Trusting Love Read Online Free

look what nearly happened. My brothers and I nearly lost you. So if Carina is in some sort of danger, I need to know. She can trust me.”
    “I talked to her, Cesar. I asked her to speak with you and she’ll think about it. When she’s ready, she’ll come to you.”
    “I get the feeling that she’s afraid of me because of the badge. Is she wanted by the law?”
    “God, no. Why would you ask that?”
    “I can tell by the way she avoids me. She hadn’t expected me to be home when she stopped by and she looked ready to bolt.”
    “You’re a big, intimidating man and the chief of police. There was a time when I was intimidated by you, too.”
    “Oh, and you’re not anymore?”
    “Not really, because I know you would never hurt me in any way. She needs time to learn to trust you.”
    “She lied about her car insurance and registration. Under normal circumstances, Jack would have processed it and contacted the name on the insurance and registration.”
    “Please tell me he didn’t?”
    “You know more than you’re letting on. She’s in danger, isn’t she, Antonia? Antonia?” he pushed when she didn’t answer.
    “I made a promise, Cesar. Please give her a few days and she’ll come talk to you.”
    He exhaled.
    “I’m not the only concerned citizen.”
    “I know the Cortland men are, too. She isn’t ready for that. Just like I wasn’t ready for you and your brothers. To be honest, what has me most worried is that if we push too much, she’ll leave Repose and then none of us will be able to protect her.”
    “Shit.”
    “Exactly.”
    “I’ll see you in a few hours. Love you, babe.”
    “Love ya, Chief.”
     
    * * * *
     
    “I’m a doctor, Carina. Let me do my job and make sure that you’re okay and not injured more than you’re telling me,” Dr. Nevin Cortland said to her.
    She held her blouse tightly, still shaking from the circumstances of the car accident. She glanced at Jack, who stood there in the examining room like he had every right to be there. He rescued her, was the first on the scene, and broke the glass to get to her to ensure she wasn’t injured worse. She was relieved and then scared. She tried to tell him to leave, that she was okay, but he was insistent that he would watch over her. She wasn’t sure how to react to them. She didn’t have much of a choice. If she denied Nevin’s examination, then he would insist she go to the hospital to get looked at. That was something she couldn’t risk.
    She eased her blouse lower and he exhaled.
    “Damn, Carina,” he said softly. She gulped, thinking he was referring to her very large breasts, but in fact, it was the long, bruised mark over her left breast and cleavage, to her shoulder.
    She stared up at his dark blue eyes and light brown hair. He was very good-looking. Had a firm jaw and hands—oh, God, his hands were exceptional. They were large and yet soothing. Her heart ached. She heard through gossip in town that he was a soldier, too, and worked as a doctor in the military for several years. Behind the blue button-down shirt and white medical coat, she couldn’t see his tattoos, but heard he had them. His brothers had tattoos as well.
    “It’s from the seatbelt. It’s going to need ice and a bit of ointment, too. Looks like it chafed the skin a little toward your collarbone,” he said and then began to unbutton another button on her blouse.
    She glanced at Jack, who stepped closer. His dark eyes zeroed in on her breasts and she felt her cheeks warm as she looked down. He reached over to caress her bare shoulder. She shivered from his touch.
    Her lips parted, and she nearly moaned with need for more. She liked how it felt to have them this close to her, focused on her, caring for her.
    “Will she be okay, Nevin? Is there more you can do to help ease the pain?” he asked and she felt his warm breath caress her cheek.
    She looked at Jack. “I’ll be just fine. This is nothing.” She pulled the shirt tight and began