Read Liam's Bride: BBW Werebear Romance (Clan Conroy Brides Book 1) for Free Online Page B

leading.
    "What’s wrong?" he asked softly. "You look like you're in pain."
    "I- thank you for dinner. I have to go."
    "Meredith-"
    She whirled, agitated, heading towards the double doors. "I have to go!"
    It took three steps before he lifted her off her feet, halting her rush to get away. Meredith felt the heat of his torso against her back as he hauled her against him, arms wrapped around her. He bent slightly, so much taller than her.
    "Don't run from me, Meredith," he snapped, voice edged. "It... activates certain responses you aren't ready to deal with."
    "You don't know me," she said, forcing the tremble out of her voice. She'd embarrassed herself with a mildly hysterical retreat, she wouldn’t compound it by saying or acting in any other way that was less than dignified. Damnit. "And physical attraction isn’t enough for a relationship."
    He laughed silently. She felt the movement of his chest, an unvoiced rumbled. "I think it’s interesting we went from co-teachers to being in a relationship."
    Meredith cringed in embarrassment, before anger took over. He was playing games. Meredith twisted in his arms, hands pushing against the rock wall of his chest. He looked at her, a small grin on his mouth. Teasing, for the most part, but with an edge.
    "Sweetheart, you aren’t going anywhere unless I let you, so you might as well talk."
    "You're playing games, not talking," she said hotly, forgetting shyness, forgetting he was a big man and it was probably safer not to challenge his temper. "You know damn well you've implied you want more than a professional interaction from me. I’m not misreading signals."
    The grin softened into a smile. "Don't be mad, I’m teasing you, Meredith." He hesitated. "The truth is, I didn't expect what I'm feeling. When the Bear shows such interest, it’s hard to resist. We've learned, over the years, not to."
    "I thought werebears mated for life? I didn’t know they did short term, casual things."
    His lips quirked again. Meredith held his eyes a long moment, waiting for a response, before it dawned on her the silence was his response.
    "You mean..." she knew something about werebears. She'd made it her business to know at least something. But Liam couldn’t mean what he was allowing her, by his silence, to think. His head dipped.
    "Yes, I’m thinking things are heading somewhere more permanent than 'casual,' sweetheart. But I’m willing to take it slow."
    He released her then, almost reluctantly. "But, just so you don’t get any ideas about how slow..."
    Meredith braced herself, feeling his intent before his head and shoulders swooped down, lips capturing hers in a deceptively soft kiss. He didn't touch her except for his mouth on hers, giving her the choice of whether to accept or pull away.
    She couldn’t have pulled away after the first brush of satiny skin. His mouth tasted of wine, breath an elusive aroma of male, forest and herbs. And despite the softness, she felt steel underneath, a determination to prove she was becoming as hopelessly entangled as he. Because if his Bear really was urging him towards her, Meredith knew he had no real choice in the matter. He could fight fate and be miserable, or make the best of it.
    His tongue invaded her mouth, the touch of him sending a pulse of fire straight to her clit, tightening her belly and sending tingles down her spine. And then she couldn’t think, couldn’t analyze anymore. Could only feel, could only yearn for him to step into her body so she could rub herself against him. Her hands rose, clenching air, seeking flesh. In that moment he stepped back, eyes hot with satisfaction, skin drawn taunt over the slashing bones of his face.
    "Think about it, but not for long," he repeated. "I'll be waiting for you."
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER
    5
     
     
     
     
     
    Sundays she slept in, went over garden plans for the following week and covered shifts at the diner. In the evenings she subbed for teachers taking a