Gift Read online

  “What do you mean by that?”

  She glanced up and realized he looked genuinely surprised.

  “Nothing. Just understand I can play a role, and I won’t get all sappy on you. I want this guy as much as you do.”

  Again he was silent. She hated that, hated the way he looked at her. It was as if he was completely perplexed by her. “Play a role?”

  She rolled her eyes and pulled her keycard out, not able to look at him anymore. She was damned tired and ready to collapse. Add this embarrassment to the mix, and she just wanted to crawl under the covers and forget most of the day.

  “When we’re out of the public eye, I understand. You don’t have to play the role of my lover behind the scenes. It’ll be easier if we have parameters.”

  “Callahan.” His voice was quiet nevertheless commanding.

  “What?”

  “Look at me.” The order was soft but definitely not to be ignored. She couldn’t if she’d wanted to. His deep, resonate voice wrapped around her senses and forced her to do his bidding.

  When she finally made eye contact, her whole body went hot again. The intense look had her trying to swallow, but she found her mouth dry. He slipped his free hand up to cup her jaw. Without saying a word, he bent his head down and brushed his mouth against hers. She could feel the heat of him through their layers of clothing.

  He leaned even closer, and she could feel his erection. There was no mistaking that. Just feeling the hot, long length of him had every hormone in her body jumping to attention, ready to serve. When he pulled back, it took a few moments for her to open her eyes again.

  The fire in his eyes was still there. His cheeks were flushed, and she could tell there was a little more than just playacting involved.

  “Just so you know. Guys like me can be attracted to women like you.”

  Coming January 17th in digital from Melissa Schroeder

  The first of a five book paranormal series.

  The Cursed Clan: Callum

  Will desire be the answer or the ruin of an entire clan?

  As Laird, Callum Lennon has always felt he failed to protect his cousins. Callum’s impulsiveness caused him the loss of his family and the experience has scarred not only his body, but also his soul. When Angus finds clues that might help break the curse, Callum begrudgingly allows them to hire Phoebe Chilton to investigate. Callum doesn’t like bringing outsiders into family affairs, especially when he is so attracted to them, but she might be their last hope.

  An expert in the field of archeology, Phoebe has always been dwarfed by her parents’ shadow. They have high standards that had her in college by thirteen and earning a second PhD by twenty-two. But her career and her former marriage have left needing something more. She wants to prove her interest in legends, especially Celtic legends, is as important as her parents’ work. When the Lennon family contacts her, she sees the opportunity to win a massive research grant. With a long-time breathing down her back, she jumps at the chance the Lennons offer her, with hopes of using it to win the grant. But uncovering the Lennon family secrets, and her attraction to Callum, could prove more than she can handle.

  Forces outside the family are determined to ensure that they not succeed. When an old enemy threatens both the well being of the clan and the fragile new relationship, Callum will have to choose between believing his mind or his heart.

  Enjoy this unedited excerpt:

  “I protect what is mine. I’ll not allow you to use Angus.”

  She moved away from the counter, her body tense with anger. “I have never used another person, especially in that way. You’ve convinced yourself that I decided to somehow use my considerable wiles on your cousin to somehow gain who knows what.”

  When she said it like that, he felt juvenile and petty.

  “Don’t worry, Mr. Lennon. I’ll avoid your cousins from now on.”

  Which is what he wanted, but at the same time he felt like the lowest form of scum even if it was the best choice. The diary could hold their secrets, and the less she connected to them, the better. They just needed it translated, and for her to leave. As soon as that happened, he would be free of this affliction, he was sure.

  “I’ll do my work and take my meals in my room.”

  He heard the hurt in her voice. His need to banish Phoebe was as unexplainable as the need to ease her pain.

  She attempted to brush past him, but he stepped in front of her, blocking her one exit. “I didn’t say you needed to avoid my cousins.” It was what he wanted, needed, but here he was contradicting his own thoughts, again.

  When she looked at him, there was no humor in her gaze, no studied interest as he’d seen before. Now, all he saw was loneliness and he ached.

  “No. I’ll finish my task and leave. I know you must have a very good reason, although I can’t understand what it could be. I will respect your wishes.”

  Again, she tried to move past him, but he refused to budge. That same fresh scent of her reached his senses, seducing him. Even as he was reaching for her, his mind was screaming stop. He ignored it, and every other protective instinct. The only thing roaring through his head was to take, to claim.

  “It isna my family that has me worried, lass.” The moment he wrapped his hand around her upper arm, her head shot up, surprise lighting her eyes her mouth falling open in surprise. “It seems being around you is no’ good for my peace of mind.”

  He jerked her against him. She gasped, the sound filled with both fear and excitement. Arousal spiked and his body craved—demanded—more intimate contact. Knowing it was wrong, even knowing it was dangerous, he bent his head and took possession of her luscious mouth.

  Make sure to stop by The Cursed Clan website to learn more.

  Table of Contents

  A Little Harmless Gift

  Dedication

  A Little Harmless Lie

  A Little Harmless Lie

  A Little Harmless Fascination

  Other Books by Melissa Schroeder

  Writing as Kiera West exclusively for Siren Publishing

  Infatuation

  A Little Harmless Submission

  The Cursed Clan: Callum