Dangerous Embrace (Embrace #1) Read Free Page B

sure—she had to leave. Pack her bags and leave her home. Again. Oh, God —the thought of running away broke her heart. Especially now that she’d finally found a place she really loved.
    “He can’t get to you,” Mark said, pulling her from her thoughts.
    “I’m sorry?”
    “He won’t get through me.” His jaw tensed and determination flitted across his face. “I’ve already taken precautions to protect you.”
    She stared at him now, holding her breath, not sure she understood what he was telling her.
    He turned back toward the stove, and she focused her eyes on his broad shoulders, trying like hell to make sense out of what he said. She slid off the stool and walked to the stove. He towered over her five feet seven inches by at least another five inches.
    When she leaned against the counter next to him, he glanced at her and then back at the pot.
    “Exactly what precautions are you talking about?”
    “Soup’s ready,” he said, and reached over her head to grab a bowl off the shelf.
    The closeness forced her to back away, but not before she took in his musky, sandalwood scent.
    She walked back to the stool as he placed a bowl of soup down in front of her. “You’re avoiding my question.”
    “I’ll talk, you eat.”
    Sarah took a couple of spoonfuls of soup, and some of her tension melted away. She ate in silence for a few minutes before she glared up at him with one eyebrow arched in question.
    He held his hands out palms up and said, “I didn’t want you to have to worry—let’s just say I took care of some security issues for you.”
    She dropped her spoon, and it sank into the soup when she placed her palms down on the bar, fighting for the courage she needed to put this man in his place. She would not let him act like she was some stupid woman who couldn’t take care of herself. She’d always taken care of herself.
    “Are you ready for your pain meds yet? Now that you’ve eaten they shouldn’t upset your stomach.”
    “No. You need to finish telling me everything so I can protect myself .”
    “Don’t worry. I’ve taken care of your security.”
    “What are you talking about?”
    “I changed your locks.”
    “Oh.” She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. No, not true , she knew exactly how she felt about that—she didn’t like it at all. “Thank you for taking liberties without my permission.”
    “I also installed a security system on your house.”
    “Wait...what? Did I hear that right?” She took in his posture and narrowed her eyes. What an arrogant S.O.B. What made him think she needed him to come in and save her—rescue her like some pathetic little twit?
    She slid off her barstool and paced the length of her kitchen, fighting to keep from screaming in frustration. “So who died and made you God?”
    “Whoa, what’s the problem?”
    She threw her uninjured arm in the air. “You had no right to come into my home and do this. I don’t even know you.”
    “I guess I should have just left you unprotected.”
    She leaned closer to him. “I don’t need a knight in shining armor to come in here and take over.”
    His brows shot up. “Take over—what the hell are you talking about? I’m trying to help. Most people would be grateful.” He leaned in too, getting even closer. “Sorry for considering your safety and not leaving you to deal with it alone.”
    It took everything she had not to retreat from his glare, but she refused to back off. This was her house—her life. “I didn’t sign anything. I didn’t agree to any of this.”
    Mark must have seen a spark of fear in her eyes. His expression softened and he backed off. “You’re right.” He turned his back on her and walked toward the living room. “I’ll take it out. Sorry for inconveniencing you with my help.”
    When the front door opened, she wished for a hole to crawl into—a place where she could be alone and think. If he had intended to make her feel bad, mission accomplished. She had every