Free Finding Zoe (Atlantic Divide) by Diane Saxon Page B

include all four males, she crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot. The dogs hit the floor instantly and lay with their heads on their paws. “We think it’s a good idea to reward our children for breaking rules and running away from home, do we?”
    Flynn took another couple of steps back until she turned her gaze upon him once more.
    “Oh, you stay right where you are, young man.” He jerked upright and stared back at her as she pointed in his direction. She wasn’t quite sure of his age, but he did look young, with his bright blue eyes and damaged face.
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    “Mac.”
    “Ma’am.” His mouth twitched and his black eyes glittered dangerously. She realized she might have a little more trouble with this one. Flynn seemed unwilling to take her on, but she thought Mac would have no such hesitation. Perhaps a change of tactics was called for.
    “As Ryan’s father.” She watched Mac gulp as he narrowed his eyes at her. Burgeoning warmth spread through her chest. “What kind of punishment do you think befits the crime?” His eyes went wide and darted wildly between the two boys, Flynn, and then back to her. His huge shoulders shrugged. Not so brave when tasked with taking on the role of an adult.
    “I dunno.”
    She closed her eyes, breathed deeply, and prayed for strength as irritation chased away the warmth, and she reminded herself never to leave her son alone with his father because she wasn’t sure which one was the bigger kid.
    She opened her eyes. All four males still waited for her to speak.
    “Ryan.” He looked down at the ground and scuffed his sneakers in the dirt.
    “Yes, Mum.”
    “You’re grounded for two nights. No television, no computer.” She heard the daring little groan as he glanced up at her, lifted one finger to stop him, and continued. “And I want you to write a letter of apology to Jason’s mum, explaining to her what a dangerous situation you put yourself and her son in by not informing an adult where you were going and what you were doing, and you will say you’re sorry for scaring her shi—stupid. Do I make myself clear?”
    “Yes, Mum.”
    She turned her attention to Jason.
    “Jason.” He shook with fear and she softened, taking into account he was nowhere near as bold as her own son. “You will do the same, but the letter will be to me, and your mother can decide on your punishment herself. Now both of you go and wait in the car.”
    As they started to moan, she fixed them both with her toughest stare and watched them back down. Dragging their feet, they made for her Jeep as she turned to Mac, anger simmering.
    “May I have a word with you…in private?”
    He inclined his head slowly; black eyes sober as he gave an over-exaggerated sweep of his arm to indicate her to precede him into the trailer.
    Her mouth already open as she turned, the last thing she expected was a six feet five inch male to descend upon her, driving her to the back of the trailer as he slammed the door behind him. All too late, she realized her mistake, and as she scrambled backward, he simply reached forward and gave her shirt a good hard yank and had her stumbling into him.
    Before she could protest, his mouth was on hers, his arms around her, molding her body to his, and as she wriggled to release herself, he simply smiled against her mouth.
    “Yeah, Zoe, you keep squirming. I like it when you rub against me.”
    She froze, held herself rigid as a statue like she had on the previous occasions, believing he would easily let her go. She felt his wicked chuckle vibrate through her body.
    “Oh yeah, I know your name, Zoe. I know who’s with me.”
    Anger up, adrenaline pumping, the moment his lips touched hers again, her passion exploded like a hot flash of white heat scorching through her veins. She heard his quick, surprised breath as she leaned into him, closed her eyes, and kissed him for all she was worth.
    Vivid colors flashed behind her eyelids as his mouth