Free Embrace the Night by Crystal Jordan Page A

“Chloe.”
    Clinging to his neck with surprising strength, she dragged in great, shuddering breaths. They should get out of there in case Peyton came back to finish what he started, but Merek couldn’t make himself let her go. Just another minute. He swallowed, pressure building behind his eyes.
    She drew back until she could see his face, and the naked vulnerability there made his gut clench. “How did you . . . What are you doing here?”
    â€œI followed you, but they were damn good about shaking someone tailing them.” He stroked her ebony hair back from her face, the silky strands damp with sweat. “I’m sorry it took me so long to get here.”
    â€œYou made it before I lost my mind. That’s soon enough.”
    He winced at the bleak, utter certainty in her voice. From what he’d seen, she was right. They’d had every intention of ripping into her mind until there was nothing left. The darkness of those spells still lingered in the air, sent chills down his spine. He pressed a kiss to her temple. “We need to get you out of here, sweetheart.”
    She nodded, pushing herself slowly to her feet. A soft chuckle bubbled out of her when he hovered, his hands outstretched to catch her like he would for a child just learning to walk. “I’ll be fine, Merek. No permanent damage was done. Physically.” She swallowed hard. “I’m really, really glad you’re here.”
    He jerked her back into his arms, needing that contact. His heart hammered in his chest. Gods, what would he have done if he hadn’t gotten here in time? Another loss he couldn’t have prevented because of a blankness in his fucking precog gift.
    She trembled against him, a violent shudder racking her body. “Oh, gods. I was sure I’d gone crazy when I saw you here.”
    â€œSweetheart, I—”
    He didn’t get a chance to respond before she pressed her mouth to his. He stiffened, but her fingers shoved into his hair to hold him tight, and the feel of her lips against his registered over his shock. Then it was all over. His arms banded around her, pulling her closer. The fear and the need to confirm in the most basic, carnal way that she was safe and sound overruled his better judgment. She bit his lip, her movements as frantic as his, and he could taste the terror she’d been through, her need to forget.
    One hand lifted to cradle her head, the silk of her hair spilling through his fingers. He tilted her face up and took control of the kiss. His tongue traced the seam of her lips until she parted them for him. He plunged into her mouth, the taste of her lush and female on his tongue. A low groan shook his chest, and he hauled her closer.
    She twisted to get nearer, as desperate as he was to reassure herself that everything was all right. Her fingers skimmed down his arms, around his waist, over his ass, up his back, everywhere she could reach. Her touch had a predictable effect on his body. His cock went hard, his body ready and willing to give her anything she wanted.
    Cupping the smooth curve of her buttocks in his hand, he lifted her into his body until he was right where he wanted to be—or as close as he could get when they were still dressed. He could feel the heat of her sex through their clothing as they rubbed against each other.
    Releasing his grip on her hair, he let his hand drift down until he cradled her breast. Her tight nipple jabbed into his palm. He grunted in satisfaction at her eager response. He stroked the little nub with his fingers, pinching it, toying with it until she writhed against him. She whimpered and tried to climb him, her body straining against him, her leg wrapping around his to pull him closer.
    It was all he could do not to back her against the nearest wall and take her.
    Shuddering, he broke his mouth away from hers. “We can’t.”
    â€œWhy not?” Her palm slid between them to cup his cock and