“The law didn’t stop Robert from hitting me, sleeping with my stepsister and trying to steal my money.”
“I’m not your husband. It will take time for you to learn and trust in that, which is why I’m not taking offense. Do you like Kirk and Runt? Did you suspect they were after your money?”
“No. I offered to pay them to bring me to Churchill. They rejected my offer without knowing anything about me.” They hadn’t had time to check her out, she realized, and it hadn’t bothered them.
“I’m the oldest brother, and as such, I’m responsible for my younger siblings. I don’t want to see them get hurt. I’m protecting myself,” he added. “And my siblings. You’re shivering. Get in bed before you catch a chill.”
A nippy cold pebbled her skin with goose bumps, the thick rug beneath her feet useless when it came to keeping her toes warm. She crept closer and dived beneath the covers. He chuckled and drew her against his chest. His muscular torso radiated heat. She gave up her inner fight and wrapped herself around him, thankful for the heat radiating off his big body.
“It’s time for my kiss,” he announced, the warm air from his breath tickling her ear.
“You said I was safe in your bed.”
“I told you I intended to claim a kiss. Kirk and Runt heard me state my intentions.”
“I…um…”
Her brain snootily told her she’d crept into the Slut neighborhood since meeting the Swenson brothers. The tiny brave voice in her head—the new, adventurous woman—fought back, reminding her that no one seemed to judge. A stranger to Churchill, she intended to stay for a brief time. There was no reason not to indulge in her fantasies.
“Okay,” she whispered.
He chuckled again, his amusement riling her until he rolled their bodies. She scrutinized his features—the scruff on his jawline and chin, his piercing brown eyes and the strands of his long blond hair. Her muscles tensed and dampness surged at her core. Breathless with sudden need, she waited for him to speak.
“You’ve kissed my brothers. All of them. Their scents linger on you.”
She puffed up with indignation. “I had a shower.”
“Shush. You don’t stink. I don’t mean that.”
“What do you mean?”
“Your scents have intertwined. Shush. That’s a good thing. The bears know what they’re doing. It worried me at first, but now that I’ve met you, I’m certain.”
“Certain? What be—”
His mouth covered hers in a greedy kiss. Hot and passionate, it drove every rational thought from her mind. Instead of shoving away, she clutched his shoulders and hung on for the crazy ride. Passion swarmed through her. Heady desire. This man kissed with expertise, and his intense focus shoved her libido toward Crazy Town. Her fingers crept into his hair and tangled with the long locks, holding him close.
He pulled back a fraction and stared into her eyes. “So sweet and luscious. Better than I imagined.” His hand ran down her torso, skimming her breast. She gasped, desire taking control of her body, taking control of her sanity.
“I need… I want…” Much more than a kiss. There, she’d admitted it to herself.
“What do you need, sweetheart?”
“I want…” She swallowed her fears. “I want you,” she said in a rush.
“Shush, sweetheart. Let me make it better.”
Before she could reply, he’d whipped off the T-shirt, leaving her naked. A slow smile eased his serious expression. “I suspected you’d be pretty, the perfect match for me.”
The smile, the glow in his eyes, told her he meant every word. “Robert…he told me I needed to lose weight.”
The easy charm slipped from his face, leaving him stern and scary. His jaw firmed and icy anger settled in his gaze. “I will only say this once. In my eyes, you’re perfect. I don’t want a skinny woman who I can snap like a twig. I want curves to cushion me when I fuck you hard. I want someone strong and robust who can handle anything I chuck at them. Your Robert, he had no vision. No smarts. You’re smart and pretty and spunky. You’re not thrown by the unexpected. You’re adventurous. I like that in a woman. Your idiot ex has lost a priceless gift. He’s too dumb to realize the extent of his loss. Now, if I hear a word from you about diets or you saying you’re fat or any such shit, I’ll spank you.”
She couldn’t help it. She laughed because these men wore integrity and kindness like a second skin. With Robert she’d been constantly on edge, fearful of reacting in the wrong way and earning a heap of abusive putdowns. The Swenson brothers were so easy after a high maintenance man like her ex.
A tic sprang to life on the left side of his kissable mouth. “I’m not joking.”
His big hand slid over her naked backside. A nervous giggle escaped her and she wriggled away but stopped on seeing his expression. Her backside—at least the size of it—had offended Robert mightily. Leif’s hand did another slow pass over her ample flesh and hummed with approval when she remained relaxed.
