Read Rhythm of Us: Book 2 Of The Fated Hearts Series for Free Online

Mistress. I needed to be able to focus on my words and thoughts, which wasn’t possible when I looked into his eyes. “She said it was something that she ate before the party, but I don’t believe her. She’s hiding something.” I put Mistress in gear and backed out of Ben’s driveway. “Have you noticed anything?”
    “Not really,” Ben said after a long pause. “I’ll pay closer attention if you want me to.”
    “Please,” I replied softly. “I’ll give you my number and you can text me or call me anytime.”
    Ben agreed and we spent the rest of the short trip to the bowling alley in silence. It seemed like we both had our minds someplace else, but I doubted - no, was sure - that our brains weren’t traveling down the same track. Mine was still trying to undress him and find every pleasure point on his long, lean body. I don’t know where his mind was at the moment, but it probably didn’t include getting naked and sweaty with me.
    “Thanks for the ride.” Ben’s soft voice sent chills of lust down my spine when I pulled up beside his car. “I’ll keep an eye on Ellie for you, okay?” His words washed over me and brought a smidgeon of peace to my ravaged mind for the first time in days. I could easily become more addicted to him than any drug. “It’s going to be okay.”
    We exchanged phone numbers before Ben got out of my car. He waved as he drove past me and headed toward the parking lot exit. I sat for a few more minutes before I ran my errands, my mind stayed on Ben the entire time. The only time he left my thoughts was when I returned home and found Ellie sound asleep on the couch. She’d only been awake for a few hours and was already sleeping again. I wanted to believe that everything was okay, but I knew in my heart something more serious was at play. I just hoped I was strong enough to help Ellie through whatever challenges she was facing.

THE FOLLOWING MONDAY I found myself in Ellie’s office bright and early. I could tell by Xavier’s tone the day before that he was really worried about his sister and I wanted to be able to put both of us at ease. Okay, I also wanted any excuse to text or call him. I’d love to hear his soft voice speaking in my ear, but would settle for a text.
    I wanted so badly to ask him out, but lacked the confidence to pull it off. My lack of confidence didn’t have to do with my looks or my ability to attract another man. I lacked confidence in my ability to flirt and date, which was a sad state of affairs for a thirty year old man. My idea of flirting with a man was a head nod in the direction of the exit door of the bar where we met. I knew that I somehow needed to step up my game with Xavier, which was another reason I was in Ellie’s office first thing that morning.
    “Good morning, gorgeous.” I crossed her threshold with an extra pep in my step. I nearly gasped when I saw how tired she looked, with dark circles under eyes and a complete lack of spark in her gaze.
    “Hello to you too,” she responded, but her smile didn’t meet her eyes like it normally did. “Did you enjoy your ride in Midnight Mistress?”
    “Yes.” My eyes searched her for clues as to what ailed her while my heart ached that she hadn’t confided in me. “Ellie,” I began, but a quick wave of her hand cut me off.
    “I’m fine, Ben.” She narrowed her eyes at me and studied me suspiciously. “Did my brother send you in here to spy on me?”
    Busted. “No.” My breezy dismissal might have been said too quickly if her raised brow was any indication. “I am here about Xavier, but not on his behalf.” I blew out a frustrated breath and flopped down in the chair in front of her desk. “I don’t know how to say this delicately, El. I’m way out of my comfort zone here.”
    “You want him bad, don’t you?”
    “Is it that obvious?” I whined. “He doesn’t seem to notice and I’m fucking horrible at dating. I can pick up one-nighters left and right, but I shut