Broken Heart 07 Cross Your Heart by Michele Bardsley Read Free Book Online Page A

you think?”
    “No,” I said reluctantly. “I have no proof. Just… feelings. I think she was murdered, Jess.”
    “You gonna talk to Patsy?” She wiggled her fingers as if casting a spell. “She can kick any ghost’s ass.”
    I hoped that was true. I wasn’t too thrilled about facing the entity again. Being attacked by something unseen was terrifying—even for a vampire.
    “I’m definitely going to consult with Patsy. Right now, I need to meet up with Tez.”
    “Tez. That’s his name?” asked Jessica. One eyebrow winged upward. “Seriously?”
    I held up my palm. “Swear.”
    “Mo chroi.”
     Patrick hovered above us. Literally. As a vampire from the Family Ruadan, who were part Sidhe, or fairy, he had the ability to fly. He landed softly on the ground next to his wife.
    “Elizabeth,” he said in his Irish-tinted voice. “How are you?”
    “I’m very well,” I said. “And you?”
    “I’m—” His words stalled as he looked at his wife. Jessica sent him a sizzling look of fury, and his gaze slid guiltily to the mark in the lawn.
    “I’ll see you later,” I trilled. Then I hurried to my car.
    When I arrived at the Old Sass Café, I found Tez ensconced in a booth with two vaguely familiar young women. Tez patted the seat next to him, his eyes gleaming. I had yet to determine what, exactly, made his eyes sparkle like that. Nothing good, I was sure. His werewolf-inflicted facial injuries had already healed. I slid in next to him, planting my large purse between us.
    “Good evening,” I said to the ladies. “I’m Elizabeth Bretton.”
    “Tawny,” said the red-haired vixen on the left. Her eyes glittered with challenge. She wore a low-cut blouse showing off perfect cleavage. She tossed a flirtatious grin at Tez. I slanted a look at him. He grinned. He was enjoying the attention. The man was such a… a hound. Oh, you know what I mean.
    “I’m Serri,” said the woman on the right. She was a brunette with gorgeous caramel highlights and a green gaze that was much friendlier. “We heard about Tez’s arrival and couldn’t wait to meet him.”
    “Turns out I’m very rare,” said Tez in a voice that was filled with innuendo.
    I resisted the urge to kick him in the ankle. Did he have to sound so I’ll-eat-you-up-my-pretty?
    “You should come meet the rest of the clan. After all, we”—Tawny tossed a glare in my direction—“are your kind.”
    “We’ve never met a jaguar,” said Serri, sending her friend a cutting look. “As far as any of the clans are aware, the were-jags died out long ago.”
    “Well, there was at least one around thirty-four years ago hanging out in the Mexican jungles,” said Tez.
    “And he mated with a human female?” asked Serri. Her and Tawny’s expressions both held disbelief.
    “Probably didn’t have much choice,” said Tez. “Especially if ol’ Pops was the last jag shifter.”
    “Human and were-cat unions don’t usually produce offspring,” said Serri skeptically. “At least none that I’ve ever heard of.”
    “Perhaps only were-jags can mate with humans.” I smiled at Tez. “Your mother must’ve been very special.”
    “Or just convenient.” Tez smiled back, but his attempt at levity didn’t take the edge off his bitter tone.
    I was taken aback. His paternal-inspired anger added a new layer to this man, who was flirtatious, sexy, dutiful, and far too macho. I wondered what it had been like for him growing up with a human mother, knowing that his father had abandoned her and the child she carried. Tez had his secrets… but didn’t we all?
    My cell rang. I plucked the iPhone from my purse and answered.
    “I heard you had a real interesting morning,” said Patsy. “Those dawn shenanigans can get you killed, you know.”
    “I’ll try to cut down on my aberrant behavior.”
    Tez’s hand snaked out and squeezed my thigh. I’d have to remember to use “aberrant behavior” in the future—and not just in conversation. I lightly