Bindings and Books by CM Corett Read Free Book Online

breathing space and let out a deep breath. “Sorry. I’m sorry. It’s difficult. I know I don’t ever say anything, but I thought all that dangerous stuff was over and—”
    “Don’t you trust me? Don’t you think I can do this?” The muscle in Ash’s jaw contracted and released.
    “Yes! Of course. Oh hell, I’m making a mess of this. Of course I trust you, and I know you’re an experienced boarder, but now… it’s different.”
    “Why?” Ash yelled.
    “Because I couldn’t bear it if I lost you!”
    A stunned silence followed his words.
    He lowered his voice. “I care about you, Ash, and I don’t want to lose you.” His heart thundered in his chest as the silence continued. Why didn’t Ash say something? Anything. This was the closest he had ever come to declaring his feelings. Shifting from one foot to the other, he waited.
    Ash roughly grabbed at his shoulders and hauled him forward until their lips were only a breath away. “I love you too, James.”
    A hard, possessive mouth claimed him with a kiss. With a ragged groan, he responded with all the affection he felt but was still too much of a coward to vocalize.
    A few minutes later, they stood in the circle of each other’s arms, Ash’s forehead resting against his cheek.
    Ash inhaled deeply, then groaned. “God, you smell good! It really is your most powerful weapon. Guaranteed to distract, disarm, and persuade any man from two paces away.” Ash drew in another deep breath. “Okay, James, you know I have to do this Heli-drop?”
    “I know.” His arms tightened around Ash. “But when the time comes, don’t be surprised if I tie you up to keep you away from the danger.”
    Ash slid a hand down to squeeze James’s ass. “You know, you don’t have to wait for danger.”
    “Oh, I assure you, Mr. Bradley-Mills, I can think of lots of excuses for bondage.” The corners of his mouth curled upward. “Now, kiss me again!”
    “Yes, sir!”

Chapter 8
     
    T HE JARRING ring of the telephone awoke James. With squinting eyes, he focused on the digital alarm clock by the bed. Damn! It was never good news at three in the morning.
    “James, this is Brody. You have to come to the hospital. It’s bad.”
    After hanging up the phone, he haphazardly threw on some clothes. The drive to the hospital seemed endless, as crazy scenarios ran through his mind. Which one of his worst fears had come to pass? Ash tumbling down the ski slope and landing on rocks, his body covered in blood? Ash’s body—a twisted and broken mess in the snow after falling from the helicopter? A helicopter crash and explosion? An avalanche? Oh God! Please don’t let Ash die.
    He drew in a deep breath then exhaled slowly. Right. Calm down. Fifty, forty-nine, forty-eight, forty-seven, forty-six, forty-five…. For the remainder of the journey he focused on driving safely through the cold, dark streets.
    Jess and Brody met him in the small waiting room. With tears welling, Jess hugged him fiercely.
    Over the top of her head, he nodded toward Brody. “Tell me.”
    “He’s been unconscious since we arrived. Jess told the doctors that you’re his partner, so they wanted to wait for you. I’ll let them know you’re here, and they can tell us what’s going on.”
     
     
    D AY O NE
    Beep. Beep. Beep.
    Amidst cords, tubes, and monitors, Ash lay pale and motionless. For James, the monotonous sound of the heart monitor was a welcome affirmation of life. On a chair next to the hospital bed, he shifted forward and clutched Ash’s hand. “So, the doctors think your chest wound is going to be fine. Your head injury is the tricky one. The sooner you wake up the better. Okay?”
    Beep. Beep. Beep.
    “Rachael’s coming to visit you later. She’s going to help at the shop for a few days, so I can stay here with you. Jess sends her love.”
    Beep. Beep. Beep.
    “The coffee’s pretty bad here.” His breath hitched. “Wake up soon, Ash.”
    Beep. Beep. Beep.
     
     
    D AY T