Free Stonebound: Shifters Forever Worlds (Skeleton Key) by Elle Thorne, Skeleton Key

stairs toward the waiting Esmerelda and shifters.
    “Let’s go. We’re ready.” She grabbed Esmerelda’s arm and tugged.
    “You are more than friends. That much is clear,” Esmerelda mumbled
    “Shifter hearing. I heard that,” Ana reminded her.
    “I know.”
    They all went inside. Ana led them to her sitting room, confident that Tino would still be there.
    “Tino, this is Esmerelda. She will be helping us.”
    Esmerelda looked at Federico and the other shifters. “I’d like privacy.”
    “Can I stay?” Isabel pleaded.
    “You will have to stay out of the way.”
    “I will. I’ll be right here by the window.” Ana closed the door behind the departing shifters and detoured toward the chair by the window.
    “If you don’t mind, I don’t like performing in front of an audience.
    Seriously? “I understand.” Anything to get Esmerelda going. Anything.
    Ana kept her eyes glued on the window, too keyed up to enjoy the view of the back yard, with the topiaries and statues that their landscaper had put in place. “Tell me when I can turn around.”
    “I will. Silence, please.” Esmerelda’s tone was terse.
    Ana heard a commotion. Men shouting. It seemed that they were near the front door. She was itching to go check, to make sure everything was okay, but she couldn’t bring herself to leave the room.
    She kept her eyes glued to the greenery outside, not even trying to look in the reflection. She couldn’t afford to anger Esmerelda and have her back out of this arrangement.
    She heard a cracking sound and almost turned.
    Almost.
    She fought the urge to turn by digging her nails into her palms.
    “Ana?” Her name sounded broken up, as if coming from a dried husk of a throat. Of course, he hadn’t spoken out loud since he’d been put in there. But…
    Oh my god. His voice. It sounds almost the same as it had in sync.
    She whirled around.
    There he stood. Everything she’d ever thought a man should look like and everything a lover could be. And her dear friend.
    She feasted on his image, drinking him in like a woman who’d been wandering in a desert for a lifetime.
    “Cristiano.”
    He looked like she’d imagined he’d look. Well, if you want to consider that the only thing she’d imagined was a vague sexy image.
    Tino had dark brown hair, buzzed close to his scalp. He had been coming to meet—and hopefully, impress—his father. Tall frame, broad shoulders, wide chest, his jawline was square, his eyes dark, the color of wet espresso grounds.
    She held her breath at the sheer beauty of the man. He looked as if he had no idea how positively sexy he was; she could tell just from looking at him.

Chapter 18
    C ristiano breathed deep . He knew what she looked like. He’d always known. But this, he savored her scent, relishing an aroma that was uniquely her.
    And she belongs to another man. Even if he’s not much of a man.
    He glanced at the red-haired witch. “Thank you, Esmerelda.” He barely managed the phrase.
    It looked like he’d have to get used to talking again.
    He took a step away from the wall, and stumbled, seeking stability from the dresser next to the wall. He steadied himself.
    “It’s really true. I’m free. After all this time. I’m free.”
    Ana was frozen in place, staring at him.
    How he wanted to run to her, to hold her to his body, to feel her against his body.
    There was a knock at the door, interrupting his thoughts.
    Probably a good thing, since she belongs to Bruno.
    “Everything okay in there?” Federico’s voice.
    Esmerelda opened the door. “Everything is fine. My part is done.”
    Federico studied Tino. “Federico Tiero.” He approached Tino and held out his hand.
    “Cristiano.” Tino was stumped. He was a shifter’s son. He should use his father’s name. “Cristiano Carrera Ricoletti.”
    Federico nodded. “I’ve met your father.”
    I wish I could say the same. Tino merely acknowledged the proclamation with a nod.”
    Esmerelda poked her head out the