Dare You to Run by Dawn Ryder Read Free Book Online Page A

really, too young to truly be in the same league with Vitus. So why did she notice so keenly the lack of confidence in his grip on her hand? Or the very disappointing way he let her control their process around the floor?
    Because you know what you want.
    She did. And there was no way she was going to get it, at least, not without putting him at risk.
    Vitus Hale wasn’t the only one who knew how to protect others. She really would have enjoyed getting the chance to tell him so.
    *   *   *
    â€œTurn around,” Kagan whispered. “You’re about to miss what you came here to see.”
    Vitus stiffened. He didn’t need to see her. Couldn’t really. Every muscle he had was tight and his cock was hard. It shouldn’t be so easy for her to get to him. He was an ex-SEAL for Christ’s sake. Controlling his responses was what he excelled at.
    Apparently not, at least when it came to Damascus Ryland.
    He forced himself to do an about-face. And it pissed him off to realize how hard it was to do it. But his temper fizzled out as he took in Jeb Ryland standing next to his daughter. Controlling his personal reactions wasn’t the only thing he’d learned to do while being a Seal. He’d also spent a lot of time reading peoples’ body language. Damascus’s said she was fighting the urge to shove her father away from her. The good congressman was gripping her elbow, trying to look like he was simply standing by her side, but a closer examination showed his fingertips digging into her arm.
    â€œWhoa.” Kagan shot an arm out, stopping him.
    Vitus cussed under his breath as he realized that he’d been moving toward her.
    â€œDaddy is a little unhappy.” Kagan stated the obvious. “Want to take a stab at the cause?”
    Vitus tightened his control. “We know he disapproves of contact between us.” What stuck in his throat was the fact that Damascus was standing there taking it. She could have stayed with him. That was the thought that kept him standing across the room as Jeb Ryland finished up and handed his daughter over to another man. Vitus was grinding his teeth as Damascus went into the man’s embrace and off across the dance floor.
    â€œShe’s a little old to be jumping to do Daddy’s bidding,” Kagan said.
    Vitus sent his superior a hard look. “You know the type. They might like to play dangerously when the press isn’t watching, but the moment their lifestyle is threatened, they fall into line. Damascus is a politician’s daughter through and through.”
    â€œPossibly.” Kagan’s tone left Vitus wondering if his section leader agreed with him or not. With Kagan, it was wise to question everything and double-check what you thought you were sure of.
    Damascus came twirling by, claiming his attention. Maybe he should question what he thought he knew about her.
    Then again, maybe he’d be the biggest dumb-ass on the face of the planet to venture anywhere near her. The woman was his own personal kryptonite.
    *   *   *
    â€œWhat do you think you’re doing, Damascus?” Her father kept a smile on his lips, but his tone was biting.
    â€œBeing a good hostess,” she answered back.
    Her father’s fingers bit into her arm.
    â€œNeed I remind you of the promise I made you?”
    â€œNo,” she said. “It’s hardly necessary to let one dance bother you so much. It was expected, and now it’s over.”
    â€œIt had better be,” he warned her. “I can make sure that man’s mother has a flag to hang over her mantle. You know I have connections with the right people.”
    â€œSo you’ve told me.”
    Her sire wasn’t pleased with her continuing to speak. His eyes were full of determination, a crazy sort that sent a tingle down her spine. He might just be a touch insane. In the capitol, only the truly dedicated survived. This was