Romance: The Tiger's Hired Mate: BBW Tiger Shifter Romance Standalone (Spicy Shifters Book 2) by Ashley Hunter Page B

her arms, trying to resist Toby’s boyish charms.  “You can always stand on your own two feet, like most people have to.  You know, get a job and earn your own money.”
    “I would, but I’m not much good at anything,” Toby protested.  “The last job I had I was fired within fifteen minutes of starting.”
    Amanda couldn’t help but laugh.  “That’s pathetic.”
    “It cheered you up though,” Toby said, edging closer to her.  “It’s good to see you happy.”
    She sighed heavily, remembering all her problems again.  “What makes you think I needed cheering up?”
    “It’s pretty obvious.  You and Joshua had a fall out?”
    “You could say that,” Amanda said, closing up.
    When she wasn’t forthcoming with any further details, he nodded and looked out to sea.  “I’m sure you’ll work things out,” he said at length.
    “No we won’t,” Amanda replied with candour.  “We broke up.”
    Toby swung his head round to scrutinize her.  “Seriously?  You guys have looked pretty tight all week.”
    “Looks can be deceptive,” Amanda said, not bothering to staunch the bitterness seeping into her tone.  “We’re done, permanently.”
    Toby seemed to ruminate on this.  “That’s too bad,” he said.  “You made a good couple.”
    “Look, I don’t want to be rude and it was very nice of you to apologise, but I’d like to be left on my own, please.  I have a lot to think about.”
    “Don’t be like that,” Toby said gently, leaning in towards her.  “Joshua doesn’t know a good thing when he sees it, but I’m not like that.”
    Amanda gave him a wary glance.  “What are you talking about?”
    “Come on, there’s no need to play with me,” Toby whispered.  He ran his finger along her bare arm.  “I know all that with Joshua was just a show.  We’re both free agents, and I can make it worth your while.”             
    “You’ve got the wrong idea,” Amanda said harshly.  “If you’ll excuse me, I should get back to the hotel.  Good night.”
    She made to get to her feet, but Toby grabbed her arm.  She winced at the pain.  “Drop the act,” he said, grinning nastily.  “You know the score.  You can sell the story afterwards if you want, I don’t mind, and I’m guessing you need the money.”
    “Get off me!” yelled Amanda.  She yanked free of his grip, catching the side of Toby’s face with her nails.
    “Bitch!” Toby spat.  With brutal ferocity, he pushed her into the sand and clawed at her peach coloured summer dress.
    “Stop!” yelled Amanda, struggling to get free.  Despite his slim built, he was much stronger than her and she was held fast.  “Stop or I’ll scream!”  They were in a secluded part of the beach and nobody was around, but maybe someone would hear her.
    Toby pressed his hand over her mouth.  “No one is going to come,” he rasped.  “Don’t worry, you’ll enjoy it.”  With his free hand, he fumbled with the buttons on his shorts.
    Something huge suddenly jumped down from the rocks, startling them both.  A bellowing roar pierced Amanda’s eardrums.  Toby leapt off her like he’d been electrocuted.  Amanda immediately scooted away from him and turned to face the tiger standing on the rocks. 
    “Jesus!” Toby yelled.  He grabbed Amanda and pushed her in the way of the big cat before pelting across the beach back toward the hotel.
    Amanda stared after him in shock and felt something furry nuzzle her arm.  She looked round to see Joshua gazing up at her.  Relief flooded through her and she hugged the powerful animal for all she was worth.  “Oh God,” she sobbed.  “Thank you, thank you!”
    “We’d better go before he brings company,” he said, his voice more like a growl.  “Then, we definitely need to talk.”
     
     
     
    * * *
     
     
                 
                 
     
     
     
     
    Leaving the hotel undetected later that night, Joshua drove them both in his