Free Banishing Shadows by Lorna Jean Roberts

down.
    Gradually she calmed. He moved, shifting off the bed.
    “Don’t go,” she mumbled, opening her eyes to stare at him.
    “I’m not, baby. I’ll be right back, I promise.”
    When he returned, her gaze met his and she visibly relaxed. He ran a wet cloth over her face, sweeping her hair from her sweat-coated brow.
    She sighed when he ran the cloth over her neck, cooling her overheated skin.
    “I’m sorry.”
    “Shh,” he soothed. “Just go back to sleep.”
    “They get me when I’m asleep.” The sound of her lost voice broke him. Lying beside her, he pulled her close.
    “They won’t get by me, I promise.” Placing a kiss on her forehead, he held her tight.
     
    Cord confused her. He could be a hard man, controlling and cold. Yet more and more he was showing this other side to him, where he could be so tender, so caring that she felt herself being drawn to him as if he were shelter in the storm. He was fast becoming her sanctuary.
    The mattress shifted beneath her as he moved. A soft kiss landed on her forehead. Kayla opened her eyes as Cord turned away. Reaching out, she grabbed his hand.
    “Where you going?” she asked.
    “To sleep on the couch.”
    She tugged. “Sleep with me.”
    “You sure?”
    Kayla nodded. “Please, I’ll feel safer.” She waited until he’d positioned himself on his back before scooting up against his side, cuddling into his warmth. Cord lifted his arm and she laid her head against his chest.
    “Sleep,” he ordered gruffly.
    Secure in his arms, she did.
    * * * * *
     
    She awoke disoriented. Something moved behind her and she stiffened, rolling quickly, her hands coming up in defense.
    “Whoa, Kayla, it’s okay, it’s just me, Cord.”
    She took a deep breath, trying to slow her heartbeat. Blinking, she cleared her eyes to peer blurrily at the man lying in her bed.
    “Morning, sweetheart,” Cord murmured. “Okay now?” He lay still, looking at her calmly.
    “Sorry,” she gasped. “I got a fright. What are you doing in my bed?” Her heart sped up again. For an entirely different reason.
    He raised a brow. “You asked me to stay. Remember?”
    Blushing, she recalled pulling him back into bed with her.
    “Umm, sorry about that.” She attempted to shuffle backward, needing to get away from the temptation of his body. But he raised his hand and brushed away an errant piece of hair before cupping her cheek. He was gorgeous, tousled. She wondered if she’d ever seen him this relaxed before.
    Warmth unfurled in her stomach with his touch. Lying here in bed beside his hard body, his scent surrounding her, tempting her to touch and taste, well, it was more than she could resist.
    Giving in to pressing need, she leaned forward and placed a kiss on his firm chest, delighted as she heard him take a deep breath.
    “Kay—” he began.
    “Hush,” she interrupted him. “I want to touch you. Can I touch you, please?”
    In reply, he rolled onto his back and nodded.
    Kayla drew in a deep breath and gazed at the splendor before her.
    Running a hand over his chest, she marveled at the smooth feel of his skin, the heat of him almost scorching her hand. She rubbed his nipple with her thumb, her mouth watering as she gave in to the craving and sealed her lips over him, flicking the nub with her tongue.
    Kissing her way up his chest, Kayla was entranced by his wide shoulders, his collarbone, the long expanse of his neck.
    Cord lay still throughout her exploration, letting her do as she wished.
    It made her want him more.
    It made her trust him more.
    The slight stubble on his jaw scratched her lips. He shivered and she smiled as she kissed down his cheek until she reached the corner of his mouth.
    She placed small, delicate kisses over his lips before pulling back, frowning in frustration. He stared up at her with glazed eyes.
    “What’s wrong?”
    “Can you… Will you kiss me?”
    His lips curved into a small smile.
    “Anytime. Anywhere.”
    This time when her lips met