Connelly's Flame Read Free Page B

you find me handsome, and I know you think it is a big deal.” He winked
    suddenly. “I think you are enchanting.”
    “You don’t know me.”
    “True. Tell me about you.” His request came out more like an order.
    Standing, she removed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher, got it set, and turned it on. “It’s
    late; you should get some sleep.” She put her hand out, gesturing for him to leave the kitchen first.
    He acquiesced. His body was exhausted still, so he didn’t put up much of an argument. As he got to
    the entrance to the bedroom, he stopped suddenly. Turning to face the beautiful woman trailing him, he
    reached out one tanned hand and caressed her face. “Thank you for all you are doing for me.”
    “Anybody would have done it,” she said, moving back, uncomfortable with the feelings his simple
    touch evoked in her.
    I don’t think they would have. “Tell me something.” This time it was a request, not a command.
    “If I tell you what you want to know, then will you go to bed?” Dezarae questioned.

    10
    CONNELLY’S FLAME
    Aliyah Burke

    “I’ll even let you tuck me in,” came his saucy reply.
    How nice that could be. “Ask your question.”
    “What is your full name?” One hand reached for her before clenching and remaining at his side.
    “Dezarae spelled D-E-Z-A-R-A-E, Phoenix Kerry. Now, get some sleep.” It was a gentle push that
    she gave him to send him in the door. “Good night.”
    Both trembled from the contact but neither responded to it. “Night.” My little firebird. He walked
    into the room, stopping by the bed to turn around and meet her gaze. “Sure you don’t want to tuck me in?”
    “I’m sure a strong man like yourself can handle that,” she smirked, liking how his teasing brightened
    his whole persona, making him less severe.
    “Glad to you know also think I am strong,” he teased back.
    Dezarae refused to answer him, just left the room with a shake of her head.

    The digital readout on the clock said 3:00 in the morning. Body not as sore but feeling just as
    disoriented, the man who had no name got out of the soft bed and padded silently to the door. His gray eyes
    easily adjusted to the dark as he stuck his head out into the hallway.
    There was another door to his right and he cracked it open, looking for his hostess. Nothing in there
    but books and papers that were scattered all over the room. He walked past the bathroom door and, as he
    walked into the living room, he found her.
    She lay on the couch sound asleep. A blanket covered her from toes to chin. I can’t believe she took
    the couch and let me have her bed. A gentle smile crossed his face as he moved silently into the room and
    knelt down beside her.
    “Thank you for saving my life, Dezarae Phoenix Kerry. Thank you.” he whispered as his hand trailed
    down the side of her sleeping face, almost—but not quite—touching the skin that was smoother than silk.
    When she moaned softly and tried to burrow deeper into the couch, he reacted. With ease, he slid his
    arms under her and lifted her off the couch and carried her back down the hall to place her in her own bed.
    She never woke.
    After tucking her in, he brushed some wayward curls off her face, staring at her like he couldn’t get
    enough. “Sleep well, my little firebird, sleep well.” Before he did something he couldn’t take back, the man
    with the gray eyes left the room, carrying the blanket she had used on the couch, and took her place.

    11
    CONNELLY’S FLAME
    Aliyah Burke

CHAPTER 3
    Dezarae woke to the sound of a tree branch snapping. Well, we either have an ice storm or it is still
    snowing out. Sitting up, it took a second to realize that she was in her own bed. “What the hell?” Turning on
    the bedside light, she glanced around.
    There was no stranger in her room. She wore the exact clothes she had been wearing when she went
    to sleep on the couch.
    The couch.
    So why was she here? Did I sleepwalk?
    Swinging her feet