Page 50 of The Hero Within
"How about the Wolf Who Would Like A...n F'ing Drink?"
She stared at him.
"Because I did not swear?" he suggested.
She fetched the small flask of medicinal whiskey she had in her medical bag. "Use sparingly. It's all I have."
Colton uncapped the flask and took a decent swallow. "Now I know you want me to bare my heart and soul. Are you trying to get me drunk, Eden McClain?"
"Yes," she deadpanned. "I have ulterior motives and want to get you drunk in the middle of the Great Divide. Sounds like an excellent way to die."
He laughed. "I never knew you were so uptight."
"I amnot."
"Doesn't like swearing. Doesn't approve of drinking too much. Please tell me you're not a virgin."
"I have—occasionally—said a rude word. I just don't think they have to be part of every sentence you utter. I drink with my friends. And no, I'm not a virgin."Though I might as well be. "Stop looking at me like you think I'm a prude."
Colton slowly unscrewed the cap, offering her the flask as if he dared her. "All work, no play. No wonder you're tense."
"Are you serious?" She sat up straight. "The reason I'm tense is because I'm on a tight timeline, while you don't seem to give a damn."
"Can't travel at night," he pointed out. "You could join me."
"I don't even like you. Why would I drink with you?"
He shrugged. "Didn't think so...."
Screw him. Eden captured his hand and brought the flask closer to her lips. She tipped it up and drank, watching him all the while, her hand covering his.
Their eyes met.
And suddenly she realized how it might look.
Eden froze, lowering the flask. A slow heated smile spread over his mouth, as if he could read her mind.
"Don't worry,mi corazon," he said, with a faint, half-mocking lilt to his voice. "I'm not getting ideas. You're the last woman I'd ever touch. Your brother would skin me alive."
A little flutter went through her at the words as she hastily swallowed the burning mouthful of whiskey. "You're the last man I'd everallowto touch me."
But that was a blatant lie, as evidenced by the rasp of her nipples against her bra, and the sudden wet heat in her panties. Eden spilled some of the whiskey down her hand as she hastily screwed the cap back on.
His smile was pure evil. "Do you know the best thing about being a warg?"
"Thereissomething good about it?" Her heart skipped a beat.
Colton leaned closer, as if breathing in her scent. "You can tell when someone's lying to you."
"You're dreaming if you think I'd ever lay hands on you. That'snota lie. Truce or not."
Even so... She licked the whiskey off her fingers and paused the second she realized his gaze had turned hot and he was watching her, like a hunter scenting prey.
A long breathless moment.
The seconds ticked out, as Eden considered her feelings. There was a part of her—a very small part—that liked having him watch her like that. Knowing he wouldn't touch her without permission.
Knowing he wanted to.
