Choices: Immortal Protectors, Prequel by H.M. McQueen Read Free Book Online

long time, I suppose.  It’s one of the things I need to talk to Julian about.”
    He reached for her and kissed her, the softness in the action touched her to the core, but she reminded herself that not once had Roderick said he cared for her. 
    A soft smile curved his lips.  “Don’t worry, it will be fine.  I’m a doctor, I have a PhD, I can get a job easy.”  He snapped his fingers.  “Just have to figure out how to mask my eyes. Contacts I suppose.” With a casual shrug, meant to ease her worry, he stood and stretched.  “Gotta go.  I’ll see you tomorrow all right?”
    “Roderick?”
    He stopped in the doorway and turned. Rachel’s heart hammered in her chest with newfound appreciation. The man was gorgeous. Although huge, he was well formed, somehow muscular without being too bulky. His long silver hair, tussled after their lovemaking, was now pulled back with a thin leather strap that showcased his strong jawline.  She absorbed his features from his patrician nose to his well-formed legs. 
    “Please be careful.”
     
    # # #
     
                  Even with the upcoming meeting, Rachel couldn’t help but be affected by the beauty of the Italian countryside. The winding road from the larger city of Rome to the town of Olgiata cut through stunning landscape.  Villas and tall thin pine-like trees dotted the sides of the road.  Once, when everything settled and her life became more stable, she vowed to return and spend time exploring the wonderful country.  For now, her focus was on one thing and for that she had to be prepared.  There were no assurances, no idea whatsoever in her mind as to what would happened in the next moments.  But she had to try; it was time for someone to stand up the Roman.
    Julian’s picturesque villa took her breath away. Although she’d been beautiful homes before, she’d never seen a house so gorgeous. None of the Protectors seemed to be hurting for money.
    A doorman of sorts answered the door and showed Rachel inside into an open red-tiled expanse that made up a combination living room and open terrace. Her heels clicked on the tile when she walked across the airy space.  She noted that most of his furnishings were white. The home was not quite austere, but not inviting either.
    The view from the terrace beckoned and Rachel went out to admire the landscape and she grasped the banister while leaning over to take it all in.  “Beautiful.”
    “Welcome Rachel,” Julian’s deep voice flooded over her like ice water and instantly her heartbeat quickened.  She swung to see him stride toward her. Barefoot wearing jeans and a t-shirt, he seemed at ease in the space, yet his movements, although graceful, put her on edge.
    “Please join me for a glass of Chianti.” He stopped next to an ornate marble-topped sideboard of sorts and poured two glasses of wine, his eyes constantly lifting to her face. 
    Julian joined her at the terrace and although he didn’t stand too close, Rachel had to force herself not to put more distance between them when she took the proffered glass from his hand. 
    The Roman looked away, seeming to study the panorama, and Rachel took advantage of his distraction to study him.  Julian reminded her of a masterpiece. Beautiful, yet untouchable. Impenetrable walls surrounded him, the invisible force field emanating an energy that terrified her. 
    “Are you not thirsty?”  The cock of his eyebrow at the still full glass in her hand almost made her drop it.  He knew.
    “I-I am here to speak to you about Rod…Roderick.” Rachel stuttered, setting the wineglass none-to-gently on the thick banister.  “Please break our bond and allow him to fight in your Protector force again. It all happened because he saved my life. How could you punish him for that?”
    Julian looked away again. “I have known the Spartan for a long time.  Do you know that when I found him, he lay in the middle of a battlefield? He was the only survivor of