Radiance Read Online Free Page A

pull deep in her chest toward a man who’d already insisted he wouldn’t love her. 
    You’re a foolish woman and you’ll get exactly what you deserve. 
    She didn’t know how long he kissed her and had no memory of lifting her hands to stroke through his hair.  The instant her fingers met the silken strands, his hold around her tightened. 
    With one arm, he kept her secure.  She felt the hand of the other pet from her hair to her ass.  Squeezing once, he returned to deconstructing her with his lips and teeth and tongue. 
    Unwilling to question the warmth and physical contact her best friends had inspired her to crave, she pressed her body more firmly against his. 
    Harper’s kiss made her wonder what else he could show her.  She stopped the train of thought and broke the kiss. 
    Gray eyes that seemed darker with his passion stared into hers.  “Ten months, Gabriella.  Then nothing will stop me from discovering if the rest of you is as addictive.” 
    Planting kisses along her jaw, he whispered at her ear, “Get better quickly.  Let me know if there’s anything you need.” 
    Returning to her lips, he kissed her again roughly.  With a final hug, he lowered her gently into her chair and held her face in his palms. 
    For a long time, they stared at one another in silence.  “I understand Winters’ protectiveness toward you.” 
    “Okay.”  Her mind was in chaos.
    “Rest, Gabriella.”  It was no less than an order.
    Harper left and she caught a glimpse of Elijah in the hallway before the door closed and locked behind them. 
    To her empty apartment, she muttered, “Oh shit.” 
    * * *
    Elijah felt as if he’d stumbled from a dark cave into full sunlight.  Brie was spectacular. 
    As Harper exited her apartment, he saw the shell-shocked expression on her face and knew he’d kissed her. 
    “She agreed to an arrangement when she’s released from medical care,” he said smugly as they stepped into the elevator.
    Frowning, Elijah stared at him.  “After all she said to us, you seek nothing more than sex from her?” 
    It made his blood boil.
    “What else would I seek, Elijah?”  He shook his head.  “She makes you behave like a lovesick teenager.”  Their eyes met as he stilled.  “I…didn’t mean that.” 
    “Yes.  You did.”  He faced forward.  “I seek more than sex from Brie.  You’re fixated on keeping score with Winters.” 
    “I want to know why he guards her so fiercely.” 
    Once inside Harper’s apartment, he answered, “It’s because she’s kind and giving.  She set a chain of events in motion that made him see Natalia as he was meant to see her.” 
    At the door to his room, he added, “He guards her because she does not guard herself and he knows the world is harsh and unforgiving of gentleness.” 
    Alone, he removed the sketch Brie did and smiled. 
    There was no doubt he wanted her sexually…but she offered so much more. 

Chapter Two
     
    When Hudson entered her apartment several hours later, Brie sat staring at the sculpture. 
    “You’re alright?”  His tone told her he’d waited as long as he could to check on her.
    She nodded but didn’t meet his eyes.  “Off balance but okay.”  Over the hours she’d been staring at the whale, she’d found so many lovely little details she hadn’t noticed.  “Hudson?”
    “Yes, Brie?” 
    “I don’t think I’m strong enough.” 
    He lowered to the couch beside her and lifted her hand.  “You were strong enough for me.” 
    Meeting his eyes, she whispered, “You’re just different .  I know you don’t believe it when I tell you but…you’re gentle.  Once I got past the sharp exterior, it was so easy to see.  You would never hurt me.” 
    “I hurt you, Brie.” 
    “Never intentionally, never to be mean.” 
    For a long moment, he stared into her eyes.  “You’re afraid?” 
    “Terrified.” 
    “Tell me why.” 
    Swallowing hard, she said, “It would have been