The Guardian of My Soul (Soul's Desire) Read Online Free Page A

reality.
    “I do miss having someone near me at night and holding me close, but the person who made me happy is no longer around. Just anybody won’t do, Kris. When you give yourself to someone, he needs to be the love of your life. Your father was everything to me.” Her sad tone pulled me out of my reverie. I turned to study her, wishing we could return to happier days.
    “I think Dad would have wanted you to be happy. You’re not bound to live the rest of your life alone, unless of course you choose to do so.” No one could ever replace my father, but I was willing to accept whoever would complete her life. I couldn’t help but wonder if she’d afford me the same courtesy, not that I had anyone in mind.
    Her brow creased slightly and I wondered what was going through her mind. Finally she spoke, “I have to tell you, Kristen...I’m not anxious for you to settle down, but it makes me nervous when you wander around with all kinds of dubious people. Don’t you think it’s time you found yourself a decent boyfriend? I’m constantly worried when you’re out and about. If you were with someone I could trust, I’d feel better about it all.” She had stopped eating completely and pushed the tray to the end of the bed.
    “Mom, my friends are not dubious. I can take care of myself. The point is I never have any privacy. There’s no need for your men to follow me around. Megan and Ana are from well to do families and they aren’t encumbered with bodyguards all the time.”
    “I don’t want to argue about this. You know it’s for your own safety, Kristen.”
    Two more days and I’ll be twenty-one! Two more days and I’ll be twenty-one! I repeated to myself over and over again like a mantra. “I know,” I answered, straightening up. “Even though nothing bad is going to happen to me.”
    Knowing she had won the battle, if not the war, Mother dropped the subject. “I should let you sleep now. Tomorrow afternoon we’re going to the spa for a few hours of pampering and relaxation before your big day.” She kissed my forehead. “Good night, Kristen.”
    “Night, Mom,” I murmured, hugging Fred to my chest. Sometimes I felt like I was the one on a leash.

    *  *  *

    In the morning, the smell of hot pancakes and maple syrup woke me. Sitting up in bed, I stretched and yawned, enjoying the enticing aroma. My mouth watered at the sight of my favorite breakfast waiting for me on the desk. It made me forget the disturbing dream I had and the throbbing need it left in me. Night after night I was teased by nocturnal fantasies of the same faceless man. They had me tossing and turning in my bed, needing an intimacy I was determined to resist.
    Mentally, I thanked Gilda and dragged myself out of bed to eat. She was such a good cook. In minutes there was nothing left on the plate. I would have wanted to ask her to teach me to cook, but Mother had discouraged me. She’d said there were many more important things I could be doing with my time. Learning to cook will be something I’ll reward myself with when I become my own person. Folding my napkin, I felt deliciously full. Only the thought of meeting Jacob downstairs put a damper on my good mood. Reluctantly, I put on my workout clothing and headed to the gym.
    The noise of weights clanking from inside the room stopped me in my tracks. Surely Jacob would have come to look for me if he’d arrived. My curiosity kicked in, so I opened the door as gently and silently as I could, then peeked inside to see who or what was causing the racket. A shirtless Alec met my sight and I had to bite my lip to keep from moaning. Drops of sweat dripped down his toned pecs all the way across his lickable abs, stopping at the waistband of his shorts. Dang. How I’d love to tug those tight cotton cut-offs from his hips and see what forms that tempting bulge. His chiseled body rivaled the midnight visitor of my dreams. It drew me inside the gym.
    Pure lust rose in me, sharp as thirst in