Craig's Heart Read Free

before he started the damn machine. He obviously needed to get some real sleep and not just catnap an hour or two at his desk. But with his siblings gone, he had the entire building to himself once the gallery on the ground floor closed up for the day, and he’d taken the time to get some real work done.
    He looked around the kitchen and living room and noted the fine layer of dust that had settled over the furniture. It was definitely time to call in the cleaning service again. He did his best to keep things up, but at times like these, it was easier to call in the professionals.
    “Shower. Food.” These were what he needed. He walked down the short hallway, ignored his office and went into his bedroom. The bed was unmade, the hunter-green comforter half on the floor. He hadn’t slept in the thing for a couple nights now. Once he got immersed in his work it took a lot to drag him away.
    “It was worth it,” he muttered as he emptied the pockets of his jeans before stripping them off and tossing them into the laundry hamper. His shirt followed. Clad only in boxers and sports socks, he padded into the bathroom and turned on the shower.
    While the water heated, he studied himself in the mirror. His eyes were a bit bloodshot, but other than that he looked normal. His memory went back to his early days in Chicago. He’d been skinnier then. Leaner. A regular workout routine and sparring with his brother and brother-in-law had helped him bulk up some. It had been a matter of self-defense. They were both half-breed werewolves and much stronger than he’d ever be. It was build some muscle or get the crap beaten out of him in their training sessions. He’d opted to get stronger.
    He tossed his glasses onto the vanity and stripped out of the rest of his clothes before stepping under the hot spray. He groaned when the water pounded his sore muscles. He leaned forward, pressing his hands against the tile, letting the heat ease the stiffness in his neck and shoulders.
    When the water started to cool, he grabbed the soap and lathered his body from head to toe before rinsing. Then he gave his hair a quick wash. The water was almost cold by the time he turned it off. He grabbed a towel and ran it quickly over his body before wrapping it around his waist.
    He shoved his glasses on and rubbed his heavily stubbled jaw, studying his reflection. He really needed to shave, but he needed food worse than he needed a smooth jaw. His stomach growled again as though in agreement. Still, if he decided to stop into Haven, he didn’t want to look too disreputable.
    Better to just get it done. He shoved in the stopper and filled the sink with water. He shaved quickly and managed to nick his jaw only once. Satisfied he looked better, he slapped some lotion on his skin, ignoring the slight burning sensation from the tiny cut.
    Craig padded back to the bedroom and tossed the damp towel onto the hardwood floor. He pulled on clean boxer briefs, socks, jeans and a plain black T-shirt. He’d rather not have to get dressed and go out, but he also knew there was nothing edible left in his cupboards and he was starving. He almost left the towel on the floor, but at the last second, picked it up and carried it back into the bathroom to hang it over the rod to dry.
    He grabbed his phone, wallet and keys off the dresser and stuffed them into his jeans pockets before heading for the front door. He pulled on a pair of boots and slipped on his leather jacket. Craig locked the door behind him and hurried down the stairs.
    Haven was just down the road. He really should stop in and visit with Meredith and the rest of the crew. Or he could go see Damek. The fact that his best friend was a vampire still surprised him even after all this time. And not just any vampire, but an ancient, powerful one. Damek owned and ran Inhibitions—a club in the Fulton River District—and would be there tonight. He was there for a while every night.
    Craig pushed open the door and