Skin Deep Read Free

someone.”
    Harsh pounding sounded on Angelique’s front door, making Kira nearly jump out of her skin. Connor spun on his heel, blocking the doorway and staring into the other room. “Were you expecting anyone?”
    “No.”
    Kira’s claws bit into Angelique’s skin just hard enough to hurt. A low rumble vibrated along her back.
    Connor looked back at her with intensity in his eyes. The loud knocking resumed. He straightened his shoulders, becoming impossibly tall, and walked toward the door.
    “Wait, what if—”
    “What if what? What if it’s a burglar knocking on the door?” he asked, humor warming his voice but not stopping his determined stride. “I’d say he has good manners.”
    She threw her arms in the air and sighed. “Fine.”
    He stiffened when he reached the door. His gaze cut to her. “No matter what you hear or see, it isn’t how it seems. Remember that.” With that cryptic message, he turned the doorknob.
    She opened her mouth to question him, but a sharp surge of energy smashed into her from the entrance. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, and she edged closer. Kira crouched on her stomach as if ready to pounce. A platinum blonde with a super-small waist and long, long legs stood in her doorway. The woman’s attention landed first on Connor, then slid to Angelique. Intense anger poured from the woman in hot waves.
    Connor braced a hand on each side of the doorway and leaned forward. “What the hell are you doing here?”
    “I could ask you the same thing.” The woman’s sharp voice bit into Angelique’s strained nerves. The blonde’s nose twitched, and her eyes narrowed on Angelique like a predator on its prey. “What’s that stench? You certainly don’t know how to pick good perfume.”
    Kira’s nails sank in deeper, and Angelique cried out, stumbling against the wall. Dampness trailed down her back. Tension thrummed through her familiar. Aware of what she’d done, Kira withdrew her claws and paced.
    Connor’s glare snapped to Angelique. He jogged the distance between them and lifted her into his arms before she realized what he’d done.
    No, he couldn’t be so close with Kira this agitated.
    The door shut behind them, and Angelique scowled at the women for letting herself in.
    “Leave here, Monica,” Connor growled. It sounded like a noise Kira would make…except different. More…canine? “What happened, Angelique?” He stared down at her, his voice filled with concern. The look in his eyes reflected the same. “You’re bleeding.”
    “I’m fine.” She peeked over his shoulder to see the woman, Monica, heading in their direction. Something about her made Angelique and Kira feel very apprehensive. “Who is that?”
    Connor grimaced, and his gaze hardened. “Someone I know. Let’s get you taken care of, and I’ll talk to her.” He cast a glance at the woman. “Outside.”
    Monica crossed her arms over her chest and stayed where she was, which, thankfully, wasn’t anywhere closer. “Who the fuck is that, Connor? Why are you dressed up? Are you cheating on me?”
    Connor had some explaining to do. This woman had barged into Angelique’s home, accusing him of cheating, and Angelique didn’t particularly enjoy feeling like the other woman. No, she refused to get caught in their little lover’s spat. He shouldn’t have even come if what Monica said was true. Yet from the way Connor acted and what he’d said before he’d answered the door… She wanted to trust him, but she found it hard to compare to Monica’s supermodel beauty.
    Angelique’s uneasiness skyrocketed, and nausea washed over her. Kira crouched as if ready to stretch out of Angelique’s skin and take shape, but Angelique shoved energy at her to shut her down before she had the chance. Despite her effort, Kira still managed to slash out with a claw, and from Connor’s flinch, Angelique could tell she’d snagged him.
    Connor stared down at her with a raised eyebrow. “Why did you