Bearly Hers: A Paranormal Bear Shifter Romance Read Online Free

her. One night wouldn’t be enough with a woman like her. No wonder his shifters had fallen so easily. Hell, he probably would have, too, if he didn’t know enough to be wary.
    “I don’t see a problem with one night, if both parties are willing.”
    The pulse in her wrist jumped. “I see.”
    “Except, the rule.” He studied her closely. She played innocent very well.
    “What rule is that?”
    Aware that other men were milling around their table to see if Trey was going to get up and give them any opportunity, probably, he leaned closer to Gia, his arm going around the back of her chair in blatant alpha display. Back the fuck off.
    “After Hours’ rule, about no hooking up after a mixer. You can get banned from attending again if you break it.”
    She looked around, eyeing him to do the same. Couples were paired up here and there, some close and cozy enough that smoke was virtually coming off them. “You can’t tell me some of these people won’t be going home together tonight.” Her voice dipped low. “There’s a way around any rule, right?”
    Bingo. Sure there was, and she’d found it twice already. Taking the bait, Trey wound a strand of her hair around his finger, actually enjoying the contact. “Feeling like a rebel tonight, are you?”
    A small, pleasured sound came from her lips. “You know, I wasn’t until that last glass of champagne.” Glancing down, Gia ran a finger along the tablecloth. “I, um, don’t usually do this sort of thing.”
    How could she seem so fresh and innocent, even as she lured him in? Trey leaned back, sensing he needed to give her a little space to buffer her comfort zone. The way her voice leveled, gave him the impression she might change her mind about him and he couldn’t let that happen.
    “Don’t do what, Gia?”
    She withdrew her hand from his and straightened in her chair. Maybe the alcohol gave her some added courage -- courage that was wearing off. Or, maybe this was part of her game. He waved over a waiter and grabbed a flute of champagne for each of them. A thought popped into his head, one that would give him a little more control over how this went. He wanted to catch Gia in the criminal attempt, sure. But more deeply, he wanted to spend time with her. It was purely selfish, but he couldn’t ignore the need to be with her.
    Because hell if she wasn’t perfect.
    “I’ll tell you what,” he said, his heart taking a painful turn as she looked at him with those wide, beautiful eyes. “Next weekend is our annual family ranching four-day retreat. People come from all over for a little horseback riding, hiking, that kind of stuff. Why don’t you come? Spend a few days as our guest... with me.”
    “Seriously?”
    “Absolutely. Bring a friend, too. One night might be enough for some people, Gia. But I like to take my time, go slow. Get to know you, show you what I have to offer. What better way to do that than to spend a few quality days together?”
    She cocked her head, the movement baring the column of her pale throat. He stifled a groan, his fingers curling with the need to trace the length.
    “I’ll think about it,” she finally replied, looking around the room. Searching for the blonde woman he’d seen her with earlier, probably. “Will you excuse me a moment?” Fuuuck , he’d just scared her off. Mentally kicking himself, he stood as she did. Gia’s hand found his arm, her fingers trailing down to his wrist where they paused over his Rolex. Then she walked off, momentarily swallowed by the crowd. Holding himself back from following her, mostly to keep the swarm of men away, Trey tracked her movements. Sure enough, she sided up to her friend. Within moments, men surrounded the two women. He had enough of a visual to see Gia flirt and laugh her way through the lot of them before finally breaking away.
    Irritation clutched him hard. One moment, she seemed completely innocent. The next, she was a vixen with more than enough capability of