Love Knows No Bounds by Brooke Moss, Nina Croft, Boone Brux Page A

“Are you okay?”
    He groaned but smiled at her. “Who knew a guy would have to go through Hell to get a date with you?”
    “I did try to warn you.” She smoothed back his hair. “I’m surprised you still want one?”
    Christopher smiled. “I’ve been trying to work up the nerve for over a year. Do you think I’m going to chicken out now?”
    “Why didn’t you ask me before?” Her fingers traced the red marks on his neck. “I would have gone.”
    “Time never felt right and I didn’t want to blow it.” He shrugged and winced. “Faye?”
    “Huh?”
    “I hope this doesn’t freak you out but…”
    Her hand stilled. This was it, reality crashing back on her. No love and no Christopher. It would hurt to hear the words, but she’d be okay. She was always okay. She held her breath, waiting for him to announce he no longer liked her in that way, and that he only wanted to be friends.
    “I really am in love with you.”
    Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. Had she heard him correctly?
    A flush crept up his neck and pronouns tumbled from his mouth. “I, you, we…I mean—I don’t expect you to feel the same way, but I was hoping that maybe we could start by getting coffee and go from there.”
    “We’ve already had coffee.” Faye leaned in, her mouth hovering an inch above his. “Besides, how could I not fall for a guy who was willing to go to Hell and back for me?”
    Christopher threaded his fingers through her hair and dragged her to him, their mouths connecting in what had to be the kiss of the century. Faye poured hours of pent-up fear and years of loneliness into the kiss and lowered her body beside his. Tongues danced, legs entwined, and much neglected body parts finally got the attention they so sorely yearned for.

Chapter Six
    Monday Morning
    No doubt about it, a brush with eternal damnation will make you appreciate the little things. Faye stood in her office, staring down at the photos Christopher had taken of her in the chapel. She ran her finger along the halo of light that encircled her head, pondering how he’d captured the woman she never knew was inside her—the woman she’d become.
    “Faye.” Pierre Shogun poked his head in her office. “What the hell happened in the warehouse this weekend?”
    She closed the portfolio and stepped into the hall. After battling Satan’s minion, they’d left the mess, clean up being the last thing on their minds. She shook her head. “I don’t know. Vandals maybe?”
    Weird how the experience had left her with not only confidence, but the ability to tell little white lies sans the guilt. After all, if she didn’t watch out for herself, who would?
    A flurry of activity tittered at the end of the hall and suddenly Christopher was there. The women of the office swarmed, fawning over the cast on his left arm. Vern had really done a number on him.
    “What has that delicious man done to himself?” Pierre purred. “Probably something rugged and sweaty.”
    You have no idea. Faye bit her lip. Watching Christopher try to extricate himself from his horde of admirers was rather entertaining. Especially since he was hers. After the warehouse, she’d taken him to the hospital and then home. Exhausted, they’d fallen asleep, wrapped in each others arms and fully clothed.
    “My, my,” Pierre said, “he looks determined.”
    Christopher marched toward them and stopped inches from Faye. His eyes never left her. “Good morning, Mr. Shogun.”
    She craned her neck and looked up, giving him a knowing smile. He snaked his arm around her waist, pulled her against him, and kissed her right there in front of God and the entire office.
    “Well, your morning is much better than mine,” Pierre muttered.
    Titters and gasps filtered through her euphoric haze, but Faye didn’t give a crap. She’d battled Satan and won her man. Her future looked…well…heavenly.

Acknowledgements
    I’m so thrilled to be part of this project and would like to