Read Online Artistic Vision by Dana Marie Bell - Free Book Online Page A

and sighed. Sal had crawled into bed with him once again. How the salamander managed to get into his studio he’d never know, but it wasn’t the first time and he doubted it would be the last. “Fucking animal.”
    The bed shifted, and Sal leaned over him, panting heavily. “Woof.”
    Shane froze. He opened his eyes to find the kind of tongue he wouldn’t mind having all over him lolling out of a mouth he was already addicted to. The heat had been Akane, not the salamander. “Good morning, a ghrá .”
    Akane sat back, looking astonishingly prim despite her tangled curls. “What does that mean?”
    Shane stretched all over, curling his toes in pleasure. It was nice feeling, waking up to the woman of your dreams. “What do you think it means?” He stared up at her, daring her to admit she already had the answer.
    Her brow furrowed. “I have no clue. I’m a New Yorker, remember?”
    He chuckled. “In that case, do you really want the answer?”
    She opened her mouth, but something about the look on his face must have stopped her from giving the automatic response she’d intended. “I don’t know. Do I?”
    He cupped her cheek, running his thumb across those kissable lips. “If I were you, I would.”
    One brow rose arrogantly. “Good thing I’m not you.”
    He pulled her down for a good-morning kiss, enjoying the cinnamon and spice taste that exploded on his tongue. God, the woman tasted incredible. “Good morning.” He let go and waited for her to run for it.
    She cleared her throat, her expression dazed. “Um. Yeah.” She shivered delicately. “I have to go to work.”
    She started to crawl out of bed and Shane bit back a grin. “Break some legs.”
    She paused. “You did not just say that.”
    “What?” He grabbed hold of her wrist, feeling the rapid beat of her heart through the delicate skin.
    She shook her head and pulled on her arm half-heartedly. She was learning. “Seriously. Ruby’s in danger. I have work to do, damn it.”  
    He’d expected more rage from her, but her protest was weak, her tone more thoughtful than pissed. “I would never endanger Ruby or try and stop you from working. You know that.”
    “Do I?”
    There was an old pain under her words, a wound he intended to lance before it festered any further. The first step was to let go of her wrist and settle back down under the covers. “If you tell me you need to work, then you go.” He leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to her jean-clad thigh. “Just remember to come home to me.” Shane put his head back down on the pillow and closed his eyes. There wasn’t much more he could do at this point in the game short of dragging her down and finishing the Claiming. If he did that, he’d break the fragile trust she’d given him the night before.  
    He was rewarded by the soft brush of her hand through his hair. “You’re a pain in my ass, you know that?”
    The affection in the insult was unmistakable. Shane hid his glee behind a warm smile. “I try.”
    She snorted a laugh. “Where will I be able to find you later?”
    “Hither and yon.”
    “Shane.”
    He sighed. “If I’m not in my studio I’ll be around the farm, helping Dad.” He opened one eye and glared at her. “Did you erase my cell phone number again?”
    Her big eyes widened, the innocent act lost on him. “It was an accident, I swear.”
    He rattled off the number and waited for her to input it. “You call me if you need to find me. Even if I’m working I’ll answer.”
    “I’m almost afraid to ask, but how will you know it’s me?”
    He gestured vaguely toward the floor, his eyes still closed. “Dig my cell phone out of my jeans.” He waited until the cold plastic hit his palm before opening his eyes. He had to see the expression on her face for this one. “Now call me.”
    She did, and when the ring tone sounded she shot off the bed like it had bitten her. “‘Puff the Magic Dragon’? You fucker!”
    He started to laugh.
    “That’s not