Aflame (Apotheosis) Read Online Free

through the room. Zander placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her in. Adrenaline burst through veins already burning with an electric heat. The same sensation jolted her senses when he’d touched her in the car, and again in his truck. Did he feel it too? No way was she going to ask. Enough of her crazy side had been revealed for one day.
    Unaccustomed to being the center of attention, a heated blush crept its way up her neck and landed hot and throbbing across her face. However, with his six-foot-four-inch frame wrapped neatly with layers upon layers of muscle, all eyes were on Zander. Grayce felt invisible, which was good. Inconspicuous was dead center in her comfort zone.
    “Find a seat,” she mumbled. “I’ll be back in a minute and get your drink.” She strode to the back room, shoved her handbag in a locker, changed her clothes and made her way to the mirror.
    Mortified by the sight, she bit back a squeal. Mousy brown hair hung frizzed and messy over her shoulders. Flushed cheeks flashed like neon signs across her face.
    “Shit.” Twisting loose braids on each side of her head, she scrutinized her reflection and decided the crimson glow was pleasant. It brought out the flecks of green in her eyes. Attempting to perk her boobs, she adjusted her bra. Okay. Everything in place. Good to go.
    The standard issue black t-shirt bearing the bar’s logo was purposely too tight, the v-neck way too low, but Jane insisted she’d get much better tips if she conformed. Income far outweighed pride at this point in her life. Tucked safely under a floorboard at home was six months worth of tips. Escape funds. Drop everything and run for your life cash. Hide from the monster money.
    Heart beating a painful rap against her chest, she entered the crowded bar. Immediately, her gaze was drawn to where Zander sat in the darkest corner of the room. How funny, she thought, a man of his stature trying to hide. She drew herself up as she ambled forward. She needed to suck it up and be brave for a few more hours. If he was going to hurt her, he would’ve done it already. After a few drinks, he’d leave and be out of her life for good.
    “Holy Fuck,” she whispered to herself.
    Settled in the corner with his back against the wall, his industrial-sized arms were folded over a hulk-like chest. Tan skin stretched tight and firm over every inch of him. Dark blond hair sat tousled atop his head, carefree and wicked sexy. And his eyes—his intense blue eyes glowed in the dark. His gaze travelled along her body from head to toe as she drew near. She’d never felt so exposed. Not even in the playroom.
    “Okay my superhero, what can I buy you to drink?” The words were barely audible because her throat had closed tighter than a corked bottle. She studied her feet and the scuffed hardwoods as she attempted to clear the shag carpet from her larynx.
    “Superhero?” His chuckle soothed her jagged nerves. When he smiled, his eyes shone brighter than the sun making its first break through black clouds after a passing storm. “A superhero wouldn’t have given that fucker a chance to get anywhere near you to begin with.” The smile morphed to a frown. “I’ll take a beer please, whatever you’ve got. The darker, the better.”
    * * * *
    Jane’s Bar wasn’t at capacity, though busy enough to keep Grayce from talking to him. He didn’t care. He’d found her. Well, he was ninety-nine percent sure she was the one. If not, he’d have to commit suicide because the attraction was not one of earthly origin, but that of the heavens. Now, to find the right time to break the news.
    Zander was more than content to spend his evening in the corner. Screw that, he was downright ecstatic. For the first time in his life, the stars had aligned and all was right with his world. Shit, he’d make the very chair he sat on a permanent home if it meant he could get twenty-four hour, nonstop Grayce time.
    The woman was jaw-dropping gorgeous with