Read More Than Friends (The Warriors) for Free Online Page B

haunted him during their years apart.
    He still craved her tenderness. He always would, especially in the face of his escalating dissatisfaction with the cold, violence–filled world he’d inhabited for most of his adult life.
    Brett slipped into Leah’s bedroom shortly before dawn. Clad in a pair of snug, unfastened jeans, he padded barefoot through the semi–darkness to the side of her bed. He hated to disturb her again, but neither one of them could avoid the reality of her head injury.
    After switching on the bedside lamp, he sat down on the edge of the mattress. He reached for her as he reminded himself that her memory could return at any moment.
    Leah opened her eyes.
    Brett saw the clarity and focus of her gaze, and he realized she was wide awake. "You should be asleep."
    She smiled and stretched. As she raised her arms, her breasts swelled against the aged cotton of a t–shirt he’d given to her a thousand and one memories ago. He longed to fill his hands with her silky flesh. Instead, he forced his gaze to her heart–shaped face and kept his hands to himself.
    "So should you," she countered as she lowered her arms. She frowned at the expression on his face. More tension than earlier, she realized. "You’re tied up in knots. What’s wrong?"
    He cleared his throat twice before he answered her. "Nothing. I just wanted to make sure you’re alright."
    "Were you a doctor in another life?" She smiled as she pulled herself up into a half–recline against a mound of pillows. "Or maybe a compulsive mother hen?"
    He chuckled at her good–humored teasing. "Not that I know of, but I’ve had emergency first–aid training courtesy of the navy."
    "Nice sound, by the way," she said, referring to his low chuckle. "You should do that more often."
    "I love it when a woman quotes me."
    She grinned.
    "Nice teeth."
    Her grin turned to laughter. "You’re horrible. Next thing you’ll tell is that I used to have braces."
    "I took an oath long ago never to discuss your braces. Can’t break it now."
    "So I did have braces."
    "No comment." His smile faded. "Now, answer my question."
    "I’m fine. Really. I’ve just got a lot of thoughts racing around my head that keep waking me up."
    "What kind of thoughts?"
    She heard his quiet concern. "Nothing in particular. Definitely nothing to worry about, so you can stop scowling at me." She smoothed her fingertips across the top of his clenched fist until he opened his hand and let her lace their fingers together. "I’m glad you’re here."
    "Ditto. How’s your headache?"
    "Not too bad." She gave him a conspiratorial grin. "Why are we whispering?"
    "Probably because most of the world’s still asleep."
    "Brett Matthew Upton."
    "That’s me." He silently applauded her memory of their earlier conversation.
    "I like the sound of your name. It’s sturdy and reliable, like you."
    Brett sobered. He knew the truth, and she would soon remember it. She hadn’t been able to rely on him when she’d needed him most. He’d failed her, and he didn’t ever expect to be able to undo the damage of his actions. And when she recalled his failure, she would reject him. So, repairs were a moot point.
    She looked away from his intent gaze. "I’ve been dreaming about you."
    "Why?" His voice sounded hoarse. He was almost afraid to hear her answer.
    "I’m not sure."
    "Any nightmares?"
    "None that I recall."
    He said a silent thank you for that small favor. He hated the possibility that she might be haunted by night terrors caused by the men who’d tried to kidnap her.
    She dropped her gaze to their laced fingers. After studying them for several silent seconds, she whispered, "Would you stretch out beside me and hold me for a little while?"
    Rendered motionless by her request, he sat there and worked at concealing both his surprise at her request and his hunger for whatever physical contact that she felt inclined to allow. "Now?"
    Leah nodded. "You make me feel safe." She lifted her face, the worry he