A Conquest Like No Other by Emma Anderson Read Free Book Online Page B

the phone line.
    “It’s Nikki Greene. You were the
lead detective on my assault case three years ago.”
    She could hear tapping at a
keyboard before the man replied, “Yes, yes, I remember you now. What can I do
for you, Miss Greene?”
    “I thought Paul Watson was given
six years.”
    “He was.”
    “Then how did I see him walking
free around my place of work?” she asked, choosing to keep the fact that she
suspected he was currently lying in wait at her house.
    “Hang on a minute,” the man said
before more tapping could be heard. That was followed by an expletive that she
assumed she wasn’t meant to hear. “Miss Greene, it looks like he was released
early for exemplary behavior in jail. I’m surprised no one contacted you.”
    “Trust me, Detective, if I had
known he was up for parole, I would have fought tooth and nail to oppose it.”
    “It worries me that you saw him.
His conditions of parole are to remain clear of you. But then again you’re a
nurse at the hospital, correct?”
    “Yes,” she replied, knowing where
this line of questioning was heading but immediately dismissing the validity of
it.
    “Then maybe he needed help. We
can’t deny him medical attention if he requires it.” The man said the words she
had been expecting. “Let me have a word with his parole officer. Maybe he can
shed some light on the situation. And I’m sorry you weren’t contacted with
regards to this matter. It’s unacceptable.”
    “Thank you, Detective,” she said,
ending the call.
    The dark road stretched out ahead
of her, feeding her already foreboding thoughts. Shadows moved, making
themselves known. Her only light drove two cars behind hers, promising that she
wasn’t alone. A little glimmer of hope shone, slowly penetrating her blackened
mood. After what seemed like forever, bright neon signs filled her car,
informing her that her destination was close. Finally the Celestial Desert
Paradise Hotel and Casino came into view. A sigh whooshed past her lips
as she pulled into the front of the hotel.
    Her next goal was trying to
figure out how she was going to get up to Gabby and Devil’s quarters. They were
currently spending a couple of days at Gabby’s cabin, but she knew they
wouldn’t object to her hiding out at their place. Luckily she ran into her
answer as soon as she walked into the foyer.
     

Chapter
Seven
     
    “Your job in the accounting
department will be waiting for you when you return from your holiday, Squirt,”
Viper said to his sister. “As requested, no one will know of our relationship,
though I don’t see what the problem is.”
    “Because, Viper, I want people to
respect me for my work, not whose little sister I am,” Jewel explained with her
hands on her hips. “Now are you sure I can use your hotel room for the next
couple of days? I don’t want to cramp your style.”
    “I think I’ve already told you,
I’ve found my mate.”
    “I know, but I still can’t
believe it. You and Devil were the last two guys I envisioned settling down,”
came the teasing response.
    “I plan on introducing you to
Nikki before you leave on your holiday. But be aware, she knows nothing about
our being mates yet.”
    “What? The great Conquest hasn’t
gone forth and conquered yet? You’re losing your touch, old man,” Jewel teased,
like very few could.
    “Her past has restricted me. But
have no fear, Squirt, I will conquer her and then I’ll have her exactly where I
want her—permanently in my life and bed,” he replied, looking forward to the
day that would happen.
    “Where are the other guys?”
    “Devil has taken Gabby away for a
couple of days, but they should be back tomorrow in time to see you. Chaos,
well you know him. He takes off at a whim. And Judge is currently trying to
trace a woman who has somehow managed to cheat the casino out of money. He just
can’t work out how she’s doing it,” Viper explained.
    “Then how does he know she’s
cheating?”
    “She’s been