Claiming the East Wind Read Free

it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.” She wasn’t sure where she found the courage, but she dredged up all she had and slipped her hand into his.
    He stared at her face, then at their joined hands. His fingers clenched on hers.
    As she watched, she saw some of the tension leave his body.
    “Maybe you’re right, little rabbit.” He reeled her in, pulling her close.
    He was big. Male. Vibrating with energy.
    Everything that terrified her.
    But the hand on hers was still clenched hard around her fingers. A silent plea for help.
    “Let’s get out of the rain,” she said.
    With a nod, he pulled her inside.
    ***
    Soren moved into the main living area. He felt the greed choking him, filling him, running in his veins. His vision was glazed in a haze of red.
    He realized he was squeezing Skye’s hand hard enough to hurt her. Dio . He loosened his grip. But he didn’t let her go. He couldn’t.
    He heard her humming and he froze. Slowly he turned his head to look down at her. Her hair was plastered against her head, now shades darker than its usual color. She’d let her eyes drift shut and her humming increased in volume.
    The melody was somehow familiar, haunting. It sank into him.
    The humming turned to singing. She had a beautiful voice. So strong and confident, and clear as a mountain stream.
    Slowly, he felt the tension inside him drain away. The roaring need to have, to own and possess, dulled to a distant throb. A murmur, no longer a rampant shout.
    Skye’s song ended and she fell silent.
    “Your voice is beautiful.”
    She flicked a glance up at him. “Thank you. It’s the only thing I’m good at.”
    “I’m sure that isn’t true.” His gaze drifted over her. He couldn’t help but notice how her once baggy clothes, now soaking wet, clung to very feminine curves.
    His fingers moved from her hand, along her wrist and up to cup her elbow. She stilled, like a deer staring at bright lights.
    He lifted his other hand and gently brushed the shell of her ear. “Are you afraid of me?”
    “No. Yes.” She huffed out a little breath. “Not of you exactly.” Her blue eyes were turbulent. “I have demons too.”
    Soren traced along her cheekbone. He wanted more, much more, but he kept his touch gentle. And it was enough. For now. He ran a finger down the sweet slope of her nose. “Does that scare you?”
    She shook her head.
    He moved his finger along her jaw and pointed chin. “What about this?”
    “No.” A soft whisper.
    He let his hand circle her nape, massaged. “Your skin is so soft here.”
    She trembled under his touch and he knew it wasn’t from fear. Then he noted the heavy weight of her wet hair and registered that some of her shivers weren’t because of him.
    Idiot . “You’re wet and cold. Come, I’ll get you some dry clothes.”
    He grabbed her hand again and tugged her into the hall. Moments later, he led her into a guest bedroom.
    She gasped. “This room is beautiful. So grand.”
    He glanced at the intricate four poster bed and the elegant furniture. He’d never really paid it any attention before. He tried to see it through her eyes. “ Si , it is.”
    He stalked into the adjoining bathroom and grabbed two thick towels. After handing one to her, he rubbed the other over his wet hair and headed for the closet. He opened the carved wooden doors and studied the well-stocked offerings.
    “So many items of women’s clothing.” She eyed the closet. “Do you have many female…visitors?”
    He frowned. “I have no idea.” And he didn’t care. All he wanted was to see her in something other than baggy beige.
    Soren pulled out a dress. It was simple, elegant and would slick over her gentle curves with perfection. The sea blue would match her eyes. “Here.”
    Skye took the dress. “Thank you.”
    They stood there staring at each other for a moment. He motioned to the dress. “Get changed.”
    Her eyes widened. “I’m not changing with you standing