Hawk's Haven by Kat Attalla Read Free Book Online Page A

"Don't get me wrong. I'm opposed to this. If the state has their way we would lose some of our sovereign rights, but right now it's being considered and your father has the connections with the governor's office that can cut through months, possibly years of red tape."
    "But a casino?” She pushed her fists into the slash pockets of her dress. “What a waste of a beautiful mountain.”
    They parted company at the dirt road that led to the house. Being in no hurry to return to four empty walls, she kept a leisurely pace as she strolled along the road. Tall pines rustled with the spring breeze. Wild flowers covered the ground in the gentle pastels of a Monet painting. The contrast to the meticulously manicured gardens of Butler Square was a welcomed relief. A perfect haven that rivaled paradise.
    Even the Garden of Eden had its beasts, and one was sprinting toward her now. Although she’d seen the dog several times, Shadow didn't normally show up without his two little sidekicks. As the animal got closer she instinctively went onto the tips of her toes as if the added two inches would discourage the playful mutt.
    Shadow lunged into her, sending her tumbling onto her backside and glowering with indignation. Her new, diminutive size left her at a disadvantage as the over grown lap dog decided to make a pillow out of her. She gave up on the idea of getting rid of Shadow and lay back into the cool green grass.
    "I don't care if that is your idea of a wet kiss, lick me and it's over between us," she warned the dog as she scratched the thick fur behind his ear.
    "Don't you like being kissed?"
    At the sound of the deep voice, Gillian let out a yelp. She tilted her chin back to see the towering figure hovering over her. Hawk moved slightly to block the sun from her face.
    "What are you doing here?" she barely managed to croak out.
    "That is my house behind me."
    That isn't what she meant, and he knew it. What was he doing here now, bare chested and glistening with water as if he'd just stepped out of the shower?  His arm muscles rippled as he raked his fingers through his thick, dark hair. Martha might claim that Hawk was not comfortable in his own skin, but his skin certainly fit him well.
    "I thought you weren't coming until tomorrow."
     
     
    * * * *
     
     
    "I never told you that.”
    Hawk extended his hand and pulled her effortlessly to her feet.  Shadow stood faithfully at her side, one more convert won over by Gillian Hughes. She’d shown a sympathetic interest in the daily struggles of life that impressed the elders, who were often treated as oddities by the local people.  Her thirst for any knowledge on the ancient myths and legends was evident by the many books she’d borrowed from the school library.
    "So, what are you doing here?" she asked again.
    "I had a meeting about the casino with some of the council members today and another tomorrow.  Hopefully, they won't kill each other before coming to some kind of compromise."
    "Where am I supposed to stay?"
    "Here?"
    She arched her eyebrow. "With you?"
    "Would you consider it?"
    "No," she said flatly.
    He laughed. "I didn't think so, but you can't blame a guy for trying. I'm staying with my father, but the shower in his trailer isn't working so..."
    Gillian shrugged and lowered her head. At first he thought she was avoiding his gaze in anger but there was no tension in her stance. She looked relaxed and amused. His ego might be way out of control, but he got the feeling that she was fascinated by his chest.
    He raised his hand and waved it in front of her face.
    "What?" she asked as she continued her intense visual exploration.
    "How would you like it if I stared at your chest like that?"
    "Since you made an appearance before dressing, I assume you intended to have me stare at your chest. So why are you complaining? Isn't it every man's fantasy to be seen as a sex object?"
    If that weren't so close to the way her rich clique of friends treated him, it would be