Bear In The Rough: Book 1: Treasure Hunt (BBW Bear Shifter Romance) by L. Foster Read Free Book Online Page B

have a split nature. The human part of us is rational, elevated, reasoned, seeking the good of others. The human part of me was quick to remind me that Liv was just a friend, that I was her guide across the island and that as her guide it was my obligation to protect her. She could have trusted that part of me, if she had had any inkling of the war raging inside of me.
     
                  Unfortunately for both of us, there was more to me than that. There was something in me that defied human language, that could only truly be expressed in grunts and moans, something that delighted in the shattering of bones and the grinding of flesh against rock. Something so bestial.
     
                  And that part of me didn’t necessarily will the good of Olivia. It wanted to possess her, consume her, until we were one in blood and bone. My longings were so powerful, she would never be able to contain them. My strength was so great that the first taste of desire satisfied would destroy her. But the scent of her hair, the warmth of her body next to mine was setting me off, was turning me into that thing I could never be. It was making me relentless and omnipotent, was leading her into greater danger than she knew.
     
                  “Before we get going,” I said, as we paused beside a brook to fill up our blue plastic water bottles, “there’s something I have to talk to you about.”
     
                  Liv gave me a look of annoyance that slowly settled into resignation. “What’s up?”
     
                  I strode forward, looming over her until I seemed to fill the clearing. Her eyes grew wide. “I’m not sure going on this expedition with me is such a good idea.”
     
                  “Not sure what you’re getting at,” said Liv, looking slightly rattled.
     
                  “What I mean to say is, I’m not sure I’m safe.”
     
                  To my surprise, she laughed. “What are you planning to do, rob me? Henry, I know the cave you live in. I’ll send the police straight there .”
     
                  “This isn’t a joke!” I said earnestly, shaking her slightly. Her tiny frame swayed like a bamboo tree in a high wind.
     
                  She stopped smiling. “Are you really going to hurt me?” she asked.
     
                  I couldn’t tell whether she was truly scared, or whether she was mocking me. Somehow both possibilities sent explosions of color into my brain. Olivia the sassy archeologist appealed to the mature half of me, while Olivia the scared, helpless woman drove me mad with passion.
     
                  “Get back!” I said, pushing her backwards. “Once I get wound up, I can’t help myself!”
     
                  Olivia stumbled, but caught herself before falling. “Henry, are you okay?” She looked genuinely panic-stricken, like she was regretting ever having come on this outing, ever agreeing to be with me.
     
                  “I can control myself,” I said, “if you can control yourself.”
     
                  Now she looked confused. “I can’t do that if I don’t even know what you’re talking about. I feel like at any moment I could set you off, and now, frankly, I have no idea how you might react.”
     
                  “As long as we agree to keep our relationship strictly professional,” I said, “I’ll be fine.”
     
                  A thin light of understanding slowly spread across her face. She took a tentative but bold step forward and looked me in the eyes.
     
                  “You’re into me,” she said.
     
                  “Liv, please…”
     
                  “… and maybe you’ve never had a real relationship, so you don’t know what it’s like?” For once her voice was hesitant, insecure,