Page 27 of Shiver

The little craft tempted her. What safer place could there be than on a boat in the middle of a river? She could almost imagine what it must feel like to have the breeze blowing her hair and her fingers trailing in the water. But she couldn’t. She needed food, sleep—

“Okay,” she found herself responding and wasn’t at all certain where it had come from. “Maybe a boat ride is just what I need.”

“Good. We can break off the main channel, go down into the swamps and catch us an alligator or two.”

Her eyes widened. So much for trailing fingers. “Can’t we just sit in the boat?”

He laughed—a warm laugh that started deep in his chest and filled the air around them. Something lurched inside her at the rich, hearty sound. Suddenly, she was noticing a lot more than long legs and a perfectly molded chest. More than boyish charm and a casual curl to his hair. There was the way his eyes, when warm, turned her insides to goo.

“Then again, maybe I should unpack,” she said in a rush of air. She should be alone, safe, and secure in the confines of her room. Away from these manicured, lush grounds that could hide anything, and away from this handsome, laughing man who was suddenly muddling her thoughts and senses.

“Hello, brother.” A large dark-haired, dark-eyed man appeared from behind a clump of trees.

Riley’s laugh died on his lips.

“Who’s the little filly you brought home this time?” The man edged closer, looking her up and down.

Not liking him on sight, Devra stiffened. There was something dangerous about him,something off.

Thick eyebrows formed a menacing scowl as if he didn’t like what he saw. “And didn’t you pick a hell of a fine time to do it?”

Riley stepped between them, blocking her. “Mac…” He opened his arms in a gesture of peace. “Come on, buddy. I know you’re hurting, but leave the lady alone.”

“She’s not like the usual fare you bring round,” Mac said, stepping around him, his lips pulled up in a sneer.

Devra didn’t like the way he was looking at her or the smell of whiskey on his breath

“Come on, let me take you home.” Riley stepped cautiously forward.

“I didn’t know you liked them so plain,” Mac jeered. As he moved closer, his expression twisted with confusion. He stared at her, his eyes widening, then he lunged forward and grabbed her arm. Strong fingers dug into her skin. She cried out and tried to jerk free from his grasp, but he was too strong.

“Dammit, Mac. What do you think you’re doing?” Riley yelled.

Mac pulled the glasses off Devra’s face.

With all her strength, she pushed against his chest. “Get away from me.” Her clip loosened, her hair falling free.

Knocked off balance, Mac floundered, then hit the ground. He stared up at her, speechless with astonishment. “What the hell kind of sick joke is this?”

Riley took her hand and pulled her close to him. “Are you all right?” he asked, his voice soft and comforting.

His warmth seeped into her skin, soothing her frayed nerves. She longed to lean her head against his shoulder. She didn’t.

“I’m sorry for my brother’s behavior. He’s drunk, but he won’t hurt you.”

Skepticism twisted her mouth. “It’s okay.” But it wasn’t. Suddenly she was too vulnerable. If Riley looked at her with his sympathy-filled eyes one more time, she might burst into tears. That was one thing she couldn’t do. She had to stay strong. She couldn’t lean on him or depend on him. She could count on no one but herself.

“Bloody hell it’s okay,” Mac yelled. “What do you think you’re doing bringing a woman here today? Especially a woman that looks like…” he sputtered, gesturing wildly, “like her.”

“It doesn’t matter what she looks like. She’s my friend and you will treat her with respect.”

Devra looked up in surprise. Riley pressed her tighter. “She needs my help right now and I’m not going to turn my back on her. Not for you, not for anyone.”

“Isn’t that sweet?” Mac sneered. “Sentiment like that coming from a man who swears he’s not the protecting type, that he’d rather be the dragon than have to rescue the poor withering damsel in distress.”

“She doesn’t need protection. She’s quite capable of taking care of herself, as she just showed you. I don’t do protection—never have, never will.”

“Tell that to Michelle,” Mac said with unsuppressed fury.

---