Finding Chrissten: Legacy, Book 5 by N.J. Walters

her thoughts spinning. “Shake it off,” she ordered herself. “There’s nothing you can do about any of it right this minute.”
    She had her own clothing and belongings. She was going to get dressed and go downstairs for the first time since she’d arrived. Chrissten was suddenly excited about the prospect.
    She heard someone enter the apartment and glanced toward the bedroom door expecting Bethany. The footsteps were too heavy, too male. She dropped the handful of clothing she’d gathered back in the box.
    Chrissten knew who it was before he made it to the door. Her heart pounding, she waited for Hank to enter.

Chapter Six
    Hank had stayed away from Chrissten as long as he could. He wanted to give her some space, some time to recover. She needed rest and a peaceful environment above all else after her ordeal. And he couldn’t be in the same room with her without wanting to kiss her.
    Hell, he wanted to do a lot more than simply kiss her. He wanted her long, lithe body under his, over his, alongside his, naked and writhing in pleasure. Not going to happen anytime soon. Chrissten was obviously wary of males, and then there was the pesky little detail that she was mated.
    So he’d stayed away, coming to her only when she was asleep. He’d guarded her during the long dark hours of the night. No one would hurt her again. He’d make sure of it.
    But he was going to go out of his mind if he didn’t at least talk to her. Sure, he watched over her each night as she slept in his bed. His dick stirred and started to stand at attention. Oh yeah, just seeing her in his bed was enough to keep him perpetually hard. But he wanted to talk to her, to hear her voice.
    The only reason he’d stayed away as long as he had was he hadn’t wanted to pressure her. He’d come on strong the first day, promising he’d kill Brian for her and following that up by kissing her. She’d just been freed from one prison. He didn’t want her to feel like he was trying to lock her into another one.
    Part of him was afraid she wouldn’t want to see him. Another part didn’t care. He had to see her no matter what the consequences.
    She was sitting on the end of the bed with two open boxes at her feet. He knew they contained her clothing and her belongings. Craig had mentioned they were bringing them up for her today.
    Damn, but she was gorgeous. She was still too thin and much too pale, but she was recovering. He knew she’d been eating well. Teague had mentioned she’d eaten almost everything he’d sent up for her.
    Hank had been starved for every crumb of information he could get about Chrissten from the others who spent time around her when she wasn’t sleeping.
    He stood in the doorway and leaned against the jamb, not wanting to appear threatening in any way. She tucked a lock of hair behind one ear. Her hand trembled slightly and his eyes narrowed as he studied her.
    A light blush covered her cheeks, whether it was from the exertion of being up and around or if it was due to his presence, he didn’t know. She glanced at him and then away. Her lips parted and her breathing increased.
    “Hey.” Not exactly the wittiest thing to say, but it was all he could manage.
    “Hey,” she responded. She picked up a sweater from on top of one of the boxes and held it to her chest. It was the same color as her eyes.
    “That’s pretty.” He wanted to go to her side, to drop onto his knees, take her in his arms and kiss her. Every muscle in his body quivered, wanting action. He forced himself to stay where he was.
    “Thanks. It’s my favorite.” She stroked her hand over the soft fabric. Hank’s eyes almost crossed. It was all too easy to imagine her hand stroking his dick in much the same fashion.
    “How are you feeling?” His voice sounded hoarse and rough. He cleared his throat. “Better, I hope.”
    She set the sweater on the bed beside her. “I am. Feeling much better, that is.” She ducked her head again, hunching her