Eliza Gayle Witch Bundle (paranormal romance), Eliza Gayle [books suggested by bill gates txt] 📗

“Well, Selene, I don't think that'll be necessary, but you can, however, start with an explanation of what happened.” He watched and waited as she thought about how to explain it. Not many believed the truth so she often lied.

“Pretty simple, really. I rode a little too fast, lost control, and you came along and saved me from becoming roadkill.” She doubted he would understand that a force of dark power slammed into her and nearly incapacitated her. Unless, of course, he was the one responsible. He had to be. The source had radiated from him in an angry wave.

“That simple, huh? His voice vibrated in anger as he waited for the rest of the story. But he would be waiting till hell froze over before she told her secrets to a stranger who obviously had some pretty big secrets himself. ”No explanation for the fire that surrounded you or the fact that my bike just got blown to bits?"

She bristled at his tone. Damn smartass.

“What about you? How did you stop my fall and then pull me and my bike back up, all at a high speed?” She looked him straight in the eye. “Don't get me wrong. I'm extremely grateful, but I can't even begin to understand what happened out there.” Well, that wasn't exactly true. At the institute she had seen some pretty freaky shit. Nothing surprised her these days.

He stared at her for several long moments as they squared off with each other like two rivals over the same prize.

“Well, Selene, it seems we have a bit of a standoff here. How about a truce for now? You keep your secrets and I’ll keep mine.” His deep throaty voice rolled over her like smooth brandy on a cold night. He held out his hand in offering. Afraid to touch him again, she strode over to her bike and picked it up.

“I'll take that truce—I don't even know your name.”

“Cash.”

“Well, Cash, it looks like I owe you a ride. We aren't that far from Boston, why don't we hit it together on my bike? The least I can do is get you someplace that can provide you with a new ride.” Although the thought of him leaning against her on the bike frightened as well as excited her, she really had no other option here. He'd saved her and she wasn't about to leave him stranded here. And if he was someone after her, what better way to keep an eye on him? After all, this wasn't the first time she'd run from her prison and she wouldn't put it past them to get creative with her recapture or death this time.

She’d been repeatedly warned that one more escape would be her last. Her usefulness to them had officially come to an end. Selene shook the recent past from her brain. It was past time to focus on the future—her future.

Now if she could just get the tingling in her body to stop every time she imagined this new stranger touching her…

“I'll drive.” He held out his hand, waiting for the keys and the smart ass comment he was sure would follow. This one had quite an attitude to go along with that chip on her shoulder. That wasn't a problem for him, though. He could totally identify. One black sheep could easily identify another.

“Are you high? Do I look like the kind of person who would allow another to drive her bike? Uh uh. No way. Not gonna happen.”

“I'm sorry, but were you not just about to become roadkill out there before I managed to stop it? Now you think I should let you drive me? Where's the logic in that?”

Lifting her foot to mount the bike, she paused but didn't turn. A sudden blast of heat rushed him, hot but not enough to burn. He'd let her play for now. But if she kept this up he'd be more than happy to teach the little firestarter a lesson. He'd never actually met one of her kind before, so he would be careful not to underestimate her power, but he doubted she could overcome his magick if need be. When it came to fire, his little brother Noah had taught him a trick or two.

Still, caution seemed warranted under the circumstances. She'd lost control of her power after the crash, and if they weren't careful someone could get seriously hurt. For now it was up to him to maintain that control, which meant driving.

Calling for a wisp of his own power, he pushed back in her direction a cold blast of air to cool her down.

She turned to face him. “How did you do that?” Looking into her cool blue eyes, he noticed genuine curiosity.

“Do what?” His lips twitched, holding back a smile. She glared back at him.

“Fine. Don't tell me. But hear this: you will not be driving my bike. Call me obsessive, whatever, but no one's hands other than my own touch those handlebars. If you have a problem with that, then you can stay here and wait. I'll send someone out for you as soon as I reach Boston. That should only be about a four-to-six hour wait. Your choice.”

A smile breached his face as she ended her tirade. Annoyance with him clearly whipped up a strong response. He'd love to test all that passion she exuded in his bed, and wrap his hands in the fiery hair of hers, tugging her head back to expose her throat to his mouth.

He imagined kissing a trail along the neck to the curve of her shoulder before traveling down her torso to the lush curve of breasts that already made his mouth water. With all her heat he'd bet she would have a spicy flavor. Like chocolate with a cayenne pepper kick blended in. One that would burn him alive and make him crave more. His cock twitched in his