South of Surrender (Hearts of the Anemoi) by Laura Kaye

shouldn’t—”
    “Wait.” She knew where this conversation was going, and she couldn’t handle it right now. Not when she was flat on her back for the next few days. “I know what you’re going to say, and you’re wrong. I know I wasn’t smart in checking out the barn last night, but I’m perfectly competent at taking care of myself on a day-to-day basis. And you know it.”
    Tension filled the air for a long moment, and then he sighed. “I know. I just…I really hate that you’re hurt.”
    “Me, too, and I appreciate that. But of all people, I need your support in this.” With her grandfather gone, Seth was the person who knew her best in the world. His opinion mattered to her. A lot. “Besides, you’re here.”
    “I am. And I promised your pop I’d watch out for you.” He sighed, and Laney swallowed around the lump that formed in her throat. Seth had been close with her grandfather, too. “Okay, I’ll drop it,” he said, though his tone wasn’t entirely convinced. He collected her plate. “Want that second sandwich?”
    “Maybe later.”
    “All right. I’m going to go check out the barn and see what kind of damage we’re talking about. Then I’ll look into getting a contractor out to look at it.”
    “Thanks. I can help make some of those calls tomorrow.”
    “Here,” he said from next to her. “Hold out your hand.” He dropped a pill into her palm. “Just concentrate on getting better. Okay?”
    Laney took the painkiller without throwing a fuss about it. Her cooperation would ease his concern. She hoped.
    “I’ll be back in a bit.”
    She nodded and laid her head back against the pillow. Between sleeping on the floor last night and the stress of her injuries, exhaustion weighed on her like a lead blanket. When she closed her eyes, though, all she could see were two competing images—of a winged horse and a golden-haired man. With really nice shoulders. Limited as her version was, she’d apparently made note of every sculpted detail of that part of his anatomy.
    Seth came back through the door. Laney startled out of whatever hazy dream-state she’d been in. She had no idea how much time might’ve passed, or if she’d really been asleep at all. Must be some good drugs.
    “I’m sorry. Did I wake you?”
    “No,” she said, her voice groggy. “What’s up?”
    “Well, it’s not pretty, but the barn’s still structurally sound. Shouldn’t be too big of a job.”
    “That’s good.”
    “Shame about the oak tree, though.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Looks like lightning split it in half. That’s what came down on the roof.”
    Laney frowned and fought the sensation of the room spinning. “The oak tree?”
    “Didn’t you see the huge branches sticking in through the roof?”
    Branches…? Her scalp prickled. “Uh, no, no, but, uh…” She struggled to swallow and fought back the words What branches? There weren’t any branches! Just like there wasn’t a winged horse. Or a golden-haired man.
    What the hell was happening to her?

Chapter Six
    Aw damn, so warm.
    Chrysander burrowed into the soft body in front of him, arm coming tight around her waist, face pressing into miles of silky hair. His lips found her neck and then he was kissing her, tasting her, drawing her warmth inside himself.
    More.
    She turned over, bringing her lips in line with his. Her soft skin skated over his, and that small touch electrified him. Chrys slanted his mouth over hers, sucking and teasing her full lips. She moaned low in her throat and he pressed in, his tongue demanding entrance, his chest grazing hers. Her lips parted, and he plunged forward, exploring and invading every part of her sweet mouth. Her heat poured into him, making him ravenous for her.
    Her hands came up to surround him.
    He pulled back. Control. He needed control. “No. Above your head.”
    Dark blue eyes on fire, she obeyed. He grasped her wrists with his hand, then brought himself atop her.
    Gods. He covered her from