Ariel's Song (In Bed with the Enemy) Read Free

turn, reaching the path leading to her rented cottage without paying attention to her surroundings. The prospect of no longer having a roof over her head in three days’ time filled her mind with worry. Where would she go? She pulled her keys out of her bag and looked up, stopping in her tracks a few feet from her door.
    What the hell? “Have you lost your way home, Colin?” She used her own version of his accent, mimicking the tone he’d used with her earlier that day.
    He leaned against the wall next to the door , hands in his pockets, a booted foot crossing the other. The even stubble around his chin added to his dark, sexy angel looks. Damn him a thousand times over. Her hand itched to slap out of him the ghost of a smirk on his face for making a fool out of her.
    “Is this how you talk to your employer?” Colin stared her down.
    How dare he? “Last time I checked, I didn’t have a job. Whatever happened to leave you the hell alone?” Ariel adjusted her bag on her shoulder.
    “Do you want the job or not?” He folded his arms.
    She did a double take . The handsome devil standing in front of her could be her ticket home, except her pride weighted heavy on her. “I thought you weren’t looking to hire anyone.” He didn’t respond, so she walked to the door and slid the key in. Ariel stepped in her cottage. “Goodbye, Colin.”
    Colin grabbed her arm, pulling her to him. The length of his warm body trapped hers fogging her thoughts.
    “ Changed my mind,” he whispered. “I don’t want anybody else.” Colin looked into her eyes, the heat of his breath mingled with hers. “But, I understand if you’re no longer interested.”
    Her knees went weak. A thrill ran through her body, and she dragged her eyes to his lips. He gripped her chin and leaned forward, closing the almost non-existent distance as he captured her mouth in a hungry kiss.
    Her bag landed on the floor, the keys followed with a clatter. Ariel didn’t realize until then she’d been holding her breath. The hotness of his mouth combined with his scent, intoxicated her, drawing her into the kiss, into him even more. His scorching tongue explored her mouth, making her forget the reason she wanted to slap him earlier. He nibbled her upper lip, sucking it gently, yet with enough force letting her know he was in charge.
    Ariel raised her hand, closing her fingers around his wrist, wanting more.
    Colin broke the kiss , dropping his hand to her neck. He touched his forehead to hers, catching his own breath. “The job is yours. If you’re still interested, come see me tomorrow morning.” He paused. “I’ll warn you, I want more of this.” He kissed her once more, stepped back, turned around, and walked away without another word or a glance at her.
    Ariel stood motionless where he’d left her, processing the events from mere moments ago. Colin wanted more of what? Kissing? A shiver ran down her spine. She traced her swollen lips with her fingertips, shutting the door. Her body still trembled from the shock of his touch, of his mouth on hers. He exerted so much power over her with such little effort. His kiss proved it. If she took this job, she’d risk losing her mind over Colin.
    Ariel looked around her cozy cottage, weighing her options, and suppressed a laugh. What options? It was either take the job or be homeless. Her skin tingled with horror at the latter.
    ****
    What a recipe for disaster. What the hell had he been thinking? Bloody Gérard. Colin would’ve never left home for a stroll if his friend hadn’t come to mess with his inspiration.
    W ithout a destination in mind, he’d wandered around town. Then, curiosity got the best of him. It didn’t take him long to find her—a foreigner who looked like her was too easy to spot in a small village, thanks to the gossipmongers.
    Colin found his way to her cottage, talking himself into seeing if she truly was someone in need of a job or someone looking for gossip to sell. But the moment