Dangerous Liaisons by Tarah Scott, Evan Trevane Read Free Book Online Page A

by vaulting over the bed. Lancelot darted aside as Cole landed two steps away. He lunged, grabbed her wrist, and Jesse allowed him to yank her face to within an inch of his.
    “Take the time,” he ordered.
    She glanced at Lancelot, who stared as if to encourage her to go on. Jesse looked back at Cole. “All right, bottom line: there’s someone I can hurt very badly, and he’s trying to hurt me first.”
    “That’s not very original.”
    “It’s the truth. This isn’t a petty squabble. You saw how far they’ll go.”
    Cole’s expression darkened. “You’re saying last night was a set-up?”
    “Those people were paid to lure me into the alley and shoot me with the trank.” He looked as if he would say something more, but she needed to end this now. “We can stand here all day discussing it, or we can stop whoever’s out there. Chances are, they aren’t aware we know they’re here.”
    Cole released her, and she allowed her grip on the knife at her side to relax.
    “Your shoulder and leg will slow you down,” he said.
    She gave a frustrated shake of her head. “These wounds aren’t serious enough to keep me from leaving.” He appeared about to object before she added, “I can’t leave you here. Taking off would leave you at their mercy—and they don’t have any.”
    “Won’t they go after you and forget about me?”
    Jesse leveled her gaze on him. “They won’t leave without making sure you’re dead.”
    “Leave no witnesses,” he said without batting an eye.
    Jesse nodded.
    Cole nodded toward her shoulder. “How do you plan to karate chop anyone with a shoulder wound and a gashed leg?”
    She smiled and pulled her ponytail tight. “Worried about me?” A flicker of surprised anger flashed in his eyes. Jesse frowned. “Is something wrong, Cole?”
    He snorted. “What could possibly be wrong? I’m trapped with a wanted criminal—” he stopped, and Jesse knew it was because the expression on her face had gone cold.
    She hadn’t said she was wanted for a crime. What did he know about her? “I told you I was sorry you got mixed up in this.” She started for the door. “Next time, mind your own business.” Cole started to follow, but stopped when she whirled. “Where are my shoes?”
    He circled the bed and pulled the sneakers from under the chair. He tossed them at her. Jesse caught them without taking her eyes off him. They stared at one another for a moment, then she sat down on a stool by the door, gripped the scalpel in her teeth, and slipped on the sneakers.
    Grabbing the knife, she rose. “Stay here.”
    Jesse pressed an ear against the door, and listened. Nothing. She grasped the doorknob and turned. The latch clicked free and she opened the door half an inch. Their examination room lay at the end of a hallway, with two doors on the left, and one farther down on the right. The hallway then made a sharp right turn. Jesse glanced at the bottom of the doors on the left and right. No shadows blocked the natural light that spilled beneath them.
    “Lancelot,” she called softly, patting her uninjured leg. The dog trotted to her side. “Come on, boy,” she whispered, “let’s see if you can sniff out any rats.” She sensed Cole’s approach and glanced back. “Stay put.”
    He mumbled something under his breath, but halted. Jesse sighed. Blue Team operatives generally worked alone. On occasion, teams were assembled for assignments outside the charter. She had commanded such a mission and the men hadn’t taken to a female leader. She could imagine how Cole must feel. He probably hadn’t imagined a woman like her existed, much less considered the possibility he’d take orders from one.
    Lancelot followed her as they approached the first door on the left. The dog remained calm. They neared the second door, and still no growls. The same with the last door on the right. She looked back at Cole and motioned for him to follow.
    He reached her side and bent his ear so close his