Read Online Ethan (Blackbeary Creek 1) by Ruby Shae - Free Book Online

graceful.
    Damn!
    He was sinfully sexy, and she desperately wanted to see what he looked like completely naked.
    What the hell was wrong with her? Her head still felt like it was about to explode, one side of her face throbbed, and she was pretty sure it was slightly swollen, and yet she couldn’t stop thinking about seeing Ethan naked.
    Stop it!
    Ethan walked back into the room carrying a water bottle, a container of pills, and some kind of bandage.
    “Is it okay if I leave that light on?” Ethan asked.
    She nodded, and watched him approach her side of the bed. The soft light filtering in from the other room formed an aura around him, making him look even more sexy, which she hadn’t thought possible a few seconds ago.
    She wanted to reach out and touch his flawless, taut skin, but she didn’t dare. Whatever was happening, it would soon be over, and she would be on her way to the cabin again, and Ethan would be on his way back to Blackbeary Creek.
    “I ordered you some food,” he said, setting the supplies down on the nightstand. “I know you probably don’t feel hungry, but the doctor said you need to eat as soon as you wake up. Here, take these.”
    He placed two pills in her open palm, twisted the cap off the water bottle, and then handed her the drink.
    “What are they?” she asked, looking at the capsules.
    “Pain pills,” he said. “I also need to change your bandage.”
    She downed half the water bottle, and handed it back to him.
    “Okay,” she nodded.
    He carefully pulled back the medical tape holding the gauze to her forehead, and when it was fully removed, he opened an antiseptic wipe.
    “This might hurt a little,” he said, wiping the wound.
    Mother fucker!
    A little? Holy hell, it was worse than the migraine. She flinched, and drew in a sharp breath, but otherwise remained still.
    “Sorry,” Ethan said, applying the new bandage. “I know it’s painful.”
    “It’s okay,” she managed through gritted teeth. “Thank you for helping me.”
    “My pleasure,” he said, sitting in a chair he’d pulled close to the side of the bed. “Do you remember what happened?”
    “Well,” she said, thinking back. “I remember ordering room service, and having that jerk from two nights ago show up instead. He punched me twice in the face, and then threw me into the room and I fell and hit my head on something. Is that right?”
    “Yeah, that’s right,” Ethan said. “Graham did some background work, and apparently he’s wanted for kidnapping, assault, and murder in three states. All three cases were nearly identical to your encounters with him, starting with one horrible date, only those women were attacked in their homes. Apparently, he enjoyed forcing himself on curvy women who told him no.”
    “Oh god…”
    “He’s gone, Tegan,” Ethan said. He leaned forward in the chair, covered her hand with his, and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You don’t have to worry about him ever again. I’m just sorry I didn’t get here sooner.”
    She didn’t have to ask what he meant by gone. All the men in her clan had killed at least once, and Ethan would never let anyone who touched her live.
    “Thank you for saving me,” she said, “but—”
    A knock at the door stopped her next line of questions.
    Tegan tensed uncontrollably, and Ethan squeezed her hand again.
    “You’re okay, baby,” he said. “I’ll be right back with the food.”
    Even though she knew it really was room service this time, and that Ethan could definitely take care of himself against any threat, she still waited with baited breath until he returned to the bedroom pushing a cart of food.
    “Oh my god,” she said, counting all of the plates. “What did you order?”
    “Everything on the breakfast menu,” he said, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. “We’ve got to keep up our strength.”
    The cryptic comment made her pause, but she forgot everything when he handed her a plate piled high with scrambled