Sol: Luna Lodge #1 by Madison Stevens Read Free Book Online Page B

wasn’t going to hurt me.”
    “What?” Erica started at her friend. Maybe she was in some sort of shock.
    “Judging by the front of his pants, he had other things in mind.”
    Erica gasped. “That’s so…” She struggled for the right word.
    “Animalistic,” her friend sighed.
    Not exactly the word she was going for. “I was going to say barbaric.”
    Kate turned and stared at her crossly. “Oh, please. Tell me there isn’t something totally hot in a man wanting you that badly. I’m sure Mr. Tall, Blond and Viking isn’t that far off from bending you over and having his way with you.”
    Erica blushed at the mention of Sol. Not that she would complain if he did, but it didn’t seem very likely. Sol seemed to hold himself in check. His reserved nature almost drew her more. A heat grew in her as she thought about what it would be like with him.
    They sat quietly watching the television for some time. The same loop of a camera phone shot of Sol looped on the screen. The video showed his massive form, tight and protective, as he jumped off the balcony with her in his arms. She stared in awe at the look on his face as he searched the crowd for the next danger. Everything about his stance gave off a protective vibe, and she couldn’t help but be thrilled by his actions.
    They were startled by a knock at the door. Erica stood and made her way to the door. The fuzzy haze of the rum was in full effect now. When she opened the door, her eyes were immediately drawn to Sol. He had a gash across his face and a bruise on his cheek. She wondered what had happened after they left. The man to his left cleared his throat. Her eyes went to him.
    He was tall like the other hybrids. His short, brown hair was different from the others she had met. Most of the hybrids they had seen kept their hair on the longer side. More so, he had a wide welcoming smile that drew her to him immediately.
    “This is Apollo,” Sol said, and she turned back to him. “He will drive you both home.”
    “Oh,” Erica said. She hadn’t meant it to be so breathless sounding, but the thought of leaving so soon didn’t seem as good as it had a moment ago. “We’ll get our things.”
    “Wait.” Sol grasped her arm gently, and excitement zipped through her.
    She watched as his nostrils flared a few times, and she was reminded of before the fire. It seemed impossible that he could tell what he did to her, but she wasn’t so sure of that.
    The warmth of his hand radiated through her arm as he continued to hold onto it.
    “We’d like you to return and help us,” he said. His thumb skimmed the skin at her wrist, and she felt her pulse jump. He dropped her arm and continued. “We’ll pay you, of course. And set you up with accommodations.”
    Erica thought for a moment. “How long?”
    This could prove to be a good move. She was looking for work, and this was work. It would also look pretty good on a resume.
    Sol shrugged. “Maybe a few weeks. Marius has been working the books for some time, so it’s just until we figure out who’s behind the skimming.”
    She turned back to Kate, who seemed more than a little disappointed she had not been asked to stay. Kate nodded at her.
    “Okay,” she said to Sol. “I’ll do it.”
    For the first time since meeting him, Sol smiled, and her knees went a little weak.
    “Great,” he said. “Apollo will take you to get what you need and bring you back with him. We look forward to working with you.”
    She watched as he walked back to the jeep and drove away.
    Apollo cleared his throat. “I’ll just wait in the car until you’re ready.”
     
    * * *
     
    They drove quietly for the first part. Kate chose to ride in the back and fell asleep after some time.
    Erica glanced at Apollo, who had been very nice this whole time, including loading the trunk for Kate and making sure they were comfortable inside. He hummed from time to time to the radio, and Erica found herself becoming more comfortable with him