Free Runaway Heiress by Melody Anne Page A

self-control.
                  It seemed all rational reactions were out the window where Bree Anderson was concerned.
                  He pushed his fingers through her silken strands of hair and pressed his lips against hers before he could stop himself. He had to taste her – just for one minute. A moment of weakness wouldn’t kill them.
                  He had to stop.
                  His job was to protect her – not seduce her in the middle of a public park. They were out in the open with dozens of people walking by. He couldn’t seem to get the message to his brain, though. His lips caressed hers until her mouth opened and he felt the tip of her tongue lick against his bottom lip.
                  His groin jumped to life and he pressed her back against the park wall, his hands tugging on her hair, holding her mouth firmly in place beneath his own as his tongue swept along her lips.
                  His mind said to stop – but his body needed more.
                  Deepening the kiss, he forgot everything around them until he heard laughter from some kids, then the sound of kissing noises. He finally managed to pull his head clear and turned to see a group of children laughing at the two of them while kissing their hands.
                  Bree looked at him through passion filled eyes, leaning toward him, when she finally heard the kids. Her eyes rounded as she turned her head, then her cheeks flushed as she realized the display they’d put on.
                  She pushed against his chest and he could tell she was mortified by what they’d been doing. Chad kept trying to tell his highly aroused body it just a kiss, not worth getting all worked up over.
                  “No more,” she said breathlessly as she moved away another foot, putting space between them. He wanted to follow and drag her back but he knew she was smart to move away.
                  “I know. I tend to lose my mind around you,” he admitted. She looked surprised by his honesty.
                  “We can’t work together anymore. Obviously I don’t use the best judgment around you, and contrary to what you may believe, I don’t normally sleep with men I barely know. I’m going for a walk. So help me, if you follow, I’ll call the sheriff and tell him you’re attacking me,” she threatened.
                  He had a feeling she wasn’t bluffing. He decided to give her a little space. Not too much, he still wasn’t assured of her safety, but since nothing had happened in a month, she was safe to take a short stroll.
                  Bree turned and walked down the wooded path. When she reached the bend, he started following. He’d just make sure to stay out of her sight. What she didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her, after-all.
                  After five minutes of walking, he figured she was about thirty yards ahead of him. That’s when he heard her scream and all bets were off – he shouldn’t have allowed her to walk away. He reached for his gun and took off, sprinting down the trail. He turned the corner to find Bree sprawled on the ground.
                  “What happened?” he demanded while surveying the area. He didn’t see anyone, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t danger.
                  “A guy tried to grab me. He had a hold of my arm, but I dropped to the ground. He had a knife. He lifted it when I screamed. He was getting ready to grab me again when he heard you running and took off that way,” she gasped as she pointed to a small trail.
                  Chad didn’t want to leave her alone, but he had to try to catch the guy. If this was her stalker, he could get him behind bars, where he belonged.
                  “Go back to the park, now!” he demanded, then took off down the trail. He