Read Storm Watch (Woodland Creek) for Free Online

in love with her in less than twenty-four hours, he’d have laughed in their face, but that was exactly what had happened. “I wouldn’t.”
    “I wasn’t even thinking of protection.”
    He laughed at that. “I wasn’t thinking about anything but getting inside you,” he growled. He rolled to his side and brought her over him. “Better?”
    She nodded. She could breath and the material of the carpet wasn’t digging into her back. “I’ve never had much luck with men.”
    He tugged her hair gently. “You’ve never met the right kind of men, Storm. I promise you, I’m not going to let you be hurt.” He saw the shadow cross her eyes.
    “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
    “I still think I should go when the storm lets up. I don’t want you to be hurt because of me. He’s crazy, Luke.”
    “Storm, you’re not going anywhere. I’ll tie you down if I have to,” he threatened, meaning every word. She wasn’t safe on her own, and he wouldn’t put it past her to try and run.
    “You can’t keep me here against my will.” She rolled away, got to her feet, and quickly put her clothes on.
    Luke watched her from beneath hooded eyes. “I can, Storm. Don’t make me prove it to you.” He stood himself and pulled on his jeans, not bothering with his shorts.
    Storm clenched her fists. “I can come back if you want me to. Once it’s safe.”
    “Don’t be a fool! Where would you go?” he demanded, his hands on his hips. His eyes narrowed to angry slits as he glared at her.
    “Don’t yell at me.”
    “I’m not yelling at you. I haven’t raised my voice—yet. You’re staying put, Storm. I mean it,” he said very quietly, but the intensity of the words was only magnified by that quiet tone.
    Storm sagged down onto the couch. “I don’t know what to do.”
    Luke knelt in front of her and took her hands in his. “I want your word that you won’t try to run, Storm. I can keep you safe.”
    “You wouldn’t tie me up,” she said, her voice was dead certain.
    Luke gave a small smile. “Maybe not,” he allowed. “But I might keep you handcuffed to me.”
    She laughed at that. “Kinky.”
    “You have no idea,” he said, then grew serious. “Your word, Storm.”
    She sighed. “I promise.”
    He smiled and tightened his fingers around hers. “Trust me, darlin’.”
    “I do.”
    Luke kissed her. “Good.”
    “Do you think he’ll come?” she asked worriedly, searching his eyes for reassurance.
    Luke released his hands and hugged her. “If he does, I’ll be ready for him. But for the next few days, the roads will be blocked. It’s still snowing to beat all hell.”
    Storm looked out the window at the heavily falling snow. “Yeah, it is.”
    “Let’s get something to eat. The soggy cereal won’t cut it. I’m starving,” he murmured, kissing her gently and nipping her bottom lip. “Ravenous.”
    Storm returned his embrace. “I could eat.”
    Luke took her hand and led her back to the kitchen. He tossed away the soggy cereal, and then walked to the refrigerator. He hugged Storm when she walked next to him. “Anything strike your fancy?”
    Storm looked at the meager fare. “Um, not much to choose from. A sandwich is fine.”
    Luke nodded. He opened the freezer, pulled out two steaks, and tossed them on the counter. “Dinner.”
    They fixed their sandwiches in a comfortable silence. He could tell her mind was racing a hundred miles an hour as they sat down to eat, but he didn’t press her. She’d barely eaten anything and he wanted her to eat, so he kept the conversation light. “Do you have any family?” he asked.
    Storm shook her head. “My parents were killed in an accident twenty-five years ago. I was an only child. Actually, they were from around here. But, when I was adopted, my adoptive parents were from Florida, but they passed away, too. A year ago. They were older when they adopted me. I think my mom died of a broken heart.”
    Well, damn. It was entirely possible then,