Werewolf in Las Vegas by Vicki Lewis Thompson Read Free Book Online Page B

elevator.
    When they finally reached their floor, Luke guided her out. Her legs wobbled, but he supported her by keeping his arm firmly around her shoulders. “You okay? You’re almost the color of your shirt.”
    How romantic. But then, she didn’t want romantic. She wanted someone to help her with the business at hand, which was locating her brother and his sister. “Sorry. I get a little overwhelmed in crowded spaces.”
    â€œThat’s okay. Take your time. If they’re here, they won’t get by us. Well, unless they take the fire stairs, and if they’re willing to hike down that many floors, then I say let ’em.”
    She nodded as she drew in relatively fresh air, at least compared to the elevator. The hallway wasn’t so bad. The carpet was new and stank to high heaven, but she could deal with a single smell better than fifteen competing ones.
    â€œI admit I’m not a fan of crowded elevators, myself.” He rubbed her upper arm with gentle strokes. “We probably should have skipped that one and taken the next. We don’t even know if they’re here.”
    His touch, combined with his rich baritone, temporarily mesmerized her. In her vulnerable state, she had the strongest urge to turn in his arms and snuggle against his broad chest. She could verify for certain now his first instinct was to protect, a trait he shared with werewolves. She shouldn’t be looking for reasons to like him, but she couldn’t seem to help herself.
    Obviously his protective instinct could get out of hand and lead to controlling behavior. That’s when she remembered why they were standing in this hallway. Luke wanted to keep his little sister from getting involved with her big brother.
    Exercising great willpower, she extracted herself from the support of his steady arm. “Thanks. I’m better now.”
    â€œWhen we go back down, we’ll wait until there’s an empty elevator, or one with only a couple of people in it.”
    â€œI’d appreciate that.” She allowed herself to look into those sexy blue eyes and smile at him. After all, that was the polite thing to do after he’d kept her from fainting in public.
    â€œNo worries. Of course, we may have your brother and my sister with us, but that won’t be the same as an elevator crammed with strangers.”
    â€œYou think they’ll just agree to leave with us?”
    He shrugged. “Maybe not, but I can dream, can’t I? And after we all ride down in the elevator together, we’ll go somewhere quiet for a drink and talk everything out. Cynthia will agree she should finish school, and Landry will agree to do . . . whatever it is you want him to do.”
    â€œHe’s eventually supposed to take over as the CEO of my family’s business.” It was a close enough approximation of the truth.
    â€œI’d think they’d rather have you do it.” He regarded her with open admiration. “You’re smart and obviously capable.”
    â€œThank you.” She was delighted to hear that he didn’t think all CEOs should be male. Maybe his attitudes weren’t quite as retro as she’d assumed. “It’s been discussed, but I don’t want to. I’m actually happier as the CFO. I like keeping track of the money.”
    â€œExcuse me for saying so, but your brother doesn’t seem to want to do it, either.”
    â€œI know it looks that way, but he’ll get over this. It was a bunch of things at once, and he doesn’t like to be railroaded.” She gazed at him. “Much like Cynthia.”
    â€œAnd that’s why they’re not good for each other. Left to her own devices, Cynthia won’t leave Vegas. She’s bonded to the place. But I’m afraid they’ll whip each other into a frenzy of resentment and book a flight to New York so she can get a job on Broadway.”
    â€œThat wouldn’t be