She didn’t dare obey him. His voice was every bit as husky as hers. Predatory. Hungry. She tried to shake her head, to tell him it wasn’t a good idea, but he was down the walkway and leaning into her car to unhook her seat belt. He simply lifted her into his arms, pulling her right out of the car and striding back to his house. Into the house.

She felt his hands burning like brands where he touched her. She clung to him, staring into his eyes, shocked at his behavior. All the while that burn got hotter until she was afraid she’d burst into flames. He slammed the door behind them and put her down, leaving her breathless. Her breasts heaving. Her stomach rolling. Damp heat spreading like wildfire between her legs.

“Take off your shoes.” It was a clear order, delivered in a harsh, rough voice that seemed to stroke her skin and leave behind flames.

She licked her lips, looking up at him. She was in way over her head, but he was so compelling she couldn’t move.

Impatient, a snarl on his face, he bent to the pale green strappy sandals and undid them, lifting her leg to force her to step out of them. She backed away from him on bare feet, unsure what to do.

“I’m not supposed to be in here. In your house,” she blurted stupidly.

2

ELIJAH stalked toward her. Siena backed up at the fury gathering in his eyes. It was so intense, the room smoldered with his temper. She had no idea why he was angry, but when her back hit the wall, she gave a small cry and turned to flee the house. Elijah smacked the wall hard, his hands on either side of her body, caging her in.

“I’ll just bet you’re not supposed to come in the house,” he hissed, his body utterly still. His eyes were so focused on her, she felt pinned beneath his stare. Mesmerized. His prey. Unable to move.

One hand came up to her hair, his fingers going to the elastic holding her ponytail in place. He dragged it out and sifted his fingers through it. “Soft as it looks. Is your skin as fuckin’ soft as it looks?”

She couldn’t look away from his eyes. His pupils were nearly gone. His breath was an invitation. And then his fist was in her hair, dragging her head back. Her heart stuttered. Pounded. A dark whisper of a thrill crept down her spine. Her breasts swelled. Ached. Her sex clenched. Burned. She couldn’t look away from his eyes, mesmerized by the hunger there and a dark lust so intense, her own hunger escalated.