Page 27 of No Harm No Howl

Russ came out of nowhere and socked the guy in his mouth.

“Keep it up, asshole, and I’ll rip your head from your shoulder,” Russ growled at the man who was looking up at him from his position on the floor. “That’s no way to treat a lady.”

“Get this piece of shit out of here, now,” the bartender shouted to the nearby bouncers.

Gia’s heart fluttered at the way Russ had defended her. She’d never had anyone stand up for her like that. Not once in her life. When another man had insulted her, her last boyfriend told her to ignore it or lose weight, that way, no one made a comment about her big her ass was. That had been the immediate death knell to that relationship.

She couldn’t help the smile that had spread across her face as they dragged the man out of the hotel and tossed him out on the curb.

“Are you okay?” Russ asked.

“Yeah. I’m fine. Thanks for standing up for me like that. I think I’m going to head up to bed.”

“This early? Why don’t we grab a bottle of wine and a quiet booth?”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” she replied, though she had really wanted to say yes.

“All right, but you know where to find me if you change your mind.” He ordered a bottle of wine from the bartender.

“Grab two glasses,” she said, changing her mind and deciding to join him.

“You sure?” he asked.

“Yep. I’d hate to see you sit alone in the corner, drinking a bottle of wine by yourself. Kinda seems like it would be a crime.” She laughed.

“Hell, it wouldn’t be the first time. Probably won’t be the last.” He shrugged.

“Well, that’s sad.”

“Says the woman who was drinking bourbon at the bar by herself.”

“Touché.”

* * *

Gia yawnedand stretched her arms above her head. The morning light poured in over her. An unexpected soreness caught her by surprise.

“Good morning, beautiful.”

Fuck!

Double Fuck!

Triple fuck!

Gia knew that voice better than she had ever known any other voice. Her breath caught in her throat. She squeezed her eyes shut. Feeling the mattress shift under her, she tried not to freak the fuck out.

What have I done?she asked her wolf.

“Are you playing ’possum?”

She refused to answer and chose to pretend like she was still fast asleep.

Gia, beautiful. What’s the matter?

Gia sat straight up in bed. “Why can I hear your voice in my head?” she asked aloud.

“Umm, how much do you remember about last night?” Russ asked.

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