Page 31 of Strictly Forbidden

“Close the door, Kage. It’s cold out there,” Noel whispered in a sleepy voice.

I found myself doing what she requested, but only after scanning the now nonexistent road and the thick forest behind it. There was no chance of seeing anything, even it was out there.

After closing and locking the door, I turned around.

Noel had her arm outstretched, waiting for me to grasp her hand.

“Come on,” she said sleepily. “I don’t bite. Things will look much better in the morning. Even monsters take a night off in this kind of weather.”

Somehow, I sensed she knew better.

Monsters never let down their guards, never took a backseat, never relaxed, and certainly never allowed a little bad weather or darkness stop them from getting what they wanted.

One of the worst boogeymen of all wanted me.

And he would stop at nothing, including gutting an innocent woman to make that happen.

CHAPTER 9

Noel

The morning dawned gray and icy, the frigid temperature creeping in underneath the doors even with weather stripping. I’d never planned on having a guest, including one who’d created unbelievable passion. It was as if karma was trying to tell me something. I just wish I knew what that was.

Kage was obviously uncomfortable being in my house, let alone my bedroom. Now he was outside splitting wood in the icy conditions, the puffy jacket he’d worn unable to hide his magnificent brawn. Maybe he thought for some insane reason this meant we were in a relationship.

Not a chance.

I couldn’t deny I was enjoying his company, but we were nothing but two people who’d found something amazing for a few hours. Yet I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I was standing at the back door, a coffee mug in my hand, watching with fascination at the way he handled my sweet Max. The man was amazing with animals. So much so I planned on asking him if he had a pet back home. I hoped not. The poor pup would be suffering by now without his daddy dog.

I’d fallen in love with Max already, his tragic story worse than mine. But the pup seemed to have a heart of gold. A smile and he already seemed to know me and my schedule.

And my needs.

He took a hard swing, splitting a huge chunk of wood into three pieces. I was more than impressed but I doubted that’s what he was aiming for. I’d coaxed him into sleeping next to me on the bed but we’d remained miles apart, as if the heat we’d shared had never occurred. Thank God I had a king-sized bed or not only would his long legs have extended past the end but I doubt he would have been comfortable to any degree.

As it was, I’d awakened twice to find him standing by my bedroom window, staring out into the darkness. He’d reminded me of a caged animal, unused to being captured inside. I honestly had no idea what to think, other than he was a loner.

Sighing, I backed away, grateful the power had at least remained on. After returning to the kitchen, I poured another cup of coffee, guessing the man only took cream. As I prepared the mug, I was laughing at myself. I had no clue about the man whatsoever, other than he drove a big, bad truck and was good with animals.

Oh, and he could kiss like no other man I’d ever experienced. Every muscle was still aching from his roughness, but I couldn’t remember the last time I’d awakened with a smile on my face. I grabbed my coat and boots, struggling into them before taking the hot mug outside.

Kage didn’t see me at first, chopping a few additional pieces. A few beads of sweat trickled down one side of his face and I had the strange urge to lick them off. God. What had the man done to me? Well, I could say at least he’d awakened the sleeping princess. That was worth its weight in gold.

Max suddenly shifted from his hypnotized state staring at what Kage was doing, barking only once as he bounded toward me.

“Hiya, baby. It’s too icy out here. You’ll hurt your paws.” They were scarred from the purposely set fire and the last thing I wanted to do was to cause him any additional pain.

“He’s a strong boy,” Kage said as he pummeled the maul into another chunk of wood. As both pieces flew off the sides, he finally tipped his head in my direction. “He’s been through worse.”

“How did you know?” As soon as I issued the question, I slapped my forehead. “The scars.”

“Yeah, and he kind of told me.”

“Oh, he did, huh? Are you like a dog whisperer?”

He chuckled and tossed the instrument, wiping his hands on his jeans. “I had a boy similar to him years ago. Jake and I were inseparable and I kinda got to know him.”

“What happened to him?”

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