Love of Her Lives by Sharon Clare Read Free Book Online Page A

of being held by him was remarkably comforting.
    “Better?” he asked.
    Definitely, but she didn’t want him to know how he’d moved her.
    She mumbled an affirmation. She was pressed tight to his body. Way too close. She took a step back remembering this guy was more a stranger than the one on the floor, and the truth of that was nowhere near reassuring.
    “I have to call the police,” she said. Finally a sensible thought.
    “Could you wait on that just a moment?”
    She stiffened.
    “I want to talk to you about a few things.” He raked his hand through his long bangs. His glance upward was nearly imperceptible, then he said, “I just want it to be noted that my intent isnot to bend your will in anyway.”
    Okay, that was weird.
    “First, do you know this ass?” He nudged Bruce with the toe of his boot.
    “He’s an acquaintance, a friend of Matthew’s — my boyfriend who should be here any minute.” Best to let this testosterone–filled warrior think she was happily attached and not alone.
    A look of distaste crossed his face. “Beth, I saw the black satchel on your table.”
    “Cripes! I knew it. You buried the backpack in my yard?” She picked up the broom stick and wielded it tight.
    One sand–coloured eyebrow rose as did his mouth, in amusement — what nerve! “Come a little closer,” she said, “so I can smack that condescending smile off your face.”
    The warrior laughed and raised his hands in surrender. “I know you would, as I know the sun will rise tomorrow. No, the satchel doesn’t belong to me. I’m not wanting the goods from it, nor to harm you, nor to get hit with that broom.”
    Beth kept it raised. “Well, what do you want?”
    “I only saw it, Beth, I have nothing to do with it, but to know it will be the root of trouble for you. Allow me to have a look at the contents, and then we’ll determine if it’s best to trust the constable. Don’t think you’re out of harm’s way. Others may know about the satchel. I don’t believe you are safe here.”
    “Not safe from you,” she pointed out. If she phoned the police how would she explain where the money had gone? Could she deny its existence? “Listen, you stand still. I need a moment to think about this.”
    “What was in the satchel, lass?”
    “I don’t see how that’s your business. Listen, Calum.” Finally, she remembered his name. “If you heard Popeye here mention money, I have none. The money has been delivered to the police.”
    A look of alarm crossed his features. “Was there anything else in it? How is Popeye connected to that paltry boyfriend of yours, and how could you be connected to that satchel?”
    Paltry boyfriend? “I’m not connected to it other than finding it in the woods. Why all the questions?” The professor felt familiar to her, but oddly enough not as a professor. The bizarre feeling he’d just returned from an ancient battlefield was difficult to shake, but shake it she would. More likely she’d seen him around the university. “Listen up, I don’t have the money anymore, so if that’s what you’re after, you are shit out o’ luck, Bucko.”
    “I don’t care about that money any more than you did. Look into my eyes, Beth, and see for yourself.”
    “What?”
    She did. He’d taken her by surprise, and she couldn’t seem to help herself. The guy had remarkable eyes. They reflected controlled strength he seemed to wield like second skin, strength that could be trusted to keep her safe. And one thing worth noting — he was not hard to look at. In a pinch, she could do it all day. Okay, that addendum wasn’t necessary. Get a grip, Beth. Did he really think he could bring her down with nice eyes? She looked away.
    “I want you to listen to me,” He glanced at Bruce. “Just allow for a moment the possibility that this ass means to avert the law by implicating you in a crime. I have reasons to believe it’s not only possible, but likely. You need to leave Ashbury straight away.