Chasing Payne Read Free Page B

his eye.
    “He was suspended last month.” It had become Turner's mission in life to self-destruct, and no matter how hard Chase tried to protect him, he somehow managed to fuck up every good thing he had going. “He should be back in the field within a few weeks.”
    Both women frowned and exchanged a look of concern. He'd seen that look too many times over the years.
    Jenna studied him with eyes that always seemed to cut through the bullshit and lock on the truth. “What did he do now?”
    What hadn't Turner done?
After burning down a research lab two years before, his brother was lucky to have a job. The fire had been an accident, but it had resulted in the death of the man Turner was certain had killed their mother, Richard Boyd.
    Chase didn't believe Boyd had been responsible, but he couldn't deny that the man had been a narcissistic killer, responsible for the torture and death of countless shifters. The Council had given Turner a second chance, but his brother had begun stalking Boyd's family, unable to believe the man was truly dead.
    One more suspension and not even Jacob could stop the Council from dismissing him.
    Chase shrugged. “He's being dealt with.”
    Taking a step towards him, Jenna touched his shoulder, dark eyes piercing through the very fabric of his soul. He shivered involuntarily, and she dropped her hand. “You've taken care of him for too long. He's an adult and you need to let him make his own choices. People grow up, Chase. It doesn't help anyone if you keep treating them like children.”
    He shot a quick glance at Lora.
Yeah, people grew up all right. That was the problem.
    Jenna followed his gaze and frowned. “Are you dating anyone these days?”
    He heard the warning in her voice and jerked his attention back to her. “Dating?” He shook his head and chuckled. “How long have you known me? Payne men don't date, we fuck.”
    The whimper that escaped Lora's lips was subtle, but he heard it, and the sound went straight to his cock.
    “Always the gentleman.” Jenna rolled her eyes and punched his arm as she walked past him. “I'm going to go see if Ma needs a hand in the kitchen.”
    Lora bit her lip as she watched her sister leave the room, and her cheeks reddened under his gaze.
    He could sense her animal pacing within her, and despite her apparent attempt to try and subdue it, desire and fear radiated off of her.
    He took in a deep breath and felt his cock harden at the scent of her arousal.
Shit.
It was time he put an end to this nonsense. He took a step towards her and placed his wine glass on the table.
    Her lips parted, and he heard her slight intake of breath as he came closer.
    His gaze immediately drew to her lush mouth. She licked her bottom lip, and a low hiss escaped his tight lips. She looked at him, her expression questioning, a hint of hope behind her amber eyes.
    Damn it. Who was this woman, and what had she done with the girl he'd once known?
    “What happened earlier”—hardening his emotions and his features, he gave her an icy stare until she broke eye contact—“won't happen again.”
    She bent her head in sullen agreement. “I know.”
    “The agency isn't a dorm room—”
    “I said, I know.” Her fists clenched at her side and her eyes narrowed. “I was just trying to prove a point.”
    “And what point was that?”
    Frustration stormed in her amber eyes. “I have four older brothers. I don't need another one.”
    He didn't try to hide his irritation. “So you go around kissing every man who isn't your brother?”
    Sharp laughter burst from her throat. “If I want to, then yeah, I'll kiss whoever I want.”
    Circling his fingers around her wrist, he tugged her sharply towards him and growled deep within his chest. “Not while you're under my supervision, you won't.”
    Lora's eyes widened, but not in fear as he had anticipated. Her pupils dilated and her breath became fast and uneven.
    Damn if the girl didn't have the same effect on him.
    His