A Kiss With Scandal (Scandals & Secrets 4) by Janelle Daniels Page A

fear screamed out of her. She was lost, buried deep in grief that seemed to have no end.
    Would she die just as Daisy had? They wanted her to fear that. That they would break her neck and leave her behind without a thought. Like an animal slaughtered without remorse.
    What would become of her? How long would fear rule her? Until they were caught or she was dead?
    She drew a shaky breath as the tears slowed. “They’re going to kill me.”
    He squeezed her tighter. “No. I won’t ever allow them to touch you.”
    She pushed back, and he loosened his grip enough for her gaze to meet his. She didn’t care that her eyes were swollen, her nose was bright red, or that salty tears tracked down her cheeks. “For how long, Derek? How long will you keep me safe? How long will you hide me away?”
    “As long as it takes. I’ll never give up, Charlotte. Ever.” Something in his gaze pleaded with her, but she didn’t know what he asked or what he wanted.
    “If they don’t kill me, they’ll go after my family.”
    He nodded grimly. “We have to tell them. They’re vulnerable if they don’t know. It’s the only way to keep them safe.”
    “But what of your secret?” Would he really hand over that kind of power to her family? Risk his life, his career, if her family ever spoke of it?
    “It doesn’t matter as long as you all stay safe.”
    Her hands brushed over a wet patch on his navy blue coat where her tears stained the material. For the first time, she realized she was in his arms again. Truly in his arms. Her body pressed against his as it had during their kiss in the hidden passageway. He was strong, hard, and she fit against him perfectly. She scooted closer, relishing his heat as it warmed her chilled heart, comforting her.
    “Why are you doing this? Why go through all this trouble?”
    His jaw clenched, and she watched the muscle move in fascination. “It’s my duty to protect you.”
    “Oh.” Her heart fell. She moved away to her dresser and poured herself a glass of water to rinse her mouth, hoping he wouldn’t see her disappointment.
    What had she been thinking? Of course it was his job. She’d gotten too wrapped up in everything that had happened. It made her see things that weren’t really there. He was being kind, comforting. No different than he would with another victim.
    Yet the thought of him kissing another victim in a different place—
    “Come here,” he said.
    Finished rinsing her mouth, she did as he asked. She sat on the bed next to him, folding her hands in her lap, hoping she appeared at ease.
    His finger lifted her chin, and he swore. “I’m duty bound to protect you. It’s my job.”
    “I understand.” Her heart ached. She couldn’t fault him for his honesty. He wasn’t lying, and that was something she should respect. “I’m a burden to you. I’m sorry—”
    His lips silenced her as he kissed her hard, determined. Charlotte moaned in surprise, and Derek deepened the kiss.
    She closed her eyes as hot feelings circled through her, pulling her into a dark abyss she never wanted to leave.
    This was heat. This was passion. This was raw.
    He told her in the way he tasted her, in the way he held her, that his protection went beyond duty, beyond necessity.
    She clutched him close, breathing his woodsy smell with every breath, kissing him with as much passion as he gave, answering his call. Her heart raced as he fisted her skirt before yanking her away.
    He tucked her head under his chin, the sudden loss of his kiss jarring her.
    His heart raced against her cheek as harsh breaths filled her ears.
    “This isn’t just my job, Charlotte. I care about you.”
    Her eyes shuddered. Hearing his words of affection shifted something within her. She mattered to him.
    While that gave her strength, she couldn’t hide forever. “They’re never going to stop.”
    “We’ll find them.”
    Reluctant to leave his arms, she slid away, a part of her hoping he’d stop her. But she needed to