Fragile Sanctuary (Sparrow Falls, #1)

by Catherine Cowles

“The only thing they would want is for you to be happy.” My throat burned as it worked to hold back a sob. “I know. But sometimes being happy feels like the worst betrayal of all.”

But an asshole was better than the alternative. Better than caring. About anything or anyone. Caring was a recipe for nothing but agony.

Only the last section of each book remained dusted with black flecks from the fire. Because as frequently as I revisited each one, I couldn’t seem to force myself to make it to the end. Of any of them. Something about the endings was too painful, too final, even if they were happy.

“Don’t do people. Love dogs.” And with that, he stalked back to the main site and his crew.

“It’s a historic home. Can’t put a price on that,” I said coolly. “Some people are just blind to the beauty beneath the damage.”

“You shouldn’t hide a damned thing, Reckless. Especially not something that proves how strong you are.”

She was too fucking gorgeous for her own good, all tumbling waves and tanned skin. Curves peeking out of shorts and a tank top. And those hazel eyes. Witch eyes that entranced with their golden flames.

I needed to let her go. Step back. But I couldn’t. All I could do was stare into those witch eyes. “You don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, Reckless.” It was one that could leave us both in ruins.

“It’s not you,” he gritted out. “I don’t do relationships with anyone. Not friendship, not more. Wouldn’t want to saddle a single soul with the fucked-up shit that’s me. But you keep looking at me with those kiss-me eyes, all green and sparking gold, and it’s killing me. Doesn’t matter how much I want to drown in your taste. How much I want to know what it would be like to sink into that sweet heat. I can’t. I won’t.”

“Fuck it.” I was on her in two long strides. One hand sank into her hair, hauling her mouth to mine. The other dropped to her ass, pulling her flush against me.

My fingers teased her through the cotton. “Aching?” She let out a little growl of frustration. “Ask. Ask me to make you come. Beg.”

“Eyes on me.” Those hazel beauties flew open, locking with mine. “Want to see everything when you shatter. Don’t want to miss a fucking thing.”

“Gonna give me that taste, Reckless?” His fingers hovered just shy of where I wanted him the most. “Yes,” I breathed.

He slowed just as he approached the gurney, and I opened my mouth to tell him I was okay, but I didn’t get a chance. He pulled me into his arms, the move heartbreakingly gentle and forceful all at once.

Anson’s restraint snapped, and he gripped my hips so hard I’d carry marks tomorrow. Marks I craved. I met him thrust for thrust, taking him deeper than I thought possible.

“I love the noises you make. The whimpers and moans. The way you suck me in, desperate for more.”