Free A Kitty in the Lion's Den by Unknown

embarrassed. “Listen, I don’t know anything about picking out women’s clothing, so how about I stand over there,” he pointed to the wall off to the side, “and let you do your thing. Don’t worry about the cost, okay?” He didn’t wait for her to answer before he was walking to his designated area. He leaned against the wall and said, “We only have an hour, though.” He smiled at her. Kettah nodded, and turned to start getting some clothes, but before she could start looking for clothing a hand on her shoulder stopped her. Her heart raced at the fact he had moved back toward her so quickly and stealthily she hadn’t even sensed him. Instantly her body heated, and she closed her eyes, wishing she didn’t have this reaction toward him. It only complicated things. He let go of her shoulder at the same time she turned around. The electricity that coursed through his hand right into her body had been powerful, so much so that her hair felt like it stood on end. Kettah looked over her shoulder, saw that he was looking at his hand that had just been touching her seconds before, and then slowly lifted his eyes to look at her. She turned fully around, and they were so close their chests almost touched with every inhalation. For a moment they just stared at each other, and then he finally spoke and broke up the sudden awkward arousal that sparked between them. “And just so you know, there is no reason why you should feel jealous over Barbie or any other female, for that matter.” Her pulse pounded hard and fast at his words. He spoke with such conviction that she actually felt herself lean closer, as if there was this magnetic pull. “Pick whatever you want.” He lifted his hand, as though he wanted to touch her, but he curled his fingers into his palm and dropped his hand back to his side. Without another word he moved back over to the wall, leaned against it, and crossed his arms over his chest.
    Kettah felt a bit self-conscious shopping as he watched her, and he most definitely watched her. She could feel it all over her body. For the next forty-five minutes she picked out clothes mindful of the prices. Although her father was wealthy, spent enough money on possessions that some people didn’t even make in a year’s time, and that was all she had known her entire life, Kettah did not need exorbitant things to make her happy. She liked simple things, was modest in what she wore, when given the choice, and didn’t like the fact Maverick was paying for these overpriced garments. She’d pay him back, somehow, because when she broke apart and was on her own—she hoped—she didn’t want to be in anyone’s debt, no matter how small it might seem.
    Once she had all the items: a few pairs of jeans, some plain t-shirts, a pack of panties, a couple of bras, and a pair of pajamas, Maverick eyed the items she put on the counter, and looked over at her with a raised eyebrow.
    “What?”
    He shook his head and reached into his back pocket to get out his wallet. “Nothing.   I just thought women got things a bit more … elaborate than some jeans and tees.” He wasn’t looking at her as he counted out the money and slapped it on the counter, but the corner of his mouth was kicked up.
    “Well, I figure since I don’t know how long I’m going to be here, or the fact I am trying to keep a low profile, I should probably get some things that don’t attract a lot of attention, and are more versatile.” A hard mask covered his face, and right under his day old stubble covered cheek she saw a muscle tick beneath it.
    He turned toward her, and she took a step back as the heat that came from him slammed right into her. He was pissed, but not at her, that much was clear. “You know who I am, what I am, and the things I have done. Trust takes time, I know that, but you are also my mate, and as a shifter yourself you know what the means.” He leaned in an inch closer, but Kettah held her stance. “Tell me what it means,