Read Online Fall Into Darkness by Valerie Twombly - Free Book Online

Nothing but the purest, most intense blue-grey she’d ever seen. She’d never seen eyes that color, like staring into glacier ice. Of course, looking into people’s eyes was something she tried to avoid and the reason she’d made the move to Alaska. She had to steer clear of others.
    “You okay?”
    She shook free of the vice he seemed to have over her. “Yes. I guess I’m still a bit shell-shocked.” She licked her lips. “I’m sorry, you must have found me?”
    He moved off the edge of the bed and took a couple of steps back. “I heard your screams and found you unconscious. Brought you inside and tended to you the best I could.”
    Ashley nodded, grateful he’d been nearby to rescue her. “I must have ruined your shirt.”
    “Huh?” He raised a brow.
    She pointed. “Your shirt. I assume it must have been covered in blood.”
    He looked at his naked chest. “Yeah. Ruined, so I tossed it in the fire.”
    “Thank you for coming to my rescue. I’m afraid I would have frozen to death and become food for the scavengers.” She couldn’t likely state that she’d intended to end her life, but when she’d seen that dog… Well, fear and a will to live had welled up inside her. She never really wanted to die. Ashley only desired to be normal. Had this been the sign she’d hoped for?
    She glanced down and realized she wore only a bra and quickly pulled the covers up to her chin, but not before letting out a whimper from the pain in her chest.
    “Careful, you’ll be sore for a few weeks.”
    Sweat beaded on her forehead as she tried to catch her breath. Her bottom lip quivered. “You… umm. You undressed me?”
    He crossed his arms over a broad, hard chest. His biceps flexed and his gaze narrowed. “I had to assess your condition. What did you expect me to do?”
    Valid point but it didn’t stop her cheeks from heating. “I’m sorry, of course you’re right. I’m Ashley by the way. So are you a doctor?” She didn’t recognize him from Point Hope, but then again it had been a couple of years since she’d visited.
    His shoulders dropped. “I’m Eli and no, but I’ve tended many wounds.”
    She forced a smile. “I’m pleased to meet you, and I’m sorry about your shirt. I have a couple of extras an old boyfriend left behind. You’re welcome to try them.” She paused to catch her breath. “The trunk at the foot of the bed, if you look near the bottom you’ll find them.”
    She watched as he moved toward the trunk and flipped open the top. She was unable to see him with the lid up, but could hear him digging around. Finally, he stood and held up an old grey tee that said “Navy” in dark blue letters across the chest. He pushed his arms through the sleeves and pulled it over his head.
    “It’s a bit snug, but will do.” He shoved his hands into his jean pockets. “Sure you don’t have an attachment to it?”
    She couldn’t help but notice how the cotton stretched and accented his muscles. She had thought Ben had been in terrific shape being a Navy guy, but he had nothing on Eli. She wondered what he did to stay so fit. “No. That relationship ended long ago.” She sat forward, holding the quilt close to her chest. “If you don’t mind, I need to shower.”
    He lifted his shoulders. “I don’t mind.” He came toward her and reached for the covers.
    She shoved him away. “What are you doing?”
    “Do you really think you can get out of bed on your own?” He arched a dark brow. “The second your wounded leg touches the floor, you’ll be on your ass.”
    She knew the way her leg throbbed he was probably right, but she really needed to wash her hair. Maybe she’d feel halfway human again. She glanced out the window at the snow beginning to fall. The weather service had predicted a storm, and they may be stuck together for days. For some reason, the thought of how she must look, let alone smell, bothered her. “I’m in my underwear.”
    “I know what you’re wearing, I’ve