Crime and Punishment 4: Burning Submission by Trista Ann Michaels Read Free Book Online Page A

him everything.
    He was only one man. What could he possibly do to protect her? She could protect herself. She’d done it before. She’d done it to break free. She could do it again. But how would she ever explain it to him if he saw her do it?
    She started shaking her head. Josh took a step toward her.
    “You’re not running from a husband, are you?” he asked.
    She continued to shake her head and licked her lips nervously.
    “Who are you running from?”
    “I don’t know,” she whispered.
    And truthfully, she didn’t. She had no idea if they were government, military, or just some sick corporation.
    Josh frowned. “How did you get away?”
    She bit her lip. She couldn’t lie now. He’d caught her. She was trapped and had nowhere to go but the hall of truth. “I saw my chance, and I set the place on fire.” Her lips began to tremble as memories came rushing back. “I only remember bits and pieces. It’s like I was running on autopilot. Once it started, I couldn’t stop it.”
    “Jennifer…” Josh reached for her, but she backed away. “Couldn’t stop what?”
    “I don’t know. I…I think I electrocuted them, caused them to have heart attacks.”
    Josh froze and stared at her. His hand was still outstretched. Jennifer wanted so badly to take it but was terrified that she might do much worse than the spark from last night, so she kept talking.
    “When I got out, I had this irresistible pull to find Linda. I didn’t understand it, until I finally got to her house. I was dehydrated and bruised and burned and…detoxing off something. I think it’s what they gave me to keep me under control.”
    He didn’t move, just kept his hand out. Her gaze kept flickering to his hand, his offer of support…a lifeline.
    “What were they doing to you, sweetheart?” he asked softly.
    Tears streamed down her face, and her voice shook as she spoke. “They were trying to turn me into a weapon.”
    “And that weapon turned on them, didn’t it?” he whispered.
    Jennifer sobbed and nodded. She started to reach for his hand but pulled back. “I’m afraid if I touch you, I’ll hurt you.” She stared at him with pleading eyes, trying to make him understand.
    “You won’t hurt me,” he said with much more confidence than she felt.
    “I did last night.”
    “That was a spark, sweetheart. Nothing more.”
    He hadn’t moved. She saw no fear in his eyes, no wariness, just understanding and comfort. Taking a deep, quivering breath, she raised her trembling fingers to his and lightly placed them in his outstretched palm. His skin was warm. There was a tingling sensation that should’ve made her pull back, but his fingers closed over hers before she could get away.
    He tugged her to him, forcing her flush against his hard, strong chest. Jennifer sagged against him. Her sobs shook her entire body as his arms enfolded her, holding her close.
    “It’s okay,” he cooed.
    JOSH HADN’T EXPECTED her to reveal her secrets quite that fast, but he was glad she had. Confusion still tugged at his mind. She thought they were turning her into a weapon? That made no sense.
    Her sobs slowly died down, but Josh kept his arms around her. He had a feeling if he gave any slack at all, she’d bolt.
    The sizzle of the potatoes frying in the pan finally registered in his mind. He released her long enough with one arm to turn off the gas. Breakfast could wait.
    “Jennifer, I need you to tell me everything,” he said softly.
    “I can’t,” she murmured against his chest.
    “If you’re afraid they will come for you again, I need to know why. I need to understand so I can better protect you.” She shook her head, and Josh sighed. “You can trust me.”
    “I can’t put you in any more danger, Josh. You have to go.”
    With a louder sigh, Josh gripped her shoulders and pushed her back from him. She kept her gaze down, and Josh gave her a firm shake before ordering, “Look at me, Jennifer.”
    She raised her gaze to his, and