Page 73 of Her Passionate Hero

“Hunter, do you have her?” her grandmother asked.

“Yes. She just had a shock. I’ll take care of her,” he promised as his arms gently tightened. Even now, he was careful of her bruises. “I’m going to get her to bed soon. She still has to meet the book club tomorrow.”

“She should have warm milk now, anyway, the chocolate would keep her up. You’ll make that for her?”

“I will. I promise.”

“Good night, then.”

Hunter didn’t move. He just stood there holding her. She took comfort even though she knew it was wrong. Eventually, enough was enough.

“Let’s go back to the kitchen?”

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“Yeah. After all, this isn’t about me, this is about Darla. I had no reason to be crying. I need to think of a way to be helping her, not in my bedroom having a pity party. That’s ridiculous.”

“Alia, you’re one of the most empathetic people I know. Of course, this would hit you hard.”

She closed her eyes. She pictured the broken locks, then pushed it away.

“Hunter, let’s finish this.” She pushed out of his arms and headed to the kitchen. She picked up the dishes from the table and they clattered as she shoved them into the sink.

“Alia?”

“We have to figure out where Darla is. We need to make sure she’s safe.”

“We’ll do that, Cariña, I promise.”

“You need to find that fucker, Mateo and crush him.”

“That was already on the agenda.” He coaxed her back to the table. “We’re going to use Nicolas to accomplish both of those things. He’s already given us a lead.”

“I don’t want you to use Nicolas. He’s innocent.”

“No, he’s not, mi Cielieto, he’s a member of Los Demonios, and don’t you forget it.”

“I know that,” she dismissed. “But he told you what he’s doing. He’s trying to get people to quit. He’s quietly recruiting people out of the gang. And what are you acting all high and mighty about? You and Zed were gang members too.”

“Right. Don’t canonize any of us. We all have feet made of clay.”

“Hunter, I don’t have any of you up on a pedestal, but I can be pretty damned impressed by all of you. Well, except for Zed, I don’t think he likes me. But you and Nicolas are remarkable.”

Hunter got an odd expression on his face, then picked up her hand, brought it to his mouth and kissed her palm.

“What was that for?” She was dazed.

“For seeing me as who I am.” He paused and cupped the back of her neck. “I see you too. I do. I think you’re a remarkable woman, and I’m blessed to have you in my life.”

Her throat was tight. She couldn’t respond.

He brought her forward and did the most astounding thing. His lips touched hers. She kept her eyes wide open, staring at him, watching as his eyes closed. His other hand came up and cupped her cheek and his lips feathered over her lips, coaxing. Coaxing what? She felt a tingle, a warmth spreading as she followed his lead. She was no longer looking at him. Her hands were gripping his shoulders, and his mouth settled softly on hers, guiding her slowly into a haze of wonder.

She started when she felt his tongue trace her bottom lip, but then the soft caress beguiled her into opening her mouth. Their breath mingled as he deepened their kiss. Oh God, she was kissing Hunter, and it was beautiful. The thought flew away as the tip of his tongue touched hers. She heard a whimper. His big hand moved down to her throat, his thumb sliding over her pulse. He did it again and again as if to calm her, but how could she calm down when his tongue was sliding against hers? She held onto his shoulders for dear life. In the distance, she heard more sounds. Gradually his mouth lifted from hers, and he kissed the side of her mouth, her cheek and then her closed eyelids.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly.

“Oh yes.”