Free Laws of Attraction by Diana Duncan Page B

debilitating damage by a millimeter. He held her immobile. “This isn’t necessary. I’m twice your size and twice as strong, what do you think you’re going to accomplish?”
    He meant his words to soothe, but she only fought harder.
    Fending off her attack while trying to keep from hurting her was about as easy as wrestling a gunnysack full of wildcats.
    “Mia, stop.” Letting go, he crouched and spun out of range. He pointed at her. “Just stay put, and douse that hellfire temper. We don’t have to do this the hard way.”
    Giving her space, Dallas strode to the closet in the entryway. Time for a reboot. He’d order dinner, a bottle of mellow Willamette Valley Cabernet, something chocolate for dessert, and let her unwind. Keeping her in his peripheral vision, he shrugged out of his rumpled suit jacket and hung it up. He worked down the knot of his tie, tugged it over his head and slung it over the wooden valet rack. He unbuckled his belt and yanked it free, intending to hang it beside the tie before taking his duffel into the bathroom to change into his Levi’s.
    Mia’s strangled gasp made him turn. As he looked at her, every drop of color leeched from her face.
    “Mia?”
    “ No ,” she breathed. Terror stiffened her features as she stared at him, eyes huge, lips parchment white.
    Concerned she was going to pass out on him, he rushed to her.
    Mia cringed away. “Don’t!” Wrapping her arms around herself, she slid down the wall, folding her body into a tight ball and ducking her head protectively beneath trembling arms. “Not the belt. Don’t use the belt.”
    Dallas’ chest constricted. God Almighty .
    He dropped the belt like it burned his fingers. “I’m not going to hit you.” He made his voice low and soft. “Mia, do you understand? I’m not going to hurt you.”
    She was shaking so hard her teeth were knocking together as he knelt in front of her. “Look at me, honey.”
    She kept her head down, muffled a sob.
    “Easy now. It’s okay.” His movements measured and careful, he put gentle hands on her quivering shoulders. She flinched, and agony knifed his heart. He rubbed her arms. “I would never hit you, ever . Everything’s going to be okay.”
    Another small sob, bitten off.
    “Mia, can you look at me? Please.”
    Wide, wary amber eyes hazed with sorrow raised to his. Kicking him in the guts. Making him want to find the fucker who’d beaten her and force-feed the son-of-a-bitch the belt, piece by choking piece.
    “I’m not going to hurt you. I’m sorry I scared you, I had no idea …”
    He brushed a damp tendril from her cheek, gratified when she didn’t flinch. “You’re safe with me. I’d cut my hand off before I’d raise it to you in violence.”
    She sucked in a quivery breath.
    He stroked her hair. “You’re safe, Mia. I won’t let anybody hurt you.”
    “Too late,” she whispered. Her bottom lip quivered … and he was lost.
    He gathered her into his arms. Cradling her head in his palm, he lowered his mouth to hers, offering gentle solace.
    He tasted the salt of her tears and the honey of her unique, heady essence. He breathed her in, sun-warmed rose petals and delicious, tantalizing woman.
    He wanted to devour her. Instead, he sipped, nibbled … savored the rare delicacy. Warm and silky, Mia’s lips parted beneath his coaxing. He eased his tongue inside the moist satin of her mouth, tenderly exploring. Giving comfort, sharing pleasure.
    Her soft sigh of delight made his pulse pound in his ears. She was still trembling, but from desire now. Her tongue flicked against his, stroking hesitantly at first, then growing bolder.
    Her arms crept around his neck and she pressed closer. She threaded her fingers into his hair, clinging to him like she never wanted to let go.
    He’d intended only to comfort her. Meant to pull away. Scalding need flooded him from head to toe, hardening him to the point of pain.
    Wanting her obliterated all reason.
    He groaned, coasting his