Bound to Secrets by Nina Croft Read Free Book Online Page A

we reverse it.”
    “You think that’s possible?”
    “I don’t know. I won’t make promises I can’t keep, but there’s a chance, and isn’t it worth the risk? You can’t keep living like this. There will be more rumors and one day the Agency will find you.” He turned so he faced her fully, took her other hand in his, and squeezed gently. “Please come back with me, Keira.”
    She searched his face. “Why do you care?”
    The question seemed to take him aback. He thought for a moment then shook his head. “I don’t know. All I know is I can’t walk away and leave you here alone and unprotected. For six years, I’ve not cared about anything or anyone. For some reason you’ve brought me back to life.”
    “So I’m just one more person to save then?”
    “Perhaps we’re supposed to save each other,” he said. “The last couple of days are the first times I’ve woken up and not thought about killing myself.”
    She squeezed his hands in return. Maybe he was right. She’d felt his self-hatred, had been drawn to it. Perhaps in helping her, he would also find something redeemable in himself.
    “You’re the first person I’ve cared enough about to want to save since I was changed. So if you don’t come, then I reckon I’ll have to move in with you.”
    She blinked at his words, determined not to go all soppy. “I’ll come.”
    “Good.”
    “But, Connor, you won’t let me hurt anyone will you? You’ll stop me any way you have to?”
    “If the worst happens and the room doesn’t work, we can keep you sedated while we run the tests. It won’t be as easy but we can do it.”
    “Okay. So when do we go?”
    “In the morning, I think. I drove through the night and I could do with some sleep.”
    Some of her tension seeped away as she realized she had a brief reprieve. Whatever he said, she wasn’t convinced his plan would work. But she had this night with Connor before she had to face the world.
    She knew what she wanted from him. But would he give it to her?
    A little fire burst into life low down in her belly. She’d seen him naked that first morning when she’d woken beside him. He’d been aroused, but maybe that was the way men were in their sleep. He’d been magnificent, though the memory of his size sent a tremor of unease through her.
    “What are you thinking?”
    She glanced up to find Conner scrutinizing her, a slight frown on his face.
    “I was thinking that I want you to kiss me.”
    Shock flashed across his face. “Why?”
    She barely resisted rolling her eyes. “Because you’re gorgeous, and I’ve never been kissed. And tomorrow…well tomorrow, I don’t know what might happen. But in case it all goes horribly wrong, I’d like to be kissed first.”
    And a whole lot more than kissed if she had her way, but she’d break him in to the idea slowly. He was still studying her, and she frowned. “Come on Connor, I bet you kiss women all the time. What’s the big deal?”
    “I haven’t kissed a woman in six years.”
    Why did that make her feel good?
    “Then maybe it’s time.”
    She sensed the moment he gave in and her breath left her in a long sigh. He took a single step, which brought him up close. Then he released her hands and raised his to frame her face. Warmth flowed through her from his touch. His thumb brushed over her lower lip and her mouth tingled. Without thinking, she parted her lips and her tongue licked at his skin. He tasted of salt.
    He tipped her head back, and she stared up at him. His eyes were dark like bitter chocolate, but with little flecks of gold. She held his gaze as he lowered his face to hers. His lips were warm and hard as they touched her lightly at first. He began to draw back, and she lifted her hands and wrapped them around his neck, sliding them into the silky softness of his hair, holding him against her.
    “Kiss me, Connor,” she murmured. “Kiss me like it might be the only chance we ever have.”
    His mouth slanted over hers,