Embracing Silence Read Free Page A

Adrian intimidated all other men and they couldn’t handle the pressure of sleeping with the leader’s adopted sister.
    It had been several years since she’d had sex. She’d had offers. The most recent from a fellow tracker. Sandor was handsome enough but there was no spark between them and she’d turned him down. He’d taken her rejection well enough, but she’d been careful not to be alone with him. She found it hard to trust most men. It was nothing personal.
    She didn’t miss sex, not the act itself. What she missed was the closeness after sex, the few moments of being held securely in a man’s arms.
    It was a weakness, and one that could be used against her. She’d decided it was much easier to be alone. At least that’s what she told herself as she lay alone in her cold bed night after night.
    She released a tiny sigh. She was certainly in a strange mood tonight. She rarely thought about her childhood or the lack of a relationship in her life. There was definitely something in the air.
    It was time to go home.
    Swiveling on her heel, she started toward the opening at the end of the alley. She’d had enough tonight. Tomorrow she would begin again.
    There was no warning, no sound. A huge forearm suddenly wrapped around her midsection and another banded across her throat, cutting off her supply of air.
    She kicked back at her attacker, while slamming her head toward his face. The two simultaneous moves should have loosened his hold. He countered each move so quick it was as though she’d never made them.
    His hold tightened, making it harder for her to breathe. Blackness tinged the edges of her vision. The entrance to the alley was merely a few steps away. It tempted her, taunted her. Now she knew why she’d had such strange thoughts about her childhood, Adrian and her life in general.
    She was going to die.
    Killed at the hands of an unknown assassin. Her only consolation was that her death would alert Adrian to the danger and he would be able to take the necessary precautions to protect himself and the people who depended on them.
    She clawed at the arm pinned against her throat, but it was protected, covered in leather. Her movements became more sluggish as the blood supply to her brain dwindled. Still, she couldn’t quit fighting.
    Silence thought she heard a male swear. The thought that she was making this difficult on him made her smile.
    Then darkness swarmed up and consumed her, swallowing her whole.

Chapter Two
     
    Tienan swore under his breath as he checked the woman’s pulse. It was weak and thready, but it was there. She’d fought silently and with tenacity and quickness. He admired the fact that she hadn’t given up, but it had almost cost her life. He’d loosened his hold long enough to depress a pressure point on her neck. He’d had to be careful. Too light and she wouldn’t pass out. Too hard and he’d kill her.
    She felt insubstantial in his arms as he carried her into the decrepit building behind him, her slight weight a contradiction to the fighter she was. He’d planned to sling her over his shoulder as he hauled her inside, keeping his hands free to help him maneuver among the ruins. Instead, he cradled her in his arms. The need to protect her and keep her safe overrode all else.
    The smell of honey and soap wafted up from her still form and he buried his face in the curve of her neck and inhaled. His cock stirred, pressing against the zipper of his leather pants. It was painful, but he welcomed the small hurt. It was a reminder that he was still alive and human. Sometimes he had his doubts.
    He carried her through the rubble, stepping over downed beams, piles of brick and other debris as he made his way to the staircase. Holding her with one arm, he yanked open the door and stepped inside. Darkness met him. But with his superior eyesight he could see well enough to navigate the stairs. Closing the door behind him, he made his way to the basement, his cargo held carefully in