Read Online In For the Kill by Shannon McKenna - Free Book Online Page A

and strong.
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    Sam bypassed the light switch by the door, leading her into the dark bedroom. That light was too bright, too harsh. It would spook her. He had to keep this cool, keep it mellow, whatever “it” turned out to be.
    This development totally blew his mind, which sharply compromised its function. It was years now that he’d been mentally rehearsing getting Sveti into his bedroom. She was finally here.
    And he was almost paralyzed with terror.
    It should be simple, straightforward. She wanted a sex toy. A guy who was not freaked by her tragic past, or intimidated by the gorgeous, charismatic, practically supernatural being that she was. But she had a mistaken impression of him. He was scared shitless. This was worlds away from all his man-slut experience. Svetlana Ardova was a creature of myth and legend. The stakes were way higher when you seduced a goddess. A guy could get fried by lightning. Turned into a pig.
    He flipped on a bedside lamp. Sveti waved at the light, shielding her eyes. “Turn it off,” she said. “Too much.”
    He was dismayed. “I want to see you. You’re so goddamn beautiful. It would be such a waste to just grope around in the dark.”
    â€œToo much,” she repeated desperately. “Please.”
    He thought furiously. “Wait a minute.” He turned to a stack of boxes against the wall and flipped one open, rummaging through it.
    â€œWhat’s with the boxes?” she asked. “Did you just move in?”
    â€œCouple years ago. I’m lazy. Haven’t gotten all the furniture yet. Ah, yeah. Here it is.” He held up a large pink candle, wrapped in cellophane. Hearts were stenciled on it. “I got this a couple of Christmases ago,” he told her. “A gag gift from some women I worked with. It’s an aromatherapy love candle. I’ve been saving it for a special occasion. Can’t imagine one more special than this.”
    She vibrated with quiet, nervous laughter. “I don’t need props.”
    â€œNever meant to suggest you did,” he said smoothly. “But it could solve our lighting problem. Can you deal with candlelight?”
    She gave him a tiny nod. Sam tore off the cellophane and tossed it on a pile of folded jeans and shirts. He wished the place wasn’t such a mess. Piles of boxes. Stacks of folded clothing. It was fucking immature, not to just go out and buy himself bedroom furniture, but back when he was working, he was too busy and couldn’t be bothered, and now that he wasn’t working, he hadn’t been able to bring himself to give a shit.
    It was a shock to the system. Giving a shit, so suddenly.
    He placed the fat pink candle beside the bed and lit it. The pink cylinder glowed as the flame took hold. Shadows wavered and danced on the wall. “Work for you?” he asked.
    â€œIt’s good,” she whispered.
    He studied her, still cowering by the door, shivering. “You look tense,” he said. “How about mood music? I’ve got speakers in here.”
    â€œNo, it would feel forced,” she murmured. “I’d feel silly.”
    â€œOkay, we’ll be all grim and focused, and do it in charged silence.” He leaned, sniffing at the fragrant candle. “Mmm. Smells nice.”
    â€œHoneysuckle and vanilla,” Sveti said. “And essence of rose.”
    â€œYou can smell that all the way over by the door? You look like you’re ready to bolt.”
    â€œI’m not going to bolt,” she said. “And I wouldn’t get far in these heels if I did. They’re four inches. I’m so damned short.”
    â€œYeah, five foot three. I love it. You’re perfect. Like a little jewel.”
    â€œOh, please.” She turned her head, hiding behind the swinging curtain of hair. “I’m hardly perfect. You’re the first to remind me.” She reached thoughtlessly, pulling her dress up over her