Free Unbelievable by Lori Foster

this one dark gray. He looked very handsome, if a bit surly.
    Still, even with his attitude turned sour, he was a perfect gentleman. Every time she left a shop, Sebastian took her hand. He protected her from the flow of human traffic and steered her around mud puddles. It felt right to have him so close, to feel his warmth and strength.
    “If you must know, I want to take a gift back to each of the kids at the shelter. They get so few presents.”
    She said it carelessly, but still he looked dumbstruck, then shamefaced. “Damn it. I’m sorry.” He rubbed his eyes with his free hand, then sighed. “I know I’m being a bastard today, but I didn’t get much sleep last night. How ’bout a cup of coffee? The caffeine will do me good, and your feet have got to be getting tired.”
    Actually, she felt fine, but he looked ready to drop, so she took mercy on him. “I only have two more gifts to buy. Why don’t you go for your coffee and I’ll meet you there in a few minutes.”
    His hand tightened on hers. “I can go with you. I should probably pick up something for the kids, too. I just hadn’t thought about it.”
    Her heart softened and the urge to hug him close almost overwhelmed her. “It’s not necessary, Sebastian. I already have plenty of gifts.” He didn’t look convinced, so she added, “Look, right there on the corner is a café. I’ll hit this last shop, grab a few more gifts and then join you. Give me fifteen minutes.”
    He still hesitated, probably because she tended to spend closer to forty-five minutes in each shop, but she gave him a look of insistence. “Go. I order you. And I’m the boss, remember? Guzzle coffee. Wake yourself up.”
    Finally he nodded and turned away. She watched until he’d crossed the street and disappeared into the crowd. This vacation was turning out to be a revelation. For such a long time, she’d hidden behind her independence and privacy, never wanting anyone to invade her space, to get too close and ponder her thoughts. But now, she already missed having Sebastian at her side.
    It filled her with warmth to think of him, which she did. The whole time she considered small collectibles from the souvenir shop, part of her mind was on Sebastian. Their kiss last night had probably not meant much to him, but to her it had been an accomplishment, a giant step forward. Not since she was eighteen had she kissed a man, or even wanted to. The thought had been nothing less than repellent, the memories stored with it, horrifying. But there was nothing repellent about Sebastian Sinclair. The man could make her tremble with just a look.
    With her mind half on her newest purchases, and half on getting back to Sebastian, it was no wonder she almost ran into the men. When she finally did see them, it was too late to step out of their way. Within a second, the two of them had crowded her into the store’s brick front.
    Brandi felt the visceral panic swell, but she fought it back. They were on a busy street. No harm could come to her. Still, as one of the men gave a long, low whistle, she jerked back, memories assailing her. Both men laughed.
    One of them gave her a genuine smile. “You look like you could use some help with that big shoppingbag, honey. Why don’t I give you a lift to wherever you’re going? Or better yet, to where we’re going. What do you say?”
    She tried to answer, but no words would come, not even a denial. The men were too close, towering over her.
    The other one stepped closer still. “She doesn’t want you, Josh. Why not give me a chance?” Then he gave her a wide grin. “How about it, sweetheart? You up for a little fun?”
    She shook her head, hating her cowardice, the gnawing fear. The first man frowned, looking concerned and he reached for her. She bolted. Feeling foolish even as her legs stretched out, she raced toward the street, her shopping bag clutched to her middle. She heard the men give a surprised burst of laughter at her mad dash, and tears