His Untamed Desire Read Free Page A

was dancing with, slapped Hector’s shoulder when he saw him. “Hey, man. How you doing?”
    Hector couldn’t look at him. He was afraid if he did, he’d do something he’d regret. His behavior was completely irrational, but he was okay with that. His inner jaguar was feeling possessive and he rarely fought his instincts. “Find a new dance partner,” he growled before clasping Daphne’s hips and pulling her close. Her dress was silky smooth against his fingers.
    Jessie protested for half a second, but Hector completely tuned him out as Daphne moved into his arms, pressing her breasts against his chest.
    If she’d resisted he would have let her go, but she melted against him, immediately linking her fingers behind his neck. The surprise on her face was evident, but it was clear she didn’t mind what he’d done.
    He loved how tall she was. Her body fit against his perfectly and as she swayed to the hypnotic beat, he could imagine how she would move on top of him. She’d pulled her long, straight black hair into a tight ponytail that showed off her sharp cheekbones. But he wanted to see her hair down, cascading around her as she rode him.
    Even though she was holding on to him, she still eyed him with curiosity and a touch of nervousness. “Why did you do that?”
    â€œI don’t want anyone touching you but me.” The admission surprised him even as he spoke the words, but he wouldn’t take them back. It was the truth.
    Her eyes widened and she opened her mouth once, but then her lips pulled into a half smile as if what he’d said pleased her. Closing her eyes, she moved in a sensuous rhythm against him. He was glad she didn’t want to talk because he wasn’t sure he could formulate any words at the moment. Not when she was pressed so close. Holding her like this calmed him in a way he didn’t completely understand.
    Song after song played and she never left his arms. A few other males from her pack had eyed her with obvious intent, but she’d latched on to him and ignored everyone else. That alone soothed his inner jaguar.
    When the band eventually stopped playing, he was loath to release her. But the bar was closing in fifteen minutes and everyone would be clearing out soon. He walked her back to the table where her two friends were busy talking to two males. One human, one lupine shifter. Good, at least he wouldn’t have a rapt audience in case she rejected him.
    Daphne picked up her jacket, but instead of putting it on, she held it close to her chest, wrapping her arms around her body almost as if she was shielding herself from him. Her expression was shuttered and he couldn’t get a read on her. That was like a jolt to his senses. He didn’t want her pulling away from him.
    â€œI want to see you again, Daphne.” His voice sounded raspy and uneven. There was no way she could miss it.
    She bit her bottom lip in the way she’d always done when she was nervous or unsure. “I . . . don’t know.”
    For a brief moment he wondered if she was playing games, but the sense he got from her was real. She seemed unsure of herself. Or maybe him.
    â€œHow about dinner tomorrow night?” He wanted to lock down a time and place with this sexy woman. Hector wasn’t stupid. Half the males in the bar tonight had been checking her out. She’d just moved home and would have her pick of any man she wanted. He wanted that male to be him and he was willing to fight for her. She was one of the sweetest, most giving people he’d ever met.
    â€œUm . . .”
    â€œShe’d love to,” her blond human friend said, a sly grin on her face.
    Daphne gave her friend an annoyed glare, but she nodded at Hector. “I would. I don’t live at the mansion anymore. I have my own place, so you can pick me up or I can meet you somewhere.”
    â€œI’ll pick you up.” That was a