Caiden (A MacLaughlin Family Novella Book 2) by Krystal Shannan Read Free Book Online

tuning out their voices. So tired from just the last few minutes. All she wanted was to be wrapped in Caiden’s big arms, smell his minty aftershave, and cuddle in his giant warm bed.
     
    <><><>
     
    “I’ll pick you up in about an hour?” His mom waited for his response. “That’s alright, Mom. I’ll drive back.”
    “Okay, well just let me know if you need anything.”
    “Will do, thanks Mom.”
    She nodded and pulled away from the curb in front of his house. Her black SUV turned the corner and disappeared from sight. Damn. Time to face the scene again.
    “I can do this. It’s not her blood.” He marched up to the front door. A white envelope was taped to the front with his name scrawled in his brother’s chicken scratch.
    He ripped it open and read the note. Pardon the mess. I had my team come over last night after the police cleared the scene. They’ll be back in two days to finish. Harvey. He shook his head in relief and swung open his front door. No sheetrock on the walls, no tile on the floor, even the concrete had been sandblasted to remove any staining that might have seeped through. The entry table Lina had cracked her head on was gone too. Good job little brother. I owe you a beer.
    Footsteps behind him raised the hair on the back of his neck. He turned and found himself face to face with Cole Nighthawk. This guy was like a fly at a picnic table. He just wouldn’t leave.
    “What do you want,” he growled.
    “I want you to promise to take care of her.”
    His eyes widened. “She’s awake!” His heart stilled, waiting for Cole’s answer.
    “Yes. Her Dad’s with her.”
    “You were both right. It’s my fault she got hurt. She belongs with her family and that’s not me.”
    “No,” Cole countered. “She belongs with you. The first word from her lips was your name. Before she could even open her eyes, she wanted you.”
    Pure joy lit his soul. She didn’t blame him. She wanted him. Nothing else mattered. She was alive, awake, and she…loved him. Could he dare to hope for so much in such a short time?
    “I will take care of her. For as long as she will have me.”
    “I can see that now. I’ve loved her a long time, but the Great Spirit had other plans for Lina. I can’t stand in the way of her happiness.”
    “What about her Dad? I don’t want to step between her and family?”
    “He’ll be fine. He was just upset.” Cole gave him a once over. “You didn’t leave her side once until we got there, did you?”
    “No.”
    “Go get a shower and get rid of those bloody clothes. She needs you.”

     
     
     
    5
     
    Two weeks later…
     
    “Wait for me! I’ll help you get dressed.”
    “We both know you do not help the getting dressed process!” Lina hollered back from the bathroom.
    Caiden poked his head around the entry to his en suite bathroom. “Maybe not, but I still enjoy trying.”
    “If we are going to make it to the barbeque on time, I will get myself dressed,” she answered and giggled. Stepping gingerly out of the shower, she patted her body dry while Caiden leaned against the door jam with his arms crossed over his chest. He licked his lips and grinned. “Out!” She pointed out of the bathroom with a laugh.
    He shook his head and refused to move.
    She rolled her eyes and glanced to the counter where she’d laid out of pair of panties and a bra. They were missing. Caiden.
    “Where are they?”
    “What?” He answered, trying to keep his face straight, but she could the twinkle in his eyes.
    “Give me my underwear.” She moved toward the door, but he moved to stand in the center of the opening, completely blocking her exit.
    “You have to pay the toll.”
    “What are you the doorway troll now?” She snapped and licked her lips teasingly. It drove him crazy and he deserved it right now.
    His pupils dilated and he took a step closer.
    Oooh, bad choice.
    She side-stepped him and slipped between his big body and the door frame. He grabbed the towel wrapped