Afterglow: An Apocalypse Romance Read Free Page A

wrists together behind her back. When he picked her up, she let out another small moan, and even though it was completely inappropriate given the situation, his cock throbbed once. It sounded so sexual, like the kind of moan she’d probably make if he were touching her... Nope .
    He wasn’t going to go there. He couldn’t let his dick lead the way right now. He needed to keep his wits about him, especially since he didn’t have all his strength back yet. With new resolve, he walked into the living room and deposited her onto the couch. Then he turned the armchair sideways, so he could watch both the outside of the house and the girl.
    In a few minutes he heard her gasp, then struggle to sit up. Her hands were still tied behind her, but she managed to do it, her big eyes focusing on him and her revolver, which he now pointed directly at her.
    “You... don’t hurt me.” Her voice trembled, but he could hear more than a little anger too. It occurred to him that in addition to being scared she was probably pissed that he’d taken her out.
    “Looks like I already did. You shouldn’t break into people’s houses.”
    “I knocked first.”
    “And because I didn’t answer, you assumed it was OK to break in?” Creed checked her out. Awake, she was even more beautiful than when she’d been asleep. Or unconscious, if he were being honest with himself. Her hair danced around her head when she moved it, and her eyes were a gorgeous pale green. Like light passing through a Heineken bottle. He should fucking write poetry, he thought to himself, one of his lips turning up in a half-grin at the thought.
    “This isn’t funny. Untie me!” An angry blush tinted her cheeks.
    He just stared at her impassively. “I don’t think you’re really in any position to be making demands.”
    “Please? If you untie me, I’ll leave. I’m sorry I broke in. I didn’t think anyone lived here. I won’t come back.”
    Glass shattered outside the front window before he could answer. Adrenaline surged through his body as he scanned the area. A raccoon caught his eye, sifting through garbage and throwing objects out in the process. A damn raccoon. In the middle of the day. Things really were going to hell.
    Relieved, he stuck the girl’s revolver into his waistband, turning back to her.
    She leapt off the couch, hands somehow untied, and sprinted for the front door.
    Creed grabbed her, wrapping his arms around her from behind. He hissed into her ear, “No way, sweetheart. You need to tell me what you were after in my garage before I let you go.”
    “I don’t think so,” she said, writhing to get free.
    He grasped her tighter, but she kicked back, the heel of her boot connecting with his kneecap. He swore as pain shot through him and he inadvertently loosened his grip a bit.
    The girl wrenched her body in his arms, and though he held tight she got enough room to free one arm. By the time he noticed the knife it was too late, the blade cutting deeply into his left bicep.
    He cursed, letting go and grasping his arm in surprise and pain. Blood rushed up between his fingers. “What the fuck?”
    The girl backed up against the front door, poised to fight with her blade out. She looked ready, eager even, and he could tell she was tough. Though he towered over her at practically twice her size, apparently she could hold her own. He reached over to his waistband for the revolver he’d taken from her.
    “Looking for this?” She pulled it out of her holster. Somehow, when he’d been struggling with her, she’d not only cut him but also retrieved her gun.
    “Get. The fuck. Out of my house.” He sank down into the chair, dizziness overcoming him.
    “OK.” Her voice wavered, like she wasn’t as sure of herself as she’d been. “Look, I’m sorry I cut you. I was scared.”
    “Get out.”
    “It’s really bleeding.” She took a step closer.
    He glanced down at his arm, where blood pooled in the crook of his elbow. “Go. Now,” he