Her Wild Protector (Paranormal Romance) (13 page)

“Part of what you felt was because I used my Metamorph power. My energy form can allow us access to each other’s feelings. I usually don’t employ it during sex, but with you, I couldn’t help it. I wanted to see how you felt about me.”

“And what did you find out?” Tara looked into his eyes and saw tenderness and vulnerability.

“That you don’t think I’m a monster,” he said softly. “You care about me, for who I am, for all of my parts. You’re not afraid of me and you’re willing to accept what I am. You don’t view me as an animal. You see my power as an asset, a blessing that can be used for good.”

It was true, she realized. That was how she saw Marshall. He was a decent man, trying to do his job to the best of his ability. The fact that he had an animal and another persona joined with him did not seem terribly abnormal to her. Everyone had multiple identities buried within them, Marshall was just able to project his in the physical form.

He had feelings for her, of that she was certain, but how strong? Were those feelings of deep intimacy she felt when they made love because he cared about her, or did he just feel an obligation to protect her, despite what he said?

Tara bit her lip. They were running out of time. “I don’t want you to do this, to throw away your life, just because you feel like you created this problem. I don’t need you to save me. I can get protection if I go back to Florida. I’m not going to be a stone around your neck.”

Marshall took her hands and squeezed them tight. “I’m going to allow you a glimpse into my emotions, so you can see what I’m thinking and feeling right now. Because of what happened to you, you’re an enhanced receiver for my energy conduction. That’s why our night together was so intense. Now, close your eyes and concentrate.”

Tara did. She knew the instant a connection was made. All the sounds around her disappeared and a warm glow flowed through her body. An overwhelming burst of joy filled her heart. This was what Marshall felt for her, she realized. This was his soul opening to her. Tara’s heart turned over and she gasped out loud at the sheer wonder of the sensation.

During their lovemaking he’d shown her alternating tenderness and intense passion. Now, those feelings were multiplied. He desired her and not just her body. He wanted her heart and soul, joined to him. He wanted to spend time with her, to get to know her intimately. He wanted to please her, to make her smile and laugh. He appreciated who she was and reveled in the knowledge that she cared for him, too.

Along with his desire came other emotions. The pain he’d felt as a young man trying to keep his family together, the sorrow he experienced every day because he so desperately wanted to live a normal life. Anger and disappointment at an organization he’d trusted. Threads of loneliness flowed through his soul but interwoven with those was hope. Hope that she would become part of his life, that he would be able to experience love.Her arms vibrated with the current passing between them. She dropped his hands and opened her eyes, wet with tears. “You
do
care about me. You’re not just trying to protect me, you want me in your life.”

“I do, very much so. I want to be with you. I want us to both come out of this together, to have a life with each other. What I feel for you…” He stopped.

This time, she took
his
hand with one of hers and grabbed her suitcase with the other.

Danger be damned, she decided. This is what she wanted in life—this feeling of love and connection. It didn’t come without some risk, she realized. It was time to take a chance.

“I know what you feel for me. It’s in my heart now. Come on, we have a plane to catch.”

* * * * *

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Naomi lives in sunny Florida with the love of her life and a magical calico cat. She writes for various fiction and non-fiction markets, but finds she is drawn to romance because her characters insist on canoodling and falling madly in love. So she lets them. She takes the opportunity to play, have fun and indulge in the pursuit of passion whenever possible. Visit her at
www.naomibellina.com
.

eISBN-13: 978-1-4603-3081-4

HER WILD PROTECTOR

Copyright © 2014 by Naomi Bellina

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