Nick's mouth was on hers before she could say another word, her gasp captured by his lips. She couldn't do anything except cling to him, as he slowly moved her backward onto the sofa. She'd been wanting this, needing this, but now that it was happening, Jo found herself completely helpless, only able to cling to him as his tongue slipped into her mouth, tangling with hers.

Passion roared to life as his lips slipped over her cheek and down her neck, nuzzling into the little hollow at the base of her throat. Nick groaned with raw need, a kind of desperation in his kisses.

She was trembling, he could feel it. Trembling from the force of the need that was rampaging through her, the scent of her arousal pushing him into an almost frantic state. He bared his teeth, scraping them gently down her neck and shoulder, the beast in him was demanding more. The blanket was still around her chest, and with clawed hands he tore it from her, throwing it to the floor. The noise that came from his throat was more bear than man, but thankfully Jo didn’t seem to notice.

Jo didn’t know what was happening to her, almost couldn’t explain it. Her need for him was working her into an inferno, her entire body was on fire. His hands weren’t just exploring her, they were pulling the clothes from her body in an almost feral way, tugging and clawing at them until her skin was exposed. In response, she spread her hands across his chest. Nick ripped his own shirt off, tearing it at the neck. Jo didn’t normally like rough men, but Nick was different. He was both rough and strong, yet managing not to hurt her even slightly. It was….exciting. Each touch of his hands seared her skin.

You need to stop. You shouldn’t be doing this. “I can’t stop,” Nick breathed, half to himself as his hands tugged her top up before landing back on her soft, warm skin.

“I don’t want you to,” Jo moaned. “Please, don’t stop, Nick.” She was gasping now, her breath coming quick and fast as he continued to explore her body. Her hands gripped his hair, tugging it hard as she arched against him.

The pain almost had him change right then and there. You’re not going to make it.

“Please,” Jo whimpered, her nails scratching down his back before scrambling at his trousers. “Please, Nick.”

“No!”

Tearing himself from her, he got to his feet, running two hands through his hair. Breathing hard, he tried to control the bear. The bear liked pain, it needed pain when it came to mating. Just a little, but enough. The way she'd tugged his hair and scratched her nails down his skin had been too much. His breath was rattling, a warning that the bear was on the verge of pushing through his skin. "I have to go. I shouldn't be doing this."

And with that, he was gone. Leaving his shirt behind.

 

When Jo woke up, she had absolutely no idea where she was. Lifting her head, she looked first at the fire, then saw the two empty wine glasses on the table – and everything came flooding back.

Getting to her feet, she stretched lazily, before rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Groaning as she saw the discarded clothes on the floor, she bent to pick them up, everything coming back to her at once.

She had no idea what had happened to Nick, or why he’d run out on her. It had been one of the most mortifying moments of her life. She’d been lying there, almost on the verge of release just from him touching her – and he’d left. His eyes had been darker than she’d remembered and his chest was heaving as he’d stood, clearly aroused, but trying to gain control. Why had he left? What had he meant when he’d said that he ‘shouldn’t be doing this’? What had been so wrong? It had certainly felt right to her.

Picking up her top, Jo realized that it was torn all the way down, meaning it was only fit for the trash. She couldn't wear it now. Trying to remember if it had been Nick or her who'd done that, her eyes fell on Nick's shirt. Frowning, she picked it up. He'd gone out in the cold, back home, with nothing on? It had been below freezing last night! Seeing the way it had been torn at the neck, Jo felt heat rush up her neck and into her cheeks. Her heart began to pound just with the thought of him, the way he'd literally torn the clothes from her body. It had been rough, but she'd liked it. She'd felt safe, even with his intensity. Somehow, he'd been both strong, but still gentle.

Trying not to worry about seeing Nick again, Jo poured herself a cup of coffee and wandered over to the snug book corner. It would be embarrassing when she saw him again, that was for sure! Trying to push all thoughts of the man from her mind, Jo picked a couple of books off the shelf, snuggling up into a cozy armchair. Throwing a blanket over her legs, she opened the first book and began to read.

 

 

“How much is there still to fix?”

Tom grimaced. “It’s mostly cosmetic stuff that’s left, really. The lights still need a bit of work, but not much.”

“I’ve fixed the oil leak,” Nick grunted, pulling himself out from under the car. “So just the lights and some panels to fix. That won’t take long.”

“Then we’ll just be waiting for the part,” Tom said, fixing his brother with a look. “You were back home late last night.”

Nick shrugged. He didn’t want his brother to know anything about what had happened. “We were just talking.”

“Right. And I’m just a –”

“Don’t start,” Nick interrupted. “I already know what you’re going to say.”

“So what happened?”

“It’s not your business.”

“So you just ate, talked and then you left?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not stupid, Nick,” Tom bit out. “You’re not the only one who could see how she was watching you.”

A rattle came from deep in Nick’s throat, warning his brother off. “It doesn’t matter how she was looking at me or anything like that. We’re just helping someone that stopped by. That’s all.” That was far too close last night. You can’t go near her again.

“I’m not going to quit warning you away from her, Nick. You’re normally the smart one, but when it comes to her, your brain’s not working properly.”

Nick had heard enough. If Tom wanted a fight he was going to get one. The rattle in his throat changed to a growl, his whole body tensed. His spine cracked, as the bones in his body began to lengthen and change. There was no-one else around, no-one to hear the half scream, half roar that sprang from his throat. Fur climbed over his skin, his anger and rage made him coil inwardly, ready to spring at his brother. They were going to fight this out.