Shifter Untamed by Ambrielle Kirk Read Free Book Online Page A

out the storm until finally falling into each other’s arms on the chaise.
    She smiled. “That was great.”
    He grinned. “Something that great can become addicting.”
    ****
    Trina wrapped Dane’s leather jacket tighter around her. If she had known the man lived in a cooler, she would have brought warmer clothes despite the spring-like temperatures outside.
    “I apologize for the chilly temperatures, but my blood runs hotter than humans,” he said, looking at her from across the small table. “I’ve adjusted the temperature so that you’re comfortable.”
    “Thanks.”
    After what they’d done, she could barely look him in the eye. He had some type of pull on her and the only explanation she could muster was that he had imprinted on her from that one round of sex. After her shower, no matter how far away from Dane in the house she was, she still smelled of him.
    “I had a phone call come up while you were in the bath,” he said. “Now that I’ve got that out of the way…do you still want to do this?”
    “Yes,” she replied without hesitation. “Our business together is still business. The sex was…” she cleared her throat “…part of the unfinished business. Let’s move on like business partners. About the money…?”
    Dane Magnus gave a devilish grin and slid a check across the granite table and under her palm. “First installment delivered today. I’ve signed it already. Your endorsement means you agree to the terms of our arrangement. Second installment will be delivered on day one of week three. Third installment delivered upon confirmation of the marriage dissolution.”
    The money was enough to pay the deposit on her dad’s surgery. The last two installments would pay the balance and leave some to catch up on bills with. It was just enough to get her and her dad back on their feet.
    “We haven’t even talked specifics yet.”
    “What exactly would you like to talk about?”
    Dane sat back in his chair, lifting a glass of ice-cold water to his lips. He gulped the water down in just a few short seconds. She watched as his veins moved against his throat with each swallow.
    Something else weighed heavily in Trina’s mind. Dane Magnus was no human. He was a shifter, inside and out, in the guise of a man. Why would a shifter do something like this?
    “What’s in this for you?”
    He shrugged. “Why does that matter? I’m offering you a lump sum of money to be my wife for six weeks and three days.”
    “How do we end the marriage at the end of the term?”
    He smiled. “I have three separate lawyers lined up ready to earn their retainers.”
    At least he wasn’t trying to trap her into a long-term marriage that she obviously wasn’t ready for. The short-term arrangement made the deal more favorable for her. She didn’t need all the trouble of a needy man down her back when she had a parent to care for.
    “Why did you have to put up an ad? Why not reach out to a shifter lady?”
    “I was looking for a specific type of woman.”
    She raised her brows. “And I’m that type of woman?”
    “You’re not a shifter. And you’ve just made it clear that you won’t renege and try to prolong the marriage.”
    “It wouldn’t make strategic sense. You just said the last installment is paid out when the marriage is considered dissolved. If I go through with this, I expect to be paid what we agreed on.”
    “A woman who talks strategy.” Dane grinned. “No wonder you graduated in the top ten percent of your class in business school.”
    “So then, tell me. Obviously I’m getting the money, but what’s in this for you, Dane?”
    He looked at her sheepishly. “A beautiful human wife for six weeks.”
    “Do I look like a dummy to you?” She stared out at him from under her lashes. “You think I would believe you have so much trouble finding a temporary wife with your good looks and the amount of money you’re offering?”
    “I’m picky.”
    “Won’t you answer my