Free Lucius (Luna Lodge #3) by Madison Stevens

is a bad idea, and you should just be happy with what you’ve got.”
    He stepped back when she stood. Her face was red and for the first time, she looked mad.
    “Happy? That we get to live like prisoners? Scared on a daily basis from some unknown threat that no one wants to talk about? Oh, I’m so freaking happy!”
    She stepped even closer, and he swallowed. It was a clear shot down the front of her blouse and lord help him, his eyes went right for the gold. Round and creamy, he wanted to place his face there and taste them until she moaned.
    He jumped when she jabbed him in the chest.
    “It doesn’t help when we have jerks acting like we’re committing crimes,” she said. “We work and live here just like the rest of you. That means our lives are on the line just like yours.”
    Lucius looked into her green pools and a piece of him melted.
    “We don’t think you’re criminals,” he said quietly. “Any one of us would lay our lives down to protect you.”
    He could feel the emotion creeping in and tried to control himself.
    She stepped back, and he missed the heat from her sweet body, nearly pressed against his own.
    “Well,” she rubbed her arms and looked down, “sometimes it doesn’t feel that way. We never get any freedom, and the only person who’s even nice about the whole thing is Apollo.”
    The growl came out before he could even stop it. Her head shot up in surprise as they locked eyes.
    “Stay away from Apollo,” he ground out.
    She turned her face up to him a little.
    “Why?” she asked.
    Lucius stepped forward, her heat again so close to his body. “Just stay away from him.”
    His eyes darted to her lips as she licked them.
    “But, why?” She moved a little closer. This time their bodies touched, and he had to bite his cheek to keep from groaning.
    Her breathing increased, and he knew she saw the glow in his eyes.
    Jenna cleared her throat, and for the first time, he remembered just where they were. Taking a deep breath, Lucius took two steps back from Hannah. His body hummed to do more, but it was more than just a bad idea.
    “I’m off rotation,” he said and looked away. “But I’ll pick you up.”
    Hannah blinked a few times before nodding. He shouldn’t. He knew he shouldn’t, but the idea of Apollo near her filled him with rage.
    “Okay,” she said quietly.
    Lucius nodded and turned to the door. Any longer with her, and he’d do something he couldn’t take back. Again.
     
    Hannah watched him leave, still stunned. She looked over to Jenna, who she noticed hadn’t been typing since Lucius walked into the room.
    She smiled at the shy woman, who seemed to suddenly remember that she was very busy. Nothing like bothering to pretend something very strange didn’t just happen. Hannah walked over and pulled up a chair next to Jenna.
    “Okay, I’m not the only one who just saw that.” Hannah leaned in toward Jenna. “Please tell me I’m not going crazy.”
    Jenna stopped typing and looked over to Hanna. She worried her bottom lip and looked torn. For a moment, Hannah wondered if she was going to say anything.
    “Oh my god,” Jenna leaned forward and whispered. “I thought you two were going to strip down, and do it right here.”
    Hannah laughed at the color spreading across the very quiet woman.
    “I’m so glad to know it’s wasn’t just me.” She laughed even harder at the shocked look the other woman shot her.
    Hannah wiped a few stray tears from laughing hard and smiled at Jenna. Despite being a little on the stiff side, it really seemed like she was more inexperienced than anything.
    “So, we’re dying to know, what’s your deal?” Hannah leaned back for her story.
    Jenna frowned and pushed her too large glasses up her nose.
    “Story?”
    “Yup.” Hannah coaxed out her most open smile.
    Jenna seemed to relax and shrugged.
    “Don’t really have one,” she said. “I work here and help my uncle with his house.”
    “Does he need it?” Hannah liked