Chasing Payne Read Free

throbbing, he rubbed the back of his neck and watched her walk out the door. He groaned low in his throat at the sight of her shapely ass as it disappeared from his view.
    He should never have agreed to be her supervisor, but even if he wanted to push her off on someone else, there was no way his animal would allow him to now. Not when there was a possibility of her life being in danger.
    And especially not when something dark and primal had erupted within him the moment his lips locked on hers. It was more than just a physical reaction.
    In the deepest part of his mind, he knew exactly what it was, and every single cell in his body protested at the thought. He had made the decision years ago to never lose that part of his soul. To never give in to the primal force that would bind him to another person.
    He ran his tongue over his teeth, and tasted the intoxicating substance that still lingered. The sweet taste was a bitter reminder of how dangerous it was to give into mating heat. Fuck. He could have dealt with the physical attraction—
But, not this.

Chapter 2
    “My baby sister has a real job,” Jenna Oliver squealed, handing Lora a glass of white wine.
    Her mother opened the oversized oven to check on the lasagna. The smell of garlic and mozzarella cheese permeated the large country-style kitchen, and Lora's stomach rumbled in anticipation. It had been over a month since she had moved out on her own, and she missed her Ma's home cooked meals.
    “So, tell us—” Jenna sat down and started to grate some parmesan cheese. “How was your first day?”
    Lora took a sip of her wine before answering. “Fine.” She traced the rim of her glass and shrugged. “Jacob wanted me to tell you that Chase is coming for dinner tonight.”
    The smile on Jenna's face melted, and concern flashed in her dark brown eyes. “Chase Payne?”
    Lora nodded, heat rising to her cheeks. “Jacob assigned him as my supervisor. He thought it might be nice to have him join us tonight.”
    Jenna's eyebrows shot up. “Do you think that's a good idea?”
    Mama Oliver looked over her shoulder and frowned. “Don't be rude, Jenna. Chase is always welcome here.”
    Lora took another sip of wine.
    Jenna's lips flattened and she gave Lora a stern look.
    “It'll be fine,” Lora whispered, placing her hand on her sister's forearm. “I'm not a love-struck teenager anymore.”
    “Just a love-struck twenty-two year old in heat. Sounds like the perfect combination.” Jenna muttered low enough so that only Lora could hear. Placing the grater and cheese down, she shook her head. “Talk to Jacob, see if he can switch—”
    “No.” She shot Jenna a look of warning and pursed her lips. If she asked Jacob to switch supervisors, he'd want a reason. Jenna had kept her terrible secret for years. Lora silently begged her sister not to say anything that would raise suspicion now.
    Jenna frowned and shook her head again. Her fingers fluttered over her stomach where scars lay hidden. “Just be careful.”
    The pain and humiliation Lora had felt five years before flooded through her.
    When she found out Chase had volunteered with Jacob and Jenna to be a chaperone at her prom, she had devised a plan with one purpose.
    Seduce Chase Payne.
    Knowing he would be there, she had gone to prom alone, armed with her best friend Abby, and a masterplan that would have Chase falling madly in love with her.
    Dressed in a sexy red dress and killer heels, she sat in the school bathroom and downed half a bottle of cherry liquor Abby had stolen from her parent's liquor cabinet. With liquid courage flooding through her veins, she'd sought Chase out, hoping to share what would be the first of many kisses.
    She hadn't expected to find him on the dance floor, his muscular arms wrapped around her sexy, voluptuous art teacher's waist.
    Like a knife to the heart, Lora watched in horror as Chase whispered in the woman's ear and pulled her suggestively against his body.
    Jealousy mixed