Defying the North Wind Read Online Free Page A

sand and urged other Aurae to do the same.” She’d done the same thing at home and her daughters had paid the price. Skye had paid the highest of all. “Now the Venti Tempesta are free and we don’t have the luxury of thinking only of ourselves.” Rayne spun, her chest brushing Luca’s. He hadn’t re-buttoned his shirt and that glorious male chest filled her vision. Damn it, but she was tempted to touch him. “I won’t stand by and watch the world be destroyed just to keep myself safe.”
    “Honorable. Brave.” He raised a hand and brushed his knuckles down her cheek.
    Why did those quiet words from him mean so much? And why did such a simple touch leave desire coiling deep inside her?
    She cleared her throat. “You should keep the ice on longer.” She reached for the pack in his hand. Even in the short time they’d been talking, his bruises looked better.
    “I’m fine.”
    With a nod, she took the pack and carried it back to the tiny sink tucked away near the refrigerator. Again she sensed him behind her even though she hadn’t heard him. The man moved silently.
    This time he crowded in close, his body pressed against her back. He smelled like the cool North Sea.
    “The more I learn about you Rayne, the more I like.”
    She closed her eyes, his hypnotic voice working deep into her system.
    Warm lips pressed against the back of her neck and she shivered. He ran a hand ran down her arm.
    She summoned her voice from her husky throat. “I told you I won’t be a warm body to soothe your vice.”
    His hand cupped her jaw and tilted her head back until those blue eyes met her gaze. “I don’t want to tug those slick pants off you and put my mouth between your legs because I want you to soothe my anger.” His thumb brushed her lips. “I just want you.”
    She couldn’t breathe. Her panties turned damp. She wanted him. She wanted this tough, elegant man, with his handsome face, his power, his dominance.
    But then her gaze fell on his hands. She saw the scars on his fingers and dried blood. Damaged because he let his anger loose.
    She couldn’t. She owed it to herself, to Skye. She couldn’t risk being with him and having that anger take over.
    “We need to focus on Caecius.” She stepped forward and slipped out from under his arm.
    Luca was quiet but she felt the intensity of his gaze. When she glanced up, those cobalt eyes made her feel naked.
    She straightened her shoulders. “I have an idea for a plan. You need to lure him out, right?”
    Luca’s eyes narrowed. “Go on.”
    “I have the perfect bait. Me.”

Chapter Four
    Luca had known rage all his life, but never a fury as cold as what filled him now. “No.”
    Rayne hitched herself up on a countertop. Crossed her legs. “I don’t follow your orders.”
    “You work for me.”
    She waved a hand in the air. “That’s my cover job.”
    He took one menacing step closer. “I could make you do as I say.”
    She shook her head. “I see everyone else bow and scrape to the great Luca Venti. I’m not joining that crowd.”
    A part of him wanted to grab her and turn her over his knee, smack that shapely rump of hers. But he knew it wouldn’t be about punishment, though. It would be all about pleasure.
    She jiggled one foot. “I think the best way is if I openly use my powers. That should get Caecius’s attention.”
    “No.” Luca felt a burn of frustration. Usually that one word worked perfectly for him.
    She paid no attention. “We can set up an ambush. Once he’s noticed me, I can lead him to you.”
    Luca took another step, his hips bumping into her legs. “No.”
    “You know I’m right. It’s not only a good plan, it’s the best plan.” She leaned forward. “Let’s end this. Send Caecius back to his prison before he hurts more people.” Her eyes darkened. “There’s enough violence in this world without the Tempest Winds adding to it.”
    Luca nudged her legs apart and stepped between them. “Who hurt you?”
    She pulled in a