Read Online Bride Interrupted by Taylor Anne - Free Book Online Page A

heavily. Then he held her at arm’s length. “Did he hurt you?”
    Kayla locked her eyes on him. “Tonight, no.” She rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “You asked me once who hurt me. It was Craig. He always had a temper. He attacked me one time. It was bad. ER, ICU. When I got out of the hospital, it took me one second to kick his ass out of my life, but it took months to get myself together and strong enough to face the world again.”
    “Shit.” Colton looked around into the night.
    “What are you looking for?”
    “The fucker, so I can beat the shit out of him again.”
    Kayla had to physically restrain Colton from bolting and chasing after Craig. The rage in him was released in the mist in his eyes, in his ragged breathing.
    “Leave it. He’s gone. And he’s not worth the effort.” Images of Colton and Andrea popped into her head. The anger he portrayed minutes earlier could lead anyone to believe he was capable of killing someone. But the compassion in his voice, and his touch, convinced her he would never hurt a woman. No matter how badly she betrayed him.
    “Kayla. You…” He sighed. He took her by the arm and led her to the storage room several feet away from the bar. Inside there were crates of alcohol, boxes of paper products, and plastic cups. Colton’s desk was full of papers and receipts. Colton backed her up until the metal pressed against the backs of her thighs. She surveyed the room and then looked at Colton.
    She wanted him to kiss her. Instead, he held her away from him. Dark eyes kept her captive. He lifted his hand, cradling her chin and rubbing his thumb across her bottom lip. She slipped her tongue out just enough to moisten the soft skin, allowing his thumb to run more smoothly, sending tingles through her body. She was high on adrenaline and the heat from Colton’s touch. He let out a groan then sucked in a sharp breath.
    Kayla put her hands on his waist and tugged him closer. The heat from his body coursed into hers, running through her veins. His hands circled her neck. The skin behind her ears tingled when his fingers caressed her there. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back, exposing her neck. His breath teased her sensitive skin. His tongue stroked her, sending shivers down her spine. She moaned softly.
    Someone was pounding on the front door. “Hey boss.”
    Colton froze. “What?” he yelled at the intruder. He shook his head and took a step away from Kayla. Without his touch, she was alone. He ran a hand through his hair and walked to open the door. “What, Mags?”
    “Ahh.” She peeked inside. Maggie’s smile said she was sorry for the interruption. Kayla smiled back at her. “Nothing important. Just saying goodnight. My relief is here. Later.” She backed away from the door, shutting it as she left.
    Colton stood staring at the wall. His breathing was still ragged. Rage or lust? Whatever, the moment was lost. Back to business. Kayla took a moment to really look at the inside of the building. She had only been out there briefly to help stock the bar and never paid attention to detail. Now she could see potential.
    “Do you realize with very few renovations, this could be the bridal suite? Or hell, it could be expanded, and it would be the perfect location for a ceremony. It’s partially hidden by trees.”
    “Stop it. We are not discussing business.” He turned stormy eyes on her. “Hell, maybe now is a good time to talk. We can start with the fact that I am the boss around here while Earl is out. What I say goes.” His voice echoed in the small room.
    “What do you mean? I’ve not tried taking away your position as boss.” Kayla wanted his touch back. She wanted to wipe the furrow from his brow. He casually leaned against a crate of whiskey. Smooth, just like his voice. “Trust me, I had enough of being in charge in New Orleans.”
    How did this go from him beating the shit out of her ex, to them almost falling on top of the desk in a heated