Page 16 of Haven
“The man is no different.” His voice was deep and low, surrounding her like a warm blanket. He leaned even closer but stopped as he stared into her eyes. “The wolf and the man are one and the same, Sadie.”
Never in her life had she felt like she wanted someone to kiss her, but her body burned for his touch, and it frightened her a little. Yet, her body, heart, and mind were all on different pages as she leaned toward him. Her mind screamed to beware; she didn’t know this man. Her heart warned her of heartbreak. Her body...oh, her body burned for him. Hadn’t she learned from Lily’s experience? Obviously, she hadn’t.
Ignoring her heart and mind, she tilted her head, looking from his eyes to his lips. “I don’t know you.” She whispered, not wanting to appear too eager and yet wanting nothing more than this man, this Shifter, to kiss her.
“You will.” He promised just before their lips met. His hand cupped her cheek as he deepened the kiss.
For once in her life, Sadie let life happen, ignoring the warning bells blaring in her mind and heart. She didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but for this moment, she was going to let loose and would live with the regret, which was sure to come.
CHAPTER 10
“What has you smiling at this God-awful hour of the morning?” Larry’s gruff voice had Kile’s smile growing.
“Good to have you back, Larry.” Kile waited for the older man to catch up. “How are you feeling?”
“Well, my ass ain’t on fire, so I’m doing pretty well,” Larry grunted as they continued to the trailer. “I swear that woman who Gemma hired to cook is trying to poison me. I’ve never shit so much in my life.”
Kile chuckled at the old man, who Kile had grown fond of. “I don’t think Gina is trying to kill you, Larry.”
Larry snorted. “You get sick?”
“No,” Kile replied, his eyes scanning for Sadie, wondering if she was up yet. He had walked her to her tent only a few hours ago. Kile had lain awake until he couldn’t take the thoughts of her running through his mind anymore. He got up and headed out to start the day before he did what he really wanted to do, and that was pull her out of the tent and kiss her senseless, among otherthings. Yeah, it was best to get his day started and keep busy until he saw her again tonight.
“And neither has anyone else I’ve talked to, so I’m telling you she is out for me.” Larry fumed as they continued their walk. “I’m so hungry I could eat the ass end out of a skunk, but I’m terrified to put anything that woman cooks into my mouth.”
“You might be right, Larry,” Kile smirked, glancing at the older man. “Did you tell Gina her fried chicken was bland?”
“I did, and it was.” Larry nodded as if he had every right to tell a woman her fried chicken was bland. “It tasted like paste. Had to drink three glasses of water to get the damn taste out of my mouth.”
Kile laughed, shaking his head, as Gemma headed toward them. “Are you feeling better, Larry?” she asked, and Kile noticed her tone was a little off.
“Well, my damn ass ain’t on fire, so yes, I’m better.” Larry huffed, making Gemma roll her eyes.
“Good,” Gemma said, but didn’t sound happy. “Now I can chew your ass out. Gina quit on me.”
“Ah, well, that’s a shame,” Larry said, but his words and smile didn’t match up.
Gemma threw her arms out. “Have you been telling everyone that Gina is trying to poison you?”
“Hey,” Larry pointed at her. “Don’t go getting all riled up at me, Gemma. When no one else but me gets the fire shits after eating her concoctions, you tell me what I should think.”
“Ah, I don’t know, Larry,” Gemma growled. “Maybe you had a virus. Did that ever cross your mind?”
“I ain’t ever had a virus in my life.” Larry boasted with a huff. “I’m too manly for that kind of nonsense.”
“You are fortunate that I need you, buddy.” Gemma poked him in the shoulder. “And that I have someone who can cook and stepped up.”
“As long as this person’s food doesn’t give me the fire shits?—”
“Dude,” Cole, walking by with a plate of food that smelled and looked amazing, glared at Larry. “Chill with the fire-shitting talk when I’m getting ready to eat.”
“Let me tell you something, boy. You get a case of the fire shits, you’d be talking about it too.” Larry shot back but was staring at the food. “But that sure does look good.”
Kile and Eric walked up and Eric had his own plate of food. His stomach rumbled. “Who did you find on such short notice to cook?” Kile asked, ready to get his own plate but would make damn sure to stay the fuck away from Larry while he ate.
“Sadie,” Gemma replied, still glaring at Larry. “She was here when Gina quit. She even tried to talk her into staying, but Gina refused. I mean, honestly, I didn’t pay her much, so I can’t blame her for quitting after taking the abuse.” Gemma finished glaring at Larry.
“This is my second plate,” Eric said, taking a bite of bacon. “It melts in your mouth. You should see all the unmated males lining up in there. I’d say by lunch, Sadie and Lily will be mated.”