The Hidden (Heartfire) Read Online Free Page A

want to keep Dylan waiting.
    "Kaylia."
    I stepped forward tentatively, immediately swallowed up by the darkness. I looked around, letting my eyes adjust. I could barely see a thing in the dim light.
    "Dylan?"
    "Over here."
    I turned and there he was, just a few feet away. He was perfectly still, staring at me. I couldn't see his expression clearly, but I had a strange feeling he could see me perfectly.
    I knew that his physical agility and strength were part natural, part unnatural. He'd told me so himself. He had been frightened of his new abilities at first, but now he reveled in them.
    Maybe a little too much.
    As if he could hear my thoughts he did something that a normal guy shouldn't be able to do. He moved so fast it was a blur. He was over there and then he was behind me, lifting me into his arms.
    He lowered his head and kissed my startled lips.
    Then he grinned, his bright white teeth flashing.
    "Let's get out of here."
    I felt shy but I felt a thrill at the feeling of his strong arms around me. He'd lifted me like I was nothing but a feather.
    "Okay. Where?"
    "To the woods. I want to be alone with you."
    I swallowed and nodded.
    "Not too far this time, Dylan. Okay?"
    He squeezed me and took off at a run. It was almost frightening, how fast he went. But his stride was smooth and he was careful not to jostle me.
    I had no idea how far we went but it was quiet and even darker when he stopped, setting me gently on my feet. Then he brushed his fingers over my cheek and kissed me softly.
    I still had my eyes closed when he pulled away. My eyes were adjusting to the darkness and out here the stars seemed brighter. I watched as he rolled out a blanket. He'd come prepared. I rubbed my shoulders, chewing my lip nervously. He obviously had more than kissing in mind.
    "It's chilly."
    "I'll keep you warm."
    He smiled at me, a warm promise in his eyes. I felt butterflies dancing in my stomach. But they were of excitement, not fear.
    Well, maybe a little bit of fear.
    Not of him. Fear that I would let him down. I didn't really have a clue what I was doing with boys. And he wasn't just a boy.
    He was something else, something special.
    And I was pretty sure I was in love with him.
    He held out his hand and I took it, sitting on the blanket beside him. He brushed my hair back and kissed my neck. He smiled at me, pretending to mull something over.
    "Apple turnover."
    He kissed the other side, his breath fanning my ear.
    "Cinnammon."
    Then he kissed my forehead.
    "Vanilla."
    He smiled at me.
    "I don't smell a whiff of french fries."
    I laughed nervously.
    "I was on dessert duty this time."
    He scooted closer, angling his body so that it pressed against mine. He put his hand on my back and guided me down until I was laying on the blanket, with him poised above me.
    "Kaylia... you're always on dessert duty."
    He kissed me then, his mouth open and hungry. His hands ran over my body, seeking and finding sensitive spots. My wrists. My sides. His hands skimmed my breasts and he moaned, rolling so he was on top of me.
    I could feel his erection pushing against me. He was sliding his hand underneath my shirt, reaching for my breasts. I lifted my hands, placing them on his shoulders. He stopped immediately, breathing heavily.
    "What's wrong?"
    "Nothing. I just-"
    He stared at me, his eyes worried.
    "You said you wanted me."
    "I do."
    I sat up, pulling my shirt back down.
    "Just not here okay? It's my first time, remember?"
    He nodded solemly.
    "Okay. We don't have to do anything."
    Then he kissed me again. It was less urgent this time. But still more passionate than any kisses we'd shared before. He touched my body but steered clear of anything too intimate.
    I found myself regretting my words. I was arching against him, wanting more. But I did not want to lose my virginity in the woods.
    He undertood that and respected it.
    It was an hour later when he carried me back through the woods to campus. He set me on my feet when we reached