Desire & Deception (Entangled Ignite) by Sahara Roberts Read Free Book Online

better than your friend downstairs. He got a nasty compound fracture I had to set before sewing his skin.” The doctor chatted away while he repacked his instruments. “I keep telling these boys to watch the road and not the pretty girls, but they’re young and don’t listen. Well, the pain in that arm will remind him of his distraction from now on.” He patted her shoulder and nodded. “Good thing you Americans wear seatbelts. Otherwise, you might not have fared so well.” He inspected her forehead. “You’ll end up looking like a piñata after a birthday party with your fair skin, but the bruises will fade in due time. Take care, my dear.”
    He approached Kris, shaking his head. “She shouldn’t have been allowed to sleep,” he chastised. “With that bump on the temple she might not have woken up again. She was very lucky.” He removed his glasses and put them in his breast pocket. “While I don’t think she has a concussion, you need to check on her throughout the day. If you notice memory or concentration problems, sensitivity to light or noise, sleep disturbances, irritability, or depression, you need to let me know immediately so we can get her to a hospital.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind, Doctor.”
    “Keep her awake and talking today. She may need a pain reliever, but rest is the best medicine either way.” The older man gathered his bag and started for the door. “Keep her in bed, but make sure she gets some rest tonight.” He winked as he stepped out. A steady breeze plastered the scrubs to his frame before he disappeared down the stairs.
    Kris remained, leaning against the wall, obviously comfortable in his shirtless state. His intensity enveloped her from across the room.
    She was hit with the same shock of awareness she’d felt when he’d stepped into the shower. Her fingers curled around her thumbs, squeezing. He didn’t need to know about the prickle of desire she got from having his attention centered on her. What could be going through his mind?
    He glanced around the miniscule room for a moment. “Can you stay awake?”
    She nodded.
    “This room is separate from the house, so you won’t be underfoot. The only way in or out is through this door. You have a working bathroom over there.” He nodded toward a narrow doorway at the corner. “And a half-decent bed. I’ll bring food when I come back later in the day.” He stopped at the exit. “I’m locking up behind me.” His shoulders squared then he added, “Don’t try to run, Tessa. There’s nowhere to go and nobody to help you. When you’re caught, you’ll be dragged back here to be beaten and raped.”
    Tessa folded her legs under her as she contemplated the consequences. It had crossed her mind to try sneaking downstairs and around the house.
    “Just sit tight for a few days, and everything will work itself out.”
    “Heather?” she asked tentatively.
    “Don’t worry about Heather.” He collected her scattered belongings and left without another word.
    Tessa wrapped her arms around herself. No matter how tight her hold, she couldn’t smother the ache building in the center of her chest.

CHAPTER FOUR
    Cruz stood in the kitchen, head tilted back, a family sized bag of spicy potato chips tipped over his mouth.
    “What did I tell you before I went upstairs?” Kris asked with cold detachment.
    Cruz hesitated before he brought the bag down to the table. “You’d make sure the girl pays her dues.”
    Kris speared him with a dark stare as he dropped her boots on the counter. “The last thing I said to you.”
    “Not to disturb you.” Cruz’s features tightened. “I’m sorry, Boss, but she incapacitated one…” He stopped, his face taking on a dark, ruddy tinge. “I didn’t think. I’m not used to you…taking a cut.”
    “When I give an order, I expect it to be followed,” Kris said, bringing home the fact he was a boss in the organization. While he wasn’t a leader to the enforcers, Cruz enjoyed using