Read Love & Curses (Cursed Ink) for Free Online

had down quite a job on him.
    “Why didn’t you tell me?”
    He eased back around, the movement causing obvious discomfort . “It’s nothing. I’m fine.”
    “You’re not.” She winced. “Did I hurt you while we…?”
    He chuckled. “Absolutely not. Sweetheart, I had so much adrenaline going, all I felt was you.”
    She eyed him, trying to determine the truthfulness of his words. “Okay. Because I would’ve felt horrible if I’d caused you more pain after you saved my life.”
    “No worries.” Clasping her hand, he pressed a kiss to her fingers and pulled her down to the couch with him. He dragged the blanket over them as he snuggled next to her and wrapped her in his arms.
    She relished the feel of his embrace, a wisp of guilt swirling through her at the thought of what he might’ve endured to give her the pleasure she’d enjoyed.
    “I’m good.” He dropped a kiss on her temple. “Better than good.” Toying with her hair, sifting his fingers through the strands in long gentle strokes. He paused and then brushed his palm over her shoulder. “What’s this?”
    Calista tensed. The bird. Damn. She twisted to look at him and grimaced. “It’s a tattoo.”
    “I can see that.” His fingertip traced a curvy line over her skin, and she shivered. His eyebrow arched. “So…did the last guy…?”
    “Ben. Yes, that’s how I met him.”
    He nodded, his gaze shifting to her shoulder.
    She cringed inwardly. He must think I’m such a fool. Probably having second thoughts already. “I’m going to get it removed.”
    He glanced at her. “Why?”
    “ It reminds me of him, of how awful he treated me.” She shifted her attention to the blanket, heat flooding her face. “ He gave me the tat…like he was trying to cage me o r something.”
    “No one could ever cage you.” He pressed his lips to her shoulder.
    The scent of lavender danced through the air, tickling her nose. Hmm…they hadn’t lit any candles or incense, so why—
    “I like it. It’s you. Soaring high and free.” He caressed the area again.
    She dared to peer at him. “Really, high and free?”
    “You know what I mean.” He grinned. “I think you should keep it…if you want.”
    Andy Mitchell continued to amaze her. Lord knows he certainly sent her heart soaring. She smiled, liking the way he always seemed to lift her up. Maybe she would keep the swallow tattoo on her shoulder. Relieved, she snuggled against him and let her eyelids drift closed.
    An insistent ringing grated her ears. She forced her eyes to open. Warm breath caressed her neck. A wonderfully hard body wrapped around her in a possessive embrace.
    Andy. God, they both must have dosed off.
    Too boneless to move, she sighed. Let the answering machine take a message. A short beep clipped the air.
    “Calista. Calista, pick up, I know you’re there,” came her aunt’s hysterical voice. “Oh dear gods, baby girl. Pick up the phone. Death is after you.”

Chapter Six
     
    Calista’s eyes shot open. Oh, Lord, it was her Aunt Nadya. The woman meant well, but she was crazier than a bed bug. Wanting to get to the phone before Andy heard any more of her aunt’s ravings, she scrambled to untangle herself from his legs and the comforter wrapped around both their bodies.
    Managing to slip free, she reached for the phone, but her right foot snagged the end of the blanket. She tumbled to the floor face first, her naked skin smacking the hardwood with a resounding thud. Wincing, she squinted through the semi-darkness at her hand. Well, at least she’d grabbed the receiver on her way down. She held it to her ear.
    “Auntie?” She sucked in a breath while the woman babbled in her ear. “Slow down, Auntie. What has you so worked up?”
    “Oh, Cece. Thank the gods you answered. You must come to me immediately. And be aware of your surroundings. Take no chances. Hurry.”
    Calista shoved to her feet and walked down the hallway to the bathroom, so she wouldn’t disturb Andy.