Read Hunted for Free Online

stepped out of the shadows and relief surged through her.
    Jared.
    He was barefoot, wearing jeans with a Hawaiian shirt that hung open to display his chest. Shara nearly salivated at the sight—his picture hadn’t done him justice.
    “I didn’t expect to see you before tomorrow,” he said, his friendly tone putting her immediately at ease. “Wow, you look even better with short hair. Great choice.”
    “Thanks.” Shara tried to catch her breath, and found her gaze straying to the point where the path emerged on to the beach.
    “Are you okay?”
    “Just an encounter gone wrong,” she said with a smile.
    “Consider me your knight in shining armor,” he said, offering his hand. “How about I escort you back to your room, so you can get some sleep? Morning is going to come early.”
    “Thanks. That’s a great idea.” Shara put her hand in his, reassured that she’d found a haven. She couldn’t imagine that she’d sleep anytime soon, but being back in her room with the door locked sounded like a great idea.
    If Damon caught her, she had a feeling she wouldn’t sleep at all.
    Maybe that was his plan, to keep her from sleeping so she was easily caught.
    Jared smiled down at her, his eyes twinkling as his hand closed securely over hers. Then she saw him take a breath and knew he’d smelled either the cream or her wet puss. His gaze brightened when he glanced down the front of her dress and she saw his erection strain the front of his jeans. His grip tightened on her hand and his voice dropped low. “Did your encounter come to a conclusion, or can I help guarantee that you sleep well?”
    “All part of the chivalrous offer?”
    “It’s a code of honor,” he said, reaching to spear his fingers through her short hair. His hand was broad and strong, the way he cupped her nape making Shara feel small and precious. He tugged her closer and she went willingly. “A sacred vow to ensure the pleasure of women.”
    “Everywhere?” Shara couldn’t help but ask, and he smiled a little.
    “Just wherever I am,” he whispered, then bent to capture her mouth beneath his own.
    His kiss was different than Damon’s. Not better, not worse, just different. Jared seemed more determined to coax her response than to claim her with a kiss. It was the kind of kiss Shara would have been happy to share after a date, the kind of kiss that would have encouraged her to meet with him again.
    But it wasn’t the kiss of a conquering hero, the kind of kiss she’d come to this island to experience. She enjoyed it, but knew he wouldn’t be able to vanquish the desire Damon awakened in her.
    He lifted his head and smiled at her. “Come dance with me,” he invited, lacing their fingers together. “You’re all dressed up already.”
    “She’s going to be undressed instead,” Damon said, his confidence in that prediction clear.
    He was standing several steps away, and Shara was shocked he’d moved so closely so silently. He was still dressed as Zorro, and she swallowed at the sight of her shoes hanging from his belt. He caught her looking and smiled a smile that made her shiver.
    “Look, I don’t know who you are, but the lady and I…” Jared began to protest.
    Damon pulled the drawstring from Shara’s dress from his pocket and dangled it before her. She didn’t doubt he’d reclaimed every one of the items she’d discarded.
    In a way, his attention to detail was exciting.
    “It’s Damon, one of the other hunters,” Shara said quickly. “He started the hunt early.”
    “As Zorro?” Jared’s surprise was enough to make Shara laugh.
    She didn’t, though, because Damon seized her and bound her hands behind her back again. He was ruthless and quick, and she squirmed too late.
    “Hey, you can’t do that!” Jared protested.
    “I just did,” Damon replied, his voice low and dark. He took a step backward, tugging Shara with him. “Are you going to try to steal my prize?”
    “Hell, yes!” Jared leaped toward Damon,