A shudder went through Rebecca as she recalled those bleak times. Falling had never been Rebecca’s problem. Keeping the baby, however, had been. Another fall out from messing with the fates, it seemed.
She had sold her cleaning business to Tina Snowdon—now Ronan Bernhard’s wife—when the human had arrived in the village. It had been an effort on Rebecca’s part to take it easy, but nothing had worked—not until Joanna-Marie, that was. Her tiny perfect daughter would never know how many hearts she had healed the night she was born.
Unbidden her mother’s lined face swam into Rebecca’s consciousness, and she heard the words she’d said so often.
“Things happen for a reason. Never doubt that, my child, and if you trust in the fates it always comes right in the end. Of course, sometimes they need a helping hand.”
Her mother still refused to step down, determined it seemed to give that helping hand to those who needed it. At least Joanne Hastings had been given a new lease of life with the arrival of her granddaughter and the two newest Protectors in their midst. Ronan’s wife, Tina, had given birth to the most adorable set of twins three months ago. The bear cubs were the future, as much as little Joanna was, and with Eva and even Sasha settled, thanks to yet more meddling from Rebecca’s mother, life looked rosy for Middle Brook.
“Ah, there’s Mummy now, little one. I didn’t think we could fool her for long.” Leon grinned at her and getting off the seat pulled Rebecca in for a long kiss. It was only when Joanna started fussing that they broke apart and he handed the baby over.
They both laughed when Joanna stared rooting immediately and taking the space by the window previously occupied by Leon, Rebecca settled down to feed their daughter.
“You know,” Leon said, as he put his arm around them both. “I shall never grow tired of seeing you nurture our daughter.” A wicked smile lit up his features as he nudged Rebecca, and she rolled her eyes, knowing full well what was coming. “Mind you, I’ll be glad when they belong to me again.”
The baby came off and frowned at him, as though she didn’t like that idea at all and Rebecca laughed.
“You two, seriously. Last time I checked my boobs were attached to me, and thus are mine, no one else’s.”
His lion’s loud grumble shook the floorboards, and everything inside Rebecca stilled at the sound. They hadn’t resumed their physical relationship yet, and not due to lack of trying on her part. Leon was determined to wait until Rebecca had been given the all clear at her upcoming six-week post-natal check, and it was slowly driving Rebecca round the proverbial bend.
“Stop doing that,” she said. “You know full well what that does to me.”
Leon grinned and winked at her.
“Call it payback,” he said.
Rebecca pursed her lips and glared at him in mock annoyance.
“You, Sir, are cruel.”
Leon took a mock bow and blew her a kiss.
“Naturally, and that’s why you love me.” He stepped closer to kiss her, and Rebecca knew she was grinning from ear to ear, when he broke the kiss.
“Just as well I love you, too, and you’re stuck with me for the rest of your life,” Leon said with a smirk.
Rebecca took a deep breath and leaned back into his warmth.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Sir,” she said.
THE END
WWW.DORISOCONNOR.COM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Glutton for punishment would be a good description for Doris…at least that’s what she hears on an almost daily basis when people find out that she has a brood of nine children, ranging from adult to toddler, and lives happily in a far-too-small house, cluttered with children, pets, dust bunnies, and one very understanding and supportive husband. Domestic goddess she is not.
There is always something better to do, after all, like working on the latest manuscript and trying not to scare the locals even more than usual by talking out loud to the voices in her head. Her characters tend to be pretty insistent to get their stories told, and you will find Doris burning the midnight oil on a regular basis. Only time to get any peace and quiet, and besides, sleep is for wimps.
She likes to spin sensual, sassy, and sexy tales involving alpha heroes to die for, and heroines who give as good as they get. From contemporary to paranormal, BDSM to F/F and Ménage, haunting love stories are guaranteed.
For all titles by Doris O'Connor, please visit
www.bookstrand.com/doris-oconnor
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
Her Lion Protector [The Protectors 3] (Siren Publishing Allure) Page 13
