Page 17 of Thirst in the Mountains

The broken man scrambles to his feet and limps away as fast as he can, tumbling down the alley like a wounded animal.

Emmanuel watches him go, chest rising and falling like he’s trying to hold back the murderous thoughts racing through his mind.

I’m trying to hold back another type of thought. Those arms… Those shoulders… God, this man is fucking hot.

I’ve never had a man fight for me like that. Protect me like I’m his. Cutter was the only male who ever came close before Emmanuel, but he’s a dog so I’m not sure it counts.

He turns to me and I whimper when I see the intensity in his eyes, the blood streaked across his undershirt, the possession aimed directly at me.

“Are you okay?” The hard edge is gone from his voice. It’s only softness for me.

“I… uh… yeah.”

My breath catches and I start shaking.

He’s in front of me at once—warm, strong arms wrapping around me, pulling me close. I sink into his chest and let my tears come, hot and messy.

He holds me as I sob and whispers soft words into my ear.

“It’s okay,” he whispers. “They won’t hurt you. I won’t let them.”

“Thank you,” I whisper as I look up at him through watery eyes. I haven’t felt this safe, this cared for, in months, if ever.

His face is so beautiful. I could stare at it forhours.

I’m lost in those gorgeous brown eyes until his lips part. Once I’m looking at his mouth, I can’t look away. I want to feel it on me. I want to taste him.

My weight shifts onto my toes and my chin tilts up. He lowers his head just slightly, testing the space between us, giving me a second to pull away. I don’t. I couldn’t if I tried.

My heart is pounding so hard he must feel it against his chest. His fingers thread through my hair as his other hand settles on my waist, firm and grounding. And then?—

He kisses me.

It’s soft at first, like he’s testing how much I can handle. But when I moan into his mouth, it becomes something else entirely.

His hand tightens on my hip and he pulls me against his hard body. I whimper as I part my lips, feeling his hot, delicious tongue sliding against mine.

Yes… Fuck yes…

A deep groan rumbles up from his chest. His strong hands slide up my back and he deepens the kiss, making me moan. My breasts tingle as they’re pressed up against his solid wall of muscle. My insides combust and melt as I stand on my toes, trying to get every bit of him that I can.

I can tell he’s been dying to do this as much as I’ve been. I can feel his need and desire wrapping around me—making me crazy, turning me on even more.

When we finally pull away, I’m dizzy. I feel drunk. I feel like I’ve had a taste of an appetizer and am ready for the main meal.

I lick my lips, smiling shyly as I look up into his beautiful eyes.

He called mehis girl.

“I don’t think that guy will be returning,” he says, still holding me close. “But just in case, I’ll follow you home.”

“You don’t have to do that,” I say, hating that I’m causing him so much trouble.

“I want to,” he says, his voice low and ragged. “And… I want to see you tomorrow.”

Is he saying what I think he’s saying?

“To file a police report?” I ask.

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