Protector Read Free Page B

crossing my arms with a slap as they came together.
    “Reading my thoughts will only get you into trouble.” He tilted his chin, his body straightening as he pushed off the tree.
    I sneered. “Well, you were sharing. It’s a little hard to miss what was coming from your over-active imagination when it was directed at me.” Damn it. Now he neared. I hated that every time he came so close, I turned aggressive. “Stay there.”
    My blustery warning was loud and clear, but he didn’t break stride. “I can’t stop myself. It’s this stupid, stubborn bond. Finding my mate should never have been like this. It obviously shouldn’t have been with a Halfling and someone not of my world.”
    “Amen to that,” I grumbled as he ruthlessly closed in.
    I threw up a hand against his oncoming assault and tried to halt him. Too late.
    My palm hit his chest, his momentum driving me back several steps. Oh boy. I flushed as my aggression instantly dissolved. So strange–when he touched me, the hard emotions promptly disappeared.
    Davio leaned over me, all six foot four of him, his warm honey-brown hair falling forward to curl snugly around his neck, and I longed for him, just as I had during my first sighting of him in the classroom.
    “What’s happening is the bond, my mate. It will become difficult for me to keep my distance both physically and emotionally unless I leave and end this now.”
    My heart hitched. “You want to leave?” I swayed closer on impulse. “Is that how this bond works? We find each other and then you leave?” God preserve his people if it did.
    “No, it is not. Those mated are bonded for life if we allow the link to grow. Except that would be the most unwise choice for us to take. You are, quite clearly, neither from my country nor from my world, and as such will have no allegiance to me or my people. I have no wish to join with one who does not wish to join with me in all ways. With that being the case, I will find another when the time is right. As should you,” he added solemnly.
    I frowned. Hold on–did he just say he would be joining with another woman?
    I bit my tongue. That was good? I should leave it at that, right?
    Jeez, what was wrong with me for questioning that choice?
    “I’m sorry. We just met, and you’re right. Go find your, your–” Strangely, I struggled to get the words out and finally gave up. “Well, have yourself a nice long life, and all that.” I patted his chest roughly.
    That was more like me.
    The clock ticked and time slowed.
    He didn’t move.
    “Look at me.” He tipped up my chin, directly staring at me. “This would never work.”
    “I understand. It’s been pretty awful meeting you too.” I tried to pull my mind from his but found I couldn’t, that I actually detested the thought of letting go.
    Perhaps I’d try physically first. I leaned back, only to feel the pressure of his hand move around my waist to the small of my back, preventing me.
    I moved to grip his arm. “Okay, you were going.”
    This was going to be the world’s fastest breakup–no, non-breakup since we hadn’t even been together. “Let go of me so that can happen.”
    Ultimately, the man was right. Neither of us needed the complication of the other in our life. I didn’t want a bonded relationship, not when I had high school to finish and university on my horizon.
    Releasing me, he clipped his heels together and inclined his head. “Belle will remain another day, and even though she told me you two have a telepathic connection, you should take the opportunity to learn more about your growing skills while she’s here. Afterward, Carlisio will keep an eye on you, and Belle can return as necessary.”
    My brow furrowed as a heavy pressure once again pulsed through my blood. “Sure.” And what was with this mounting strain again? At least when he’d been touching me, skin-to-skin, it had dispersed.
    I inched closer, closing my fingers around his arm, the necessary and instant