Banged Up by Jeanne St James Read Free Book Online Page A

“Colby, answer me.”
    “Yes. Of course.” She looked longingly at the closed drawer. She needed her gun in her hands right now; she needed to feel the security it gave her. But there was a big man standing between her and her Glock.
    “What are you going to do? Shoot the phone? It was a wrong number, that’s all.”
    He was right, he was right, he was right. She was being stupid. It was either a kid prank calling or just a wrong number. It was as simple as that. She was making a mountain out of a molehill. She focused on the man in front of her. “Sorry. You’re right. I’m just being…” Crazy. Paranoid. “Silly.”
    He settled on the bed next to her and reached for her hand. She was torn. She wanted him to grab her and hold her tight. Make her feel safe. Secure. On the other hand, she didn’t want him to get closer to her. She didn’t want to rely on him or anyone. She was responsible for her own life and her own actions now.
    The only one she could rely on to protect her was … well, herself.
    She stood and slipped her hand out of his. She backed up a step toward the bedroom door. She couldn’t resist one more look at him. He looked so sexy on her bed in just a towel. If she wanted him, she could have him in a second. After the kiss in the hallway, she was sure if she suggested they get naked, he wouldn’t think twice about tossing the towel to the side.
    She needed some uncomplicated loving, some tenderness and maybe even some hot, sweaty down-and-dirty sex. But sex wasn’t her priority.
    Right now, she needed to survive. She needed to get out of the bedroom. “I’m going downstairs to start a roast.” She turned and fled down the hall.
    In her haste, she barely heard Mace’s disgruntled question. “By the way, who’s Martin?”

Chapter Four
    Mace was towel-drying his hair Monday morning when he heard the shrill ring of his cell phone. He could work highly technical surveillance equipment but he couldn’t even figure out how to change the damn ringtone. Not that he had given it any great effort, either. He limped into the bedroom and looked at the “private caller” which came up on the display. He reluctantly answered it before the voice mail could pick up.
    “So, how are you feeling?” a very familiar male voice asked.
    Mace sat on the bed and threw the damp towel over his naked lap. “Lousy. Are you calling for a reason?”
    “Not really. I’m just checking on one of my best men. Did you shave that mess off your face yet?”
    “No.” Mace rubbed a hand self-consciously over his bristly chin. “I like it. I think I’ll keep it for a while.”
    “It makes you look—”
    “Like a criminal. I’ve already heard. Flattery will get you everywhere. Hey, did you call the house phone yesterday?” It would be like his boss to hang up if a stranger’s voice answered. To avoid any questions, his superior would say.
    “I have your cell.”
    Yeah, that was the perfect answer to his question. But he was right. He had Mace’s cell, there would be no reason to call the house.
    “Is there a problem, Walker?”
    “No. No, nothing.” Nothing but some kiddies prank calling the house.
    “If there is, I’m sure it’s something you can handle.”
    “Yeah. In that case, I’m glad you waited until now to call. There’s a woman staying here. Fortunately, she’s at work right now.”
    “I know. You’re speaking of Ms. Colby Parks.”
    Mace gripped the phone tighter. “You know?”
    “Of course. I wasn’t going to let you walk unknowingly into a situation which might be dangerous.”
    “Don’t make me laugh. Everything I do, every situation you send me into, is dangerous.” Mace glanced at the full gun clip still sitting on his nightstand. He picked it up and studied it. Out of habit, he pushed the top round with his thumb, testing the tightness of the clip’s spring. It was a motion he’d done thousands of times, for some reason it gave him comfort. “Speaking of dangerous, she