Read Online Protected by Shadows by Aliyah Burke - Free Book Online Page A

yeah…
    Her clit throbbed and a whimper escaped.
    Although the kiss had started quick, he took his time ending it. He drew it out and captured her lower lip before releasing her.
    “That’s one hell of a welcome,” he drawled.
    There were times when she wished she still carried her sidearm. His words were like a bucket of ice being tossed in her face. Briefly closing her eyes, she admonished herself for falling victim again to Valentino Cassano.
    No, I can’t say victim. He’s my weakness.
    “Better you consider it a goodbye.”
    She glanced through the viewing window only to avoid her brother’s glare. Crossing her arms, she put her back to the window to stare at the immense pain in her ass—who also could and did, rouse her to unimaginable heights of arousal—who stood before her, appearing arrogant.
    He peered at her briefly before gazing back out of the window for a few seconds. Then his attention was back to her. She lifted an eyebrow and waited. Eventually his expression smoothed out.
    “Something on your mind, Alexsa?”
    “Thinking of all the ways I want to castrate you and fix your little bitch. I don’t like being cornered. Much less being pushed,” Lexy hissed. She dropped her arms and placed a hand on his chest. “I am going to assume you have a damn good reason for what shit you just pulled. I can’t wait to hear it.”
    She moved her hand down his chest until her fingers rested against his hard shaft. Holding his gaze, she tightened her grip, her nails digging in. “Don’t try to play me, or lie to me. Believe me, Valentino Cassano, you try anything so foolish again and you’ll learn why you don’t fuck with a Southerner. Especially a Southern woman.”
    Lexy released him and with a forced smile, she patted his cheek then left the large animal facility for her own building. A figure in the doorway had her slowing and glancing up.
    Great. Little Miss Scarlett.
    “Problem?” Lexy wasn’t in a good mood and had no desire to deal with her shit.
    “Where’s Valentino?”
    “West barn.” Lexy pointed and raked her gaze over the redhead. “Don’t worry, he was breathing when I left him.”
    Anabelle’s blue eyes narrowed. “Don’t hurt him, or you and I will have to come to an understanding.”
    Lexy understood the threat but barely blinked. “Reckon you’d best tell him that pissin’ off a Southern woman is nonsensical.” Statement made, she brushed by the red-haired woman and went inside, cranky and horny.
    * * * *
    “I’m sorry, did you think breaking and entering into my house—not once but twice in the same day—was supposed to get you in my good graces?” Her voice had reached a new high.
    Staring at Valentino, Lexy valiantly fought to control herself. A losing battle, she knew, yet she tried.
    After work then visiting her brother, she’d come home to take a long, hot shower. However, when she had left her bedroom it had been to find her house taken over by one Valentino Cassano. His bags were on her bedroom floor and he was in her kitchen cooking some disgustingly aromatic Italian dish. It tempted her and reminded her that her lunch today had consisted of a partial bowl of salad and some crackers.
    He continued cooking and only spared her a glance. Wave after wave of rage rushed over her. Never had she wanted to maim someone so badly. Nor do the multitude of things to this man she was seriously considering.
    My obsession truly is unhealthy. She knew it. Admitted it. She’d been trying to move past it and all had been going well until he’d showed up at her door. Correction, inside my house. Door first, now the bastard’s gone and made himself at home.
    “I would really recommend you talk, Val. Before I start cutting things off.”
    He continued to stir the sauce on the stovetop. “You have this obsession with things that dangle on me. You want to see them again, all you have to do is ask. I won’t refuse that request.”
    “Why the fuck are you still here in my