Designer Genes - The Boyfriend Cut by Harley Brooks Read Free Book Online

been with a girl, you know…like that. I couldn't believe I did something so horrible. When Jordan picked me up at the hotel, he grabbed my beer bottle off on the dresser to have anything left inside analyzed."
    His next comment held a hint of caution. "Jordan's very smart, Marli. That's why The Program keeps their digs in him. Anyway, the test results came back showing the beer laced with some drug that alters memory. My DNA swab proved my innocence." Jesse's cheeks flushed. "I can't believe I'm telling you this. Sorry if I said anything to make you uncomfortable."
    I swallowed loudly. "I asked, didn't I?"
    "Yes, you did."
    I touched Jesse's arm before he stepped out of the car. "Wait. Maybe I'm out of line asking, but your parents—"
    He cut me off. "My father and Jordan decided I was a target. Something to keep in mind, Marli, before you choose to join our 'clan' . "
    "What do you mean 'target?'"
    We entered an underground tunnel and after a couple of turns. Jesse stopped. I could no longer see an entrance or an exit. He drew me close, his voice dropping to barely a whisper.
    "Marli, I belong to a powerful family and there are people out there who don't like us."
    My stomach dipped. "Okay, you're creeping me out. Who is your father, anyway?"
    "Sorry, can't say." Jesse towed me around the corner to a waiting elevator. When I opened my mouth to ask more, he pointed to the security cameras. "Subject closed."

    Lights on each side of the front door illuminated the front steps, welcoming me home. I lived in an older, two-story red brick home, nestled in a quiet neighborhood. A large porch spanned the front of the house with a wooden swing and a couple of rockers, their white paint chipped and faded.
    Below each entry light, pots of wilted white petunias begged for a drink. Water from the sprinkler tube spattered against the pavement, splashing my bare legs and causing a shiver to pebble my skin. The front door squeaked and Rick stepped out, gathering me into a burly hug.
    "Finally, you're home. Was that a limo I saw?"
    Shuttles were the main mode of transportation. Some still owned private vehicles, but limousines were rare.
    "Yeah. I think everyone in the neighborhood stared out their windows when we came down the street." I stretched out on the porch swing, kicking off my heels and dangling my bare feet over the side. Dad chose to sit in one of the rockers across from me.
    "So? Tell me about the interview. I'm guessing by the private jet and limousine service, money isn't an issue for Mr. Mason," he noted with sarcasm.
    "I hate that we can't meet. His mom did the interview, which felt more like I was applying for a job." One I probably won't get. "Their house is gorgeous with an awesome view of the ocean. Oh, and they own an island."
    "An island? Figures."
    I swiveled upright. "Jordan's twin brother, Jesse, was my pilot."
    Rick stopped rocking. "Pilot? Like his brother? Remind me. How old is Jordan Mason?"
    "Nineteen."
    " Nineteen? You're not even out of high school, Marli. He's already got a year of college under his belt—"
    "Almost three , " I corrected. Rick's lips flattened and I explained before the lecture started. "Jordan graduated high school early."
    His heavy sigh wavered between disapproval and skepticism. "I'm not sure I approve of you jetting around with this Jordan character, or his brother." He raised his hand when I opened my mouth. "I know, not my decision. Anything else? I got nervous when they called to say you'd be three hours late and while I'm not so good with details, I can't help noticing your hair is now braided, and the make-up you spent an hour on this morning is gone."
    "Jesse took me snorkeling on their yacht after the interview. That's why I'm late."
    Dad leaned forward. "Let me get this straight. You're not allowed to meet the boy you could be assigned to for life , but gallivanting off with his twin brother is okay?"
    "Not exactly."
    "That's what I thought. Pushing my limits is one thing,