Big Cat Mates Lion in Wait by Cynthia Sax Read Free Book Online Page A

Starr didn’t dismiss the idea as ludicrous, having seen the ghostly figure of the Bavarian Sausage House’s deceased owner hovering around the entrance after hours. If ghosts are real, why not beast men ?
    I’d work for a beast man. If it paid my mom’s hospital and funeral bills, I’d work for the devil himself . Bookcases framed the stone fireplace, worn volumes filling the shelves, the leather-bound classics surrounding her, as familiar and as reassuring as old friends. Starr relaxed, enjoying the stillness, the precious quiet time with no one to report to, no customers to please.
    And no job interview to worry about . She smiled sadly.
    The door clicked behind her, the sound obscenely loud in the quiet room, and Starr raised her head, meeting a golden catlike gaze. The intriguing eyes were set in a face too rugged, too scarred to be handsome.
    “M… Mr. Leone.” She struggled to her feet, her right stocking slipping down her leg. The younger brother’s manner had been light and playful, the businessman always laughing. This older brother was hardness and strength, his expression gravely serious.
    Mr. Leone glanced at the crisp white paper in his big right hand. “Starr.” His lips twisted. “I should have known by the name.” He crumpled up her resume and tossed it into the fire. “I guess we don’t need this.”
    The paper, representing her chance for a better life, burned. “I guess we don’t.” She lifted her chin, hiding her disappointment, grateful for the receptionist’s warning. I’ve been chewed up and spat out, as she predicted .
    Mr. Leone prowled around Starr, moving silently, sensuously, his black suit fitting him like a second skin, his shoulders broad, his hips lean. Starr stayed still, resisting the urge to turn with him, feeling like prey for a very large predator.
    He leaned closer and sniffed, his nostrils flaring. “You smell delicious.”
    Starr’s cheeks heated. “Friday is all you can eat bratwurst at the Bavarian Sausage House, sir.”
    “Hmmm…” he purred, the sound reaching down deep inside her, moistening her long-neglected pussy. Starr had no time for lovers; earning money was her sole focus.
    She straightened, and Mr. Leone’s gaze dropped to her bodice, her white peasant blouse barely containing her breasts. He wants me . That knowledge filled her with a feminine power, a small compensation for the time she’d invested.
    “I’ve worked there for three years and two months, sir.” She pulled down on her skirt. His gaze tracked her movements. Prey . She gulped. I’m definitely prey . “Mostly in the role of waitress,” she admitted, feeling the need to be honest. “But once I helped distribute flyers… ummm… implement a mass marketing campaign.”
    His lips twitched. “I appreciate the effort, but you can stop with the stories, Starr.” He skimmed his fingertips over her arm, and she shivered, her body coming vividly alive, her toes and fingertips tingling. “I know who you are.”
    “Who I am?” Her voice held a huskiness she’d never heard before.
    “You.” He cupped her chin, lifting her gaze to his. “Are my birthday present.”
    It’s his birthday . Her breath caught. And he’s alone, working late, as I was on my birthday . “I’m not getting the assistant job, am I?”
    “No, you’re not.” He shook his great mane of blond hair, his unusual eyes glittering with amusement.
    Starr gazed up at Mr. Leone, her body craving his touch, her soul needing the escape he offered. “Then yes.” She rested her palms on his lapels, pushing her breasts against his chest. For one night, I’ll do this . “I’m your birthday present.”
    “I told Tanner I didn’t want anything.” His pupils narrowed to slits, his eyes unblinking. “I was mistaken.” He dipped his head, capturing her lips with his, his embrace firm and demanding.
    Starr opened to him, and he filled her mouth with his tongue, flattening his hands on her back, pulling her deeper