Hunter's Surrender (2010) by Anna Hackett Read Free Book Online Page A

hair back. "I'd heard tantric sex was mind-blowing. But it was better than I imagined."
    Dominique forced a smile. She wouldn't let her thoughts interfere just yet. "It was amazing."
    "You don't have anything to compare it to."
    She punched his shoulder. "I know good when I feel it."
    He smiled. The first genuine smile she'd seen from him. She felt a pinch of pleasure in her heart. One smile and one rusty laugh. Not that she was counting.
    "It was better than good." His green eyes swirled with something she couldn't name. "Try soul-destroying."
    Heat flushed her cheeks. A part of was thrilled it'd been good for him. A thumb flicked over her lips. Her breathing sped up.
    "It was perfect." He dragged his thumb over her mouth again. He parted her lips, stroked down one of her fangs. "You touch something in me and I don't know if that's good or bad."
    She gasped. Was he admitting he felt something for her? "Rand?"
    His hand pressed to the nape of her neck and brought her mouth back to his. This kiss was deeper, longer, and seeped inside her. Her fingers gripped his muscled biceps, to hold herself upright. She felt something shift inside her and it left her dizzy.
    When he lifted his head, they were both breathing heavily. Whatever had been in his eyes before was gone. Hidden.
    "You should take a shower."
    She raised an eyebrow. No way . She wasn't going to let him retreat. She slid off the railing, scooped up the shirt she'd borrowed and slipped it on. Sauntering naked to the door ==, she looked back over one shoulder. "Why don't you join me?"
    His hot gaze slid down her body and back up again. "That sounds like a brilliant idea. But I need to grab something to eat first. You've worn me out."
    Her stomach somersaulted. He was pulling back. Behind him, dawn was lighting the eastern horizon, outlining his silhouette.
    Dieu , he was gorgeous. She wanted more from this man than the moment they'd shared.
    She wanted things she'd never thought would be hers.
    But she wouldn't push him. "Don't be long."
    In the big bathroom, Dominique turned the shower to scorching hot. As steam billowed in the room, she stared at herself in the mirror.
    She was no longer the pure ajna her parents had promised to Vilein. But more than that, her short time with Rand had changed her.
    She didn't want to be a part of the coldblooded court. She wanted heat, laughter and love. While she loved her parents, they would always be cool and reserved. She wanted what Rand had given her a taste of tonight. She wanted to help a lonely man realize he could have more.
    Pressing a palm to her eyes, she tried to fight back the feelings multiplying inside her. Surely she couldn't be stupid enough to fall in love with The Darkness?
    What did she know of love? Not much, but she was certain you couldn't fall in love in one night. She dropped her hand to her chest and rubbed her heart. A hot shower should help.
    A tremor went through her body. Frowning, she lifted her hand, saw it shaking.
    Dark compulsion flooded through her limbs. Her foot scraped over the floor in a reluctant step. Non! She recognized the sinister command overtaking her--Vilein.
    She tried to fight it. Threw all the power she possessed into it. But dragging steps took her into the hall, toward the back door. Away from Rand.
    She wanted to scream but the compulsion left her silent.
    Her screams echoed only in her head. Where no one could hear them.

    Chapter Seven
    Rand stared at the breaking dawn. He pressed his palms against the glass and fought down the swirling mass of emotion inside him.
    She wasn't for him. He glanced at the spot where he'd just taken Dominique. God. He'd just made love to her--her first time--outside on a railing. His hands curled into fists. She deserved silk sheets, candlelight and pretty words.
    He forced his hands to uncurl and studied his rough palms. She deserved better.
    More than a burned-out vampire hunter.
    Rand glanced over at the photo on the shelf. Don't let this job take