Alone was safer.
Reluctantly, she pushed away from him. This time, he let her go. She slid back onto the seat and swiped at her face with her hands. “Where are we?” She needed to change the subject. She was through talking about herself.
“Not far from Nashville.”
Everything inside her froze. She had been so intent on watching James, she hadn’t been paying attention to the road signs, hadn’t even noticed when they’d crossed the state line. Her limbs began to tremble and she clenched every muscle in her body to try to still the tremors. The last thing she wanted was for James to notice there was something wrong.
Shelley had intended to head in the opposite direction as soon as she’d saved enough money. Maybe up north to New York or west to California. She’d never, ever planned on setting foot back in this state again.
“You okay?” James’s voice was low, the concern evident.
She nodded, afraid that if she opened her mouth to speak the only thing that would come out would be a long moan of pain.
“Shelley?”
“I’m fine,” she whispered. “We shouldn’t just be sitting here on the side of the road.” The quicker they got moving, the faster they could leave this state behind them.
“I need to stop in Nashville to see a man.” James slid back to his seat, strapped on his seatbelt and pulled back into traffic. “Buckle up.”
She fumbled with her seatbelt until it snapped together. Leaning back, she rested her head against the seat and closed her eyes. She could get through this. The chances of her running into someone who knew her were slim to none.
“You said you wanted to be dropped off in a city,” James began.
Panic threatened to swamp her. Her fingers clenched the hem of her sweater. Everything would be fine. She refused to believe otherwise.
“But I don’t want to leave you here,” he continued. “Come home with me. Give yourself a few days to rest and think about things before you make a rash decision. It’s the least I can do after causing you to lose your job.”
The fact that she was considering his offer made her realize just how afraid she was. He was a complete stranger, a male, and one of them—a werewolf. It was difficult for her to think of that as being normal. She’d spent her entire life being told she was a freak, a monster, something to be reviled.
But no more. She’d gambled, taken her chance and had earned the right to live in peace. Could she actually trust another of her kind? She’d always been told her family had abandoned her, hadn’t wanted her because she was weak.
She didn’t know if it was the truth because she couldn’t remember ever having a family. In her dreams, she caught the occasional glimpse of a face or heard a voice that seemed oddly familiar, but nothing concrete. She wasn’t even sure exactly how old she was or where she’d come from.
The last seven months had pushed her to her limits. She was mentally and physically exhausted.
“My daughter would love to meet you,” James added when she didn’t answer him.
“You have a daughter?” Somehow that made him seem more approachable. Which was stupid. Having a kid didn’t mean he was a good man.
“Yeah,” he glanced at her and smiled. She could see the pride, the love in his face as he spoke of her. “Alexandra. She’s married now, but lives next door.”
Shelley nibbled on her bottom lip. This was her opportunity to learn more about herself. She’d worked blind her entire life, knowing only what she’d been told by her captor.
As if sensing her indecision, James tapped his fingers against the steering wheel as he drove. “Think about it. You can go to my meeting with me if you want or you can let me buy you something to eat while you wait. Take some time before you decide. No pressure.”
She almost snorted. James might say there was no pressure, but he’d gotten his way about everything he wanted since they’d met. “Maybe,” she conceded. She’d think about it and decide when they arrived in Nashville. If nothing else, his buying her a meal would save her some money. He owed her that much.
Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she’d tossed up what little she’d eaten today. The motion of the truck was making her sleepy. She closed her eyes and leaned against the door. She’d just rest for a few minutes.
James glanced at Shelley for the hundredth time as he drove toward the city. Her breathing was even and her head was tilted at an awkward angle. He didn’t know how she could sleep like that. She must be worn out.
The bulky sweater she wore was way too big for her. But rather than hiding her femininity, it accentuated it. Her hands looked delicate poking out from the folded-back cuffs. The fact that it hung so loosely on her emphasized her slight build.
He eyed the skirt of the dress she wore. The fabric was thin, not much good for cool weather. Her footwear was no better. She was still wearing the canvas sneakers she’d worn at work. She wasn’t even wearing tights or stockings, just thin ankle socks. He’d have to see about getting her some new clothing.
All her belongings fit into one small paper bag. His fingers clenched around the wheel until his knuckles turned white. He wanted to reach out and touch her, smooth her silky hair from her face.
There was something about Shelley that made him want to protect her, care for her. He snorted as his dick flexed, pushing against the zipper of his jeans. He wanted to take her to bed for about a week too. And he didn’t want to spend the time there sleeping.
Her scent filled the cab of his truck. It was light, almost floral. He breathed deep and his cock reacted, twitching once again.
He shifted in his seat, trying to get more comfortable. Wasn’t going to happen any time soon. Not with his balls pulled up tight to his body and a huge erection straining for release.
James forced himself to focus on the road, changing lanes and merging with the thicker traffic as he entered the city. He’d been here before, but it had been more than twenty years ago. Still, he recognized landmarks and quickly found his way to his destination.
He found a parking spot and slid the truck into it. The cab grew quiet as he turned off the ignition. Shelley didn’t move, didn’t stir. He didn’t want to wake her, but he didn’t have much choice. Not only did he not want to leave her alone, he was afraid she might not be here when he returned.
He released his seatbelt and leaned closer. Her chest was rising and falling slowly, her breathing deep and relaxed. Her lips were slightly parted and he couldn’t resist the temptation.
A lock of hair brushed her cheek and he pushed it aside with his thumb. Her skin was so soft. A low rumble began deep in his chest. He leaned forward and touched his lips to hers, keeping the contact light and undemanding.
She mumbled in her sleep but didn’t wake. James traced her lush bottom lip with his tongue, almost moaning, as he tasted her. Heat and mint were tinged with a touch of salt from her skin.
Shelley stirred, her eyelids fluttered. Her dark brown eyes were slightly glazed as she stared at him. A second later, panic filled them. James eased back immediately. The last thing he wanted to do was frighten her.
“We’re here.”
She blinked several times, her gaze going past him to the world outside. “Oh.” She straightened and rubbed her eyes. “I must have dozed off.” She frowned at him as if it were somehow his fault.
He fought back a grin, certain she wouldn’t appreciate it. “You did.” He glanced at his watch. “I’ve got a meeting I really need to get to. Are you up to coming with me?”
She shook her head.
“I don’t want to leave you alone.” His wolf was howling inside him, demanding he protect Shelley.
“You don’t owe me anything. You brought me to a city. That’s all I asked.”