Aloha - Laurie Roma Page 0,1

was doing. He felt her touch like an electrical current surging through his body and knew he was in dangerous territory.

He was a man who prided himself on his composure, but he had no control over his own body whenever he was around her. Her voice made his pulse race, her laugh mesmerized him, and her touch made the blood surge straight down to his dick. He was a big man in every way, and it wasn’t exactly easy to hide the erection straining against his jeans. It was still dark enough that it wouldn’t be as noticeable, yet the thought of one of her brothers seeing him holding Elle so intimately helped him regain some of his control.

He respected them far too much to be caught lusting after their sister, especially right outside of Griffin’s house. Loyalty, honor, and duty weren’t just words to him. He was one of the few people they trusted completely, and he didn’t want to jeopardize that by acting like a lovesick schoolboy hyped up on hormones.

To Kade, ohana meant everything.

And that was exactly who they were to him…family.

That said, what he felt for Elle was obviously different. Fuck, he wanted to haul her over his shoulder and carry her off so he could make love to her until neither of them could move. He didn’t mind being labeled a caveman. Actually, it amused him whenever she called him one. However, their situation was slightly more complicated than simply allowing him to drag her off to his cave so he could have his way with her.

Elle was his friend’s little sister, which should have automatically put her on the do not touch list. If that wasn’t enough of a deterrent, he was far too cynical, too mentally and physically battle-scarred for someone as sweet as Elle. Kade was also several years older than she was, and he knew someone closer to her own age would suit her better. However, he couldn’t let that shit happen. Not if he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life in prison for committing murder.

He should stay away from her, but he simply couldn’t help himself.

She was like the sun, and he needed her warmth and light.

Unfortunately, she had no idea how he felt about her, and he couldn’t tell her…yet. They both had a lot of stuff going on in their lives and adding relationship drama into the mix would complicate things. She was also damn close to fulfilling her dream of graduating with honors from college, and he would not distract her from her goal.

However, after she graduated, things were going to change.

Right now, he was simply Elle’s friend and confidant. But for him, she had become his whole world. She was sweet, intelligent, and had a core of kindness that made her a joy to be around. Sometimes she could be so damn stubborn that his teeth hurt from grinding them in frustration. She also had a wicked sense of humor and a fiery temper when riled.

But she couldn’t lie worth shit.

People were often intimidated by his size and quiet demeanor, but Elle wasn’t—at all. He wasn’t sure if he appreciated or lamented that simple truth. He couldn’t force her to explain what she was up to, but she would eventually tell him what he wanted to know. She always did. He couldn’t wait since someone was bound to come looking for him if he didn’t return soon, so they didn’t have time to play their usual game.

Kade made sure she was steady on her feet before he let go of her. Bathed in moonlight, she was the most stunning woman he’d ever seen. Just looking at her was enough to steal his breath. He took a step back, trying to put some distance between them.

“Why are you sneaking around dressed like a ninja?”

“Ha! If I were a like a ninja, I’d be wearing something much cooler. You’re the one who is sneaking around.” Her chin jutted up defiantly as she poked him in the chest. “What are you doing out here besides scaring me to death?”

“Forgot my phone in the truck.” He used his own hand to block her from poking him again. “Now, what are you doing out here in the dark?”

“Quit scowling at me. I promised I wouldn’t run alone at night anymore.” She waved her hand in a vague gesture. “My car is parked over there. I dropped the bag off, then came back after I parked.”

Since he hadn’t noticed