Temptation's Heat Read Free

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    “My great-great-grandfather,” Scarlet said softly from his side.
    He looked down at her, catching a whiff of old-fashioned roses, like the kind his grandmother had grown. Under the scent was something muskier and sensual that he couldn’t place.
    “He founded the Alliance,” Rowen said, almost choking on the desire moving through his veins.
    “Actually, that’s not entirely true,” Scarlet refuted.
    “It’s a historical fact of the Alliance,” Rowen said tightly, although the correction didn’t dampen his lust. “One we all learn in Modern History of Peripheral Organizations.”
    “Yes, well, Raum was my great-great-grandfather. And I know for a fact that the Alliance was already in existence when he joined. He did, however, found the Shadowguard. It’s because of him that the Alliance finally put a premium on fighting the Legion at all.” He caught the pride in her voice. “Before he came to New York, the descendants were content to sit back and wait for the Legion to violate the Treaty. We were all defense before Raum.”
    She continued down the hall. Rowen, feeling oddly intoxicated, followed her scent. He sucked in a breath. He needed to get his shit together. He was acting like a damn puppy.
    She stopped at a large wood door near the end of the hallway, pulling a gold chain threaded with keys from inside her blouse. He had the sudden image of her pendant, nestled between the creamy swell of her breasts, and had to force himself to look away.
    “These will be your quarters while you’re here.” She opened the door. “We all have a bedroom, private bath, sitting room, and small kitchenette. There’s a larger kitchen and living area downstairs.”
    “Are we permitted to live elsewhere?” he asked. “Providing it’s nearby, of course.”
    “It’s discouraged unless you’re married. Then you have to live elsewhere, unless your spouse is also a member of the Guard.”
    He raised his eyebrows. “Does that happen?”
    “Not yet.”
    “So there aren’t rules against … fraternization?” The question escaped his lips before he could think about it.
    He wondered if it was his imagination that she blushed. “Not explicitly. No.”
    “But?” Rowen prodded.
    She shook her head. “Nothing. I just think it’s a bad idea. I don’t do it, and I think anyone that does is asking for trouble.” She gave him a tight smile. “But that’s just me. You should feel free to do what you want. Eva is single.”
    “Eva?”
    Scarlet shrugged. “She’s the only other female here. Unless you’re interested in Lily, and she’s not really part of the Guard. She prefers baking over fighting.”
    “I’m not interested in your sister. Or Eva.” It came out harsher than he’d intended, and he was suddenly aware that they were only inches away, her musky scent working its way into his veins. He was glad they were still in the hallway. He wouldn’t have wanted the temptation of being alone with her in his new quarters.
    She bit her lower lip, and he was consumed with the desire to plunder her mouth, to suck on the fullness of her lips, to feel her body move under his, her bare breasts pressed against his chest.
    “Anyway,” she said. Was it his imagination that she was breathless? “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around. If you need anything, use the phone in your room to dial 0. Lily’s the best concierge in town. She’ll see that you have anything you need.”
    She brushed against him as she left, setting his skin on fire.

Six
    By the time seven o’clock rolled around, Scarlet couldn’t escape Guard headquarters fast enough.
    It was bad enough that Rowen Black had rendered her speechless. It’s not like that happened very often. But her physical reaction to him was enough to send her over the edge.
    Shallow breathing? Check.
    Lightheadedness? Check.
    Elevated body temperature? Double check.
    He wasn’t even her type. So he was gorgeous. His reputation said he was also self-centered and