Take (Fury Brothers #4)

“No one ever came forward.” He shrugged a shoulder. “I have no idea who my mother or father were.”

He said the words with no expression. Like it truly didn’t matter.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“It’s in the past.” Then he looked at my face, at the swelling, and his features tightened. “You walked right up to the bad guy. Linc told you to run and—”

“They threatened to kill him. The guy in charge, I knew he meant it. I couldn’t just sit there and let a man die because of me.” I shook my head, lowering the ice pack. “He really meant it, Reath.”

“I know he did.” Reath pressed the ice pack back to my face.

I cocked my head. “You know who he is?”

Reath gave a tight nod. “He’s not a nice guy. His name’s Hugh Auclair.”

“You’ve…dealt with him before?” I could tell from his tone.

“When I was in the CIA.” A muscle ticked in his jaw.

“Ah, so you were a spy. I knew it.” I waved the ice pack at him.

He pressed it back to my face again, his hand warm on top of mine. His gaze moved over my face. “Looks like the swelling’s not too bad.”

“It was a glancing blow.”

“Any other injuries?”

“I’m fine.”

“That’s not what I asked, Frankie.”

I sighed. “He punched me in the stomach.”

Reath’s jaw tightened, and there was a flash of something dangerous in his eyes. “Show me.”

I leaned back and pulled up the hem of my shirt. Well, technically his shirt. There were some bruises on my belly, but they weren’t terrible.

Reath touched my skin, and I bit my lip. He gently probed my midsection, and my skin suddenly felt so warm. I had tingles everywhere.

I remembered all too clearly his mouth on me, driving me wild. I squirmed.

“Does that hurt?” he asked.

“Um, no. Not really.”

His gaze flicked up to my face, then his expression changed. From concern to desire.

“Frankie… Dammit. Don’t look at me like that.”

“You’re touching me, and it feels good. I can’t help it.”

He gave a low groan.

“I’m not sure I should stay with you. I mean, this—” I waved a hand between us. “It’s a problem.”

“You’re staying with me.” He emphasized every word. Then he pulled me forward and the ice pack slipped from my fingers. I barely registered the slap of it hitting the floor.

I straddled his lap, and then Reath kissed me.