lv

pression softened,

s thick, like ice that could

ust scanning my body, but reading

low and measured, "you've got guts. Not many peop

w circles on my wrist, sending a chill u

arrowing. "Tell me--what else do you hav

wolf Keal growling pr

the momen

conditions," I add

red in his gaze-

inte

ething mo

notch. "That's rare. So what I want... is obedien

wrist, but he stepped in

between t

rong, spiced with rum

forcing myself t

voice low but clear. "This deal we're makin

ted hi

e wasn't used

us smile spread

voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, "

ouldn't have

wasn't part of the deal. I'll marry

ent? You're offering me a business transaction, so let's be clear about the terms. Yo

can't. It would c

t be?" His eyes na

lings might develop. And th

all for me?" His

ou'll develop expectations

his fingers tracing a line f

not to

u," he said, his voice like

rgeon fly in for your brother's operation. You'll never have to worry about money

form a pact with any she-wolf and indulge in carnal pleasure. You're merely a fun barg

ammered in

gainst Zack, financial security to pursue my

myself," I whispered, even as Ke

very sense of the word," he correc

my eyes

that hospital bed fl

always protected m

han I felt. "But if you go back on any of y

ne this time, almost warm. "You

time itself. "We leave now. My chap

ch dropp

tered behi

the hospital. And I have to file a l

aze lingering as though I were a puzzle

pression--not quite respect,

ed, as if rememberin

o

more than he let

d slightly at the mentio

and for the first time, his voice hel

... adm

like a moment of genuine acknowle

he dialed, his eye

and commanding. "Prepare an OR immediately.

rt stu

it. Just

P treatment--private suite, dedi

pa

lowered, delib

ld my gaze, unwaveri

tilted.

me silent, my t

ld he s

prote

osse

faint, knowing smil

started, my voice

he said smoothly, as thoug

rhaps

r, his hand resting firmly