Free Awakened by the Wolf by Kristal Hollis

perfectly proportioned nose, and once again locked onto the heart-stopping intensity of his breathtaking eyes.
    A rebellious thrill zipped through her body. She saw his mouth move. Unfortunately, the “weeeeeee” ringing in her head drowned out his words. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
    An understated smile wavered on his lips. “What happened to your mother?”
    â€œOh.” Just what Cassie needed—a reality check to keep her curly red head squarely on her sensible shoulders. “She died four years ago from end-stage liver disease.”
    â€œIt must have been difficult,” Brice said softly.
    â€œI managed.” Caring for an alcoholic parent for most of her young life had been the difficult part. Imogene’s death had broken Cassie’s heart. It also came as a relief, because it gave Cassie a chance at a new life.
    â€œIf I had known you then, I would’ve helped. If you need anything now, let me know.”
    Cassie found his sincerity disturbing. “Thanks, but I can take care of myself. I always have.”
    Soon Brice’s calf muscles relaxed beneath her practiced fingers, and she worked her way down to the sole of his foot, which garnered a contented sigh from him. “Don’t move,” she told him. “I’m not finished.”
    In the kitchen, Cassie soaped her hands, wishing the hot water could wash away the ridiculous tingle that coursed through her whenever she met Brice’s gaze. She wanted to put duct tape over his stellar smile.
    She fanned herself to ward off the shameless desire to learn what being a woman meant. After all, there was a naked man in her bed.
    Oh, no. Not going there.
    She could barely handle a fantasy. The real thing just might end her.
    â€œCas? Is everything okay in there?”
    Only if spontaneous combustion was a normal reaction to his presence.
    â€œUh, yeah! I’ll be there in a minute.” She splashed cold water on her face. I am not my hormones!
    She toted the rosemary-infused towel into the bedroom. Every move Cassie made wrapping his leg, Brice’s sizzling gaze followed. Climbing into the freezer suddenly seemed a logical thing to do.
    â€œThanks, Cas.” The huskiness in his voice electrified nerves in parts of her body that only he had managed to activate. “For everything.”
    â€œYou’re welcome.” She didn’t dare look at him. His smile might be devastating, but his eyes could outright slay her.
    * * *
    A wet heat worked its way through Brice’s leg muscles and seeped into the bones. With Cassie’s scent to soothe him and the pain in his leg melting away, maybe he’d finally succumb to a decent night’s rest.
    She tucked a dry towel over the hot, damp one around his calf. Her hands stilled, except for her thumbs worrying the edge of the pillow propped beneath his leg. Her eyes lifted to his face. “I should take the couch. I don’t want to bump you during the night.”
    â€œFine,” he answered, challenging her with his gaze.
    She rolled her bottom lip between two front teeth spaced a tiny bit farther apart than the others. He counted on that little bit of uncertainty to accomplish what he wanted. Her in bed, next to him.
    â€œOh, all right.” The lights went out, and Cassie eased beneath the covers.
    God, he could hardly resist touching her. Stripping her bare. Inhaling every inch of her skin. Burying his face between her thighs to imprint not only her scent in his nose but also her taste on his tongue.
    He’d noticed how hot and bothered she became while massaging his leg. He’d almost yanked the sheet off himself so she could stalk up the mattress to ride him hard, fast and into tomorrow.
    He didn’t because of the conflicting emotions that marred her pretty little face. She probably thought boinking her employers’ son would get her in trouble.
    Likely it would, but not for the reason she