Bad Nights by REBECCA YORK Read Free Book Online

come charging down the hall to rescue her from men who had as much regard for her as they might have for a cornered mouse.
    He’d knocked them out of commission, then started thinking ahead. He was a tough, decisive guy, competent and sure of his actions. Yet the way he was holding her told her that he had a tender side.
    She marveled at what she was feeling now. Last night, before he’d stumbled out of the woods, she’d been dragging herself along, fighting the deadened sensations in her mind and body.
    Now her heart was pounding, and all her senses were more alive than they’d been in months. She hadn’t even been sure she wanted to live. Danger had convinced her otherwise. Danger and whatever she was feeling for the man who held her.
    â€œI’m damn sorry for dragging you into this,” he whispered, his lips brushing her ear and sending a shiver over her skin.
    She nodded against his shoulder, then realized she couldn’t simply accept the apology—or anything else—at face value.
    â€œThose men aren’t FBI agents, are they?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œWhy are they after you?”
    â€œLong story.”
    Pulling herself together, she broke the contact with him, rearing back, angry with herself for giving in so easily to her needy feelings when she had to stay in control.
    As much to convince herself as to convince him, she made her expression fierce. “I think you know you almost got me killed. Tell me what’s going on right now—or get the hell out of here.”
    His features were equally vehement. “I’m not going anywhere. Not without you.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œToo dangerous. Those guys came looking for me here. And before they knocked on the door, they disabled your car. That should tell you something about their intentions. When they don’t come back, the big kahuna will send more of his men. And it won’t be to thank you for helping me.”
    She made a scoffing sound. “I’m supposed to take your word for all that?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œWell, they may be minions of the evil overlord, but I can’t go with you unless I have more information. Who are they? What did you do to them?”
    ***
    Jack kept his gaze on her defiant face. She wasn’t bluffing. She meant what she said, and he couldn’t allow her to kick him out. That was simply too dangerous for her. He dragged in a breath and exhaled to give himself another couple of seconds. He’d been in deep cover for months, and he was breaking protocol if he told her anything. But that cover was already blown, he reminded himself. That’s how he’d ended up naked in her front yard.
    â€œOkay. They belong to a homegrown militia organization that has their headquarters near here.”
    â€œI never heard of a militia around here.”
    â€œThey’ve been in the area less than a year, and they don’t advertise their presence. On the compound they wear uniforms. But if they go out in public, they change into civilian clothes.”
    â€œWhy are they after you?”
    The sixty-four-thousand-dollar question. He clenched and unclenched his fists.
    â€œI was on an undercover assignment, infiltrating their group to find out what they’re planning. I must have blown my cover.”
    â€œHow?”
    He kept his voice steady as he said the part he detested revealing. “I don’t know. I mean, my memories before the interrogation are… missing.” His jaw clenched. “The first thing I remember is waking up on their torture table. You saw the results.”
    He had the satisfaction of seeing her wince, but she was back to business immediately.
    â€œAnd you’re working for?”
    â€œRockfort Security.”
    â€œNot the government?”
    He answered with a harsh laugh. “In this case, the government’s using a contractor. Rockfort is doing the heavy lifting.”
    When she opened her mouth