.

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    Maya Banks
    When his Cherokee came into view, Michael quickened his pace and all but dragged Lily with him.
    The interior was still warm when he opened the passenger door. He helped her in, shut the door behind her and hurried around to his side.
    He got in, started the engine and turned the heat on full blast before pulling out his cell phone. Lily listed a little in the seat and leaned away from him so that her right shoulder rested against the window.
    Her expression was wary, but now she seemed more tired than anything. And worried.
    “Seth, I found her. We’re heading back to your house.”
    “Thank God,” Seth breathed.