Captive at Christmas by Danielle Taylor Read Free Book Online Page B

devilish curves she possessed. And he couldn’t forget the intensity of her kiss, the way she responded to him.
    The past few nights, he engaged her in conversation as a means to pass the time. More often than not, she managed to compel him into discussions with such heated passion and well-formed opinions that, for the first time in years, Mackenzie looked forward to each new day simply because she was a part of his life.
    But for how long?
    Once the repairs were made to his house, he would be heading back to southern Oregon and, there was a very good chance that he would have a permanent house-guest. One who was just a mere twelve years younger than Hannah.
    Even if, somehow, they managed to work things out, how the hell would she react to that?
    “Quit thinking long term,” he scowled to himself, sitting on the edge of the bed as he pushed his feet into the black boots.
    No, as soon as this was over, they would both go back to their lives. Regardless of what happened in the time they spent together, he could never fully trust either of them – Hannah to be who she claimed to be and him not to accidentally hurt her.
    Physically or emotionally.
    Outside, the wind hit them hard but Hannah did not let on that she might be cold. She had some guts, he’d give her that much. He allowed her to set the pace and pick the trail, mostly so he could continue to watch her.
    But was it because he still thought of her as a threat, or so he could admire her backside? Mac couldn’t tell for sure, though his eyes frequented that very spot as she walked through the knee-deep snow.
    “I know you have more questions for me,” Hannah paused to look behind her, “so go ahead and shoot.” A stunned expression crossed her face and her hand went to her lips so quickly that she twisted, lost her balance and fell.
    Before she hit the ground, Mac threw himself down in the snow like some kind of love-sick fool to catch her. The feel of her body on top of his proved to be his undoing. “Are you alright?” his voice cracked as she wiggled against him.
    “I just, I can’t believe…” She burst out laughing. “I’m sorry. I said shoot, and then realized, well…”
    The steel tucked against his lower back was a harsh reminder of the number of times he held a gun to her head. Mac cursed inwardly. “Hannah, I think it’s safe to say that, if you were going to kill me, you would have done it already.” He pulled her up with him, resisting the intense desire to brush the snow from her body. “You’ve had ample opportunity. So…there’s no need for me to–”
    “Right.” Straightening her clothes, Hannah pulled her lower lip between her teeth and looked up at him. “I’m glad that you finally seem to be allowing yourself to trust me, John. And, maybe after this is all over, we could stay in touch.”
    Touch.
    God how he wanted to touch her.
    Since that first morning when he almost kissed her – and then when he finally did feel those silken lips on his, her body writhing beneath him, so hot, so ready – Mac was having the hardest time keeping his hands to himself. He made excuses to touch her, including the offer of massage when her muscles ached.
    And he was a man who really didn’t find much joy in giving another person a massage that did not lead to other things.
    “John?”
    Damn that name.
    Why didn’t he tell her the truth?
    Fear seemed the most logical explanation – fear of losing his heart to someone that might turn out to be something other than what they portrayed themselves as.
    Fear of giving himself over to something that he did not deserve and having it taken away.
    “Hey.” Hannah removed her glove and pressed her warm hand to his stubble-roughened cheek. “It’s okay, John. You can be yourself around me. I’m no stranger to the effects that war and violence can have on the people who protect us from our enemies.” She searched him with her eyes. “I think I have a pretty good idea of the things you may