He’s vowed to protect her. Even from himself.
Navy SEAL Isaac Adair’s secret could shatter his family. He’s devoted his life to serving others as a member of an elite special warfare team—a job that keeps him from doing something unforgiveable like giving into the searing attraction between him and his foster sister. Loving her is sweet torture but from the moment they met, he’s vowed to protect her—even if it’s from his true feelings.
Julie Lambert has everything, except for the man who has always owned her heart. His misplaced honor has kept him away from their family—one formed by traumatic bonds, not by blood. When she witnesses the high-profile murder of a client’s father, a dangerous crime organization wants them both silenced. Isaac will give her the protection she needs, but will he give her his heart, too?
“Thought I heard you stirring.” The low, gravelly pitch of his voice never failed to make her heart thunder. Instead of moving away, Isaac pulled her closer, kissing her forehead, then shuffling her back into the bedroom. The door closed behind them with a soft click, and Isaac turned them so the cool wood was pressed against her back. “Wanted to make sure you heard what I said last night.” His rough palm was cupping her cheek, sliding down her neck. Warmth spread between her hips.
“I need to check on Sabrina.” Her voice hitched, suddenly nervous to hear what Isaac was going to say to her. She was more vulnerable standing here in the light, facing him, than she was last night.
Isaac’s face softened. “We made pancakes and eggs. Rowan’s kitchen has never seen so much destruction.” A rare smile ghosted over his lips. “They were playing Fruit Ninja on her tablet, then he made a friend for life when he dug out a bunch of old padlocks and keys from his toolbox. Kid’s having the time of her life.”
She drew her head back, momentarily distracted from Isaac’s touches. “You were able to get her a new tablet?”
“Yeah, at the store last night.” The back of his hand gently brushed over her collar bone. “Don’t know if it’s the best quality or what she needs. I was grabbing things blindly and moving as fast as I could. Also found the toy keys, but now that she’s had the real deal I don’t think there is any chance of going back to plastic.”
“I can’t believe you got all that you did.” Her voice had turned to smoke—hazy and thick with lust from their close proximity.
They stood against the door hip to hip and she couldn’t suppress a shiver of pleasure as Isaac’s gaze bore down on her. His pupils nearly eclipsed the irises, black licorice swallowing up warm chocolate. He’d always hid his desire for her, but right now, he was revealing everything. The intensity was so staggering, the breath bottled up in her chest. They were on the edge of something profound. His hands went to her waist, growing possessive as he slid them down to grip her hips. She stilled as his broad chest heaved, breath rushing in and out. He had to make the first move. Needed to be the one to carry the relationship forward.
One moment she was contemplating if he was going to kiss her, and the next his mouth crashed down on hers. Isaac swallowed the groan that seized in the back of her throat. This was everything she’d ever wanted, everything she’d dreamed of. Honest in their feelings for one another, exploring this explosive attraction that had always sparked between them. He tasted of coffee, of maple syrup, of Isaac. Perfection. When the result of his attraction pressed against her belly, she slipped her hands into the back pockets of his jeans and tugged him closer. His hands fisted in her hair, angling her head to deepen the kiss. His tongue played against hers, and her nipples beaded beneath her shirt. They were both losing control, and as much as she wanted to push Isaac to give her everything, she slowed the kiss, grazing her teeth slowly over his bottom lip. She brought her hands to his chest, even though their legs and hips were still molded together.
