For One Last Kiss by Calista Taylor Read Free Book Online Page B

quite the shock.”
    Mason hated to see her so shaken, and he could not blame her for being distressed when she could have easily come to harm. It was one thing to pester and provoke her, but another to see her truly upset. He took her hand and brought it to his lips, happy to see the small gesture ease the lines of worry from her face.
    “ Where did he find you? We might be able to go back and track him down, especially if it’s a place he often frequents.”
    Lilly turned away from him and went back to pacing. “The Sword and Crown.”
    Jack’s pub. Mason’s jaw clenched and his gaze hardened. Even though he’d expected her to search him out, it still disappointed him. “You went looking for Jack? Were you going to tell me?”
    “ If I found him. Perhaps.” Lilly crossed her arms and stood her ground, infuriating him. “You need not worry though. He’s not been seen since the night of the murder, and he hasn’t been home either. Though come to think of it, I could have sworn I was being watched even outside his home.”
    The betrayal stung, for he knew Lilly would not have told him she’d gone looking for Jack if the stranger hadn’t startled her. “Were you there to warn him about the Elders?”
    He took a step closer so they now stood with their bodies brushing, and she was forced to crane her neck upwards to hold his gaze. Yet she did not take a step back, nor did she look away. This close, he could see the copper flecks in her eyes, despite them being hidden behind long lashes.
    “ I was trying to find him, Mason. Is that not what we’re doing?” She scoffed with a sly smile. “If I didn’t know you better, I’d think you were jealous.” She turned and put some distance between them, while waving him away. “Do not worry yourself, though. I’d never mistake you for caring that much.”
    His chest tightened and his pulse raced. Unable to do otherwise, he pulled her into his arms, the scent of her French lavender soap filling his head, her soft curves molding to his body. With a fist in her hair, he pulled her head back just enough to expose a lovely length of delicate skin. He could feast on her an eternity and never get his fill. When he nuzzled her cheek and nipped at her neck, her protests died on her lips.
    “ Do you not think me capable of caring, my love? You’d be mistaken.” When he spoke, it was no more than a murmur against her skin, all words silenced when his mouth found hers.
    His kiss deepened as she clung to him and returned his passions. He then did the hardest thing he’d done in a very long time—he pulled away and left her standing there.
    “ Send word if you find Jack or come across any information on this stranger. In the mean time, I’ll warn the Elders.” He grabbed his coat and managed a peck on her cheek, a smile tugging at his lips to mask how desperately he wanted her. “Have yourself a pleasant evening, my dear.”
    Without a second glance, he headed for the door.
    ***
    “ No. I’m afraid that was all the information Lilly had on the man. She had been at the pub looking for Jack Torrington, and when she left, the man approached her on the street.” Mason took a long sip of his whiskey, settling back in the armchair, his need for Lilly still haunting him.
    Damon tilted his head and gave him a shrug. “It happens from time to time. Do your best to take care of the matter. For now, I’m more concerned about the murder. You’re to find Jack and bring him in before matters get further out of hand. Speaking of which, why was the girl looking for Jack alone? Trying to warn him, was she?”
    Mason could have strangled Lilly with his bare hands. How the hell was he supposed to keep her safe and out of the hands of the Elders when she was always thinking with her heart rather than her head.
    “ She’d already agreed to help with the investigation, and was hoping to find Jack in order to turn him in. Nothing more, Damon.”
    “ And you still think it a wise