Page 56 of Into the Lion's Den (Secrets of the Northland Shifters)

We rode another mile through the forest, often having to duck under low-hanging branches. Dante was sure-footed, and he responded well to all of Reese’s encouragingclicksand soft “whoas.”

I was just starting to relax when Reese picked up the conversation right where we’d left off. “I’m not disgusted by the prospect of sleeping with you. I would’ve thought I’d proven that point in the kitchen.”

My mouth went dry as the memory of his kiss rose to the surface. Deep. Warm.Lush. “You did.”

“But that unfortunate incident happened before I knew you were spoken for.”

“Spoken for?” I twisted in the saddle, craning my neck to try to see his face. What was he talking about?

“Oh, is that not the right expression? Is this where you tell me you’re your own independent woman and you’re not anybody’s anything?”

I looked forward and sputtered, “What the hell, Reese?”

“Don’t play dumb. I know.”

“Knowwhatexactly?” If I wasn’t on a horse, I’d be stomping off in a full-blown snit. Was this what his angry mood was all about? He thought I had a boyfriend?

Reese’s fingers flexed, digging into my waist. “John.”

“John? Who the hell is—?”Ohhhh. John. “He’s not my boyfriend.”

Reese’s grip softened. “He’s not?”

I scoffed at the absurdity. “No. How did you even hear about him? Did your dad say something?”

“How would my dad know about him?” In the space of five seconds Reese’s tone had morphed from angry, to surprised, to confused.

“No reason. I just thought… Never mind.” I hadn’t been involved in the actual mechanics of arranging my hiding place. Maybe John hadn’t been the one to talk to Reese’s dad.

Reese’s arm relaxed around my middle. “So…you don’t have a boyfriend.”

“Technically, I saidJohnwasn’t my boyfriend.”

He bowed his head, putting his mouth right by my ear. “You’re very secretive, Sarah.”

“Well, we can’t all be open books, now, can we?”

He didn’t respond to that, but I got the distinct feeling he was smiling. “Do you find something funny?” I asked.

“Yes. How did you know?”

“I can…feel it, somehow.”

“You’re very perceptive,” he said.

“I guess I have a good feel for you.”

“I bet you do.” His voice was pure silk, and it sent a second wave of heat rushing into my face.

“Boyfriend or no boyfriend,” I said as my clit gave one hard pulse. “I’m still not sharing a tent with you.”

“Smart,” he said. “Tent walls are thin. We wouldn’t want to disturb the other campers.”

“You are the worst.”

His body rocked with laughter, and as much as that annoyed me, I couldn’t deny I liked the sound.

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