Free RICHIE: New Orleans Wolf Shifters with plus sized BBW for mates (Le Beau Series Book 6) by V.A. Dold, Tori Austin

calisthenics.
    Before she could excuse herself and get her mind back on track, Richie swept her across the dance floor with an expertise only acquired through professional dance instruction. The man had skills. As Piper followed his lead like a pro, she asked herself, why his softly whispered teasing, revved her engine and piqued her interest, not to mention other things. There was something intense and possessive in his eyes. And dang, it was appealing.
    They moved in unison, two people in a room filled with friends and family and yet completely alone. Not even a whisper from her gown or his suit was heard. Piper was confused and alarmed by how in tune she was with Richie. He made her feel feminine, which was ludicrous. For a moment, she wondered what his reaction would be if he knew she was covered in concealed weapons.
    Unlike the rest of the guests, her formal attire included a thigh holster that came fully loaded with a 9 mm she could hide from view in the palm of her hand. And then, of course, there was her tiny throwing knives, two in her bodice and three strapped to her calf. Not to mention the ornamental hair pins holding her chic messy up-do in place. Both honed to razor sharp points with lethal serrated edges. The protective sheath covering the deadly hair adornments took a full month to create. Like many of her weapons, she made them herself. Customized for perfect balance and weight.
    And of course, thanks to a few military friends, everything was camouflaged with a high tech reflective shell that mirrored its surroundings so she could wear them in plain sight without detection. Under limited scrutiny, most people wouldn’t even see a weapon, only skin or hair.
    “Richie, I need to ask you a personal question. It’s going to sound adolescent, but it’s important.”
    “You can ask me anything, Piper.”
    “Are you playing with me? You know, just having a wedding fling. Or, are you truly interested?”
    His gaze met hers. Burned into hers. “I’ve never been more serious about a woman, cher. Ever.”
    “In that case, since I can’t keep my distance where you’re concerned, and you don’t intend to give me the space I need to get this job done, I need to brief you on a situation.” Piper took his hand and led him from the dance floor.
    “Let me get your drink and we can talk.”
    Piper took a seat and watched Richie cross the room with the drink she left at the bar. This man approaching had managed to capture her attention, ensnaring her in a web that caused her to be oblivious to everyone and everything around her. And that was the crux of the problem.
    Richie prepared himself mentally for what she was going to reveal. Whatever it was, she had nothing that could compare to his wolfy secret.
    “Okay.” Piper took a deep breath. “Where to begin? Richie, I’m a bounty hunter. I’m contracted by a secret government office to catch criminals who have escaped and turn them over to the police.”
    “Really? I’ve never met one before. So, what’s the problem?”
    “You.”
    Richie’s eyebrows rose. “Me?”
    “Yes, you. I can’t be distracted in any way. My loss of focus could be a death sentence for a bounty hunter on the trail of a murderer, like I am. Especially when my tag knows he’s being hunted.”
    Richie took her hand and held it between his own. “You couldn’t be more wrong. I can help you catch this guy.”
    Piper shook her head. “I can’t afford the distraction, any distraction. And taking a civilian along on a hunt is out of the question. Attending my cousin’s wedding was dangerous enough for all involved. I need my wits about me.
    “When I accepted this contract, I took it knowing it would be my last. I’m tired of the constant travel and endless chasing. I know I can handle this mark if I see him coming, but this bastard is good, really good, and it will take everything I have to collar him without someone getting hurt. I can’t risk you, Richie.
    “I’m sorry, but