Hold On! - Season 1 Read Online Free

terrifying and utterly remarkable experience of her life, there was something about him that made her feel safe. She tried to speak, but the shock of the night finally took its toll. “W-what is . . . ? What . . . ?” Her lips quivered and she broke down.
    He hurried across to her and held her tightly. “It’s all right. Just let it go.”
    She quivered as she tried to get her words out. “What is y . . . ?”
    “Excuse me?”
    She looked up at him again. As he wiped the tears from her eyes, she held his gaze for a painfully uncomfortable moment. She felt drawn to him, even though he was a stranger, and she had no reason to trust him. Her hands were still trembling with residual fear, and her heart ached for the comfort of an embrace.
    Caution was no longer a factor. She took the initiative, grasped the back of his head, and touched her lips to his. But he was unexpectedly hesitant.  Surprised by how surprised he was, she slowly drew away.
    She was momentarily caught in an ambivalence of disappointment and relief. The way he drew away caused her to feel more secure with him than ever. His resistance did, at least, prove he wasn’t a sexual predator or an opportunist. “What is your name?” she finally managed, realizing she’d been too rattled to ask him earlier.
    He smiled warmly. “Brandon. Brandon Drake.”
    “But . . . who are you?”
    “There’ll be time for all that tomorrow. For now, I just want . . . no, I need you to know you’re going to be safe here. Please, trust me.”
    She nodded. The last time he’d said those words to her, he’d followed by saving her life. Why wouldn’t he have just left her on the roof, or even pushed her off if she couldn’t trust him?
    He made his way over to the liquor cabinet, took out a bottle of vodka and a crystal-cut glass, and handed her the glass. It was as though he was doing everything he could to make her feel comfortable.
    “Thank you,” she said.
    After unscrewing the bottle, he poured her a shot. “Would you like some tonic with that?”
    “No, but I wouldn’t mind another shot. Or two.”
    He gave her a rather generous splash. The glass was almost half full by the time he’d finished. She consumed the entire contents in one mouthful.
    He walked into the bedroom, returned with a pillow and a blanket, and laid them out across the leather couch.
    “Is that for me?” she said.
    “No, this is for me. You take the bed. You look like you need some serious rest.”
    She looked at him, bemused. His kindness and generosity were beyond what she’d been used to. “Why are you doing this for me?”
    “Couldn’t very well have left you out in the snow, now could I?”
    She felt sleepy. The vodka had affected her rapidly.
    “Look, I think you need to get some sleep,” he said, as though noticing her weary eyes.
    She needed no further prompting. He took the empty glass from her and led her to the bedroom door, but didn’t go in with her.
    “Try to get some rest.” He closed the door.
    Belinda looked around the bedroom. It had a bathroom in the far left corner. There was also the faint hint of a man’s antiperspirant, but she couldn’t tell which brand. The bedroom was warm and snug and the bed looked delicious—but terribly empty. A part of her still wished he hadn’t been such a gentleman.
    She stripped down to her bra and panties, switched off the light, and climbed into bed. Emotionally exhausted and slightly drunk, she couldn’t stop the questions from flooding her mind. Maybe in the morning she’d learn some answers.
     
    Brandon gazed at the bedroom door with uncertainty. Why had he brought her to the cabin? His life depended upon it remaining a secret. What was he going to do about his beautiful guest?
    He removed his combat attire and picked up his jeans and a shirt from beside the sofa. As the minutes ticked by, he realized how much he wanted Belinda to stay with him, but he was uncomfortable with it. He stood to lose so much if she was to