Dragon Awakened by Jaime Rush Read Free Book Online

were supposed to be busy teaching your class.” How had he known she was there?
    â€œ To be clear , if I was your enemy, you would be dead now. Moncrief wasn’t naming his murderer. He was trying to send you to me because, as his life ebbed, he knew I was your only chance of surviving.” In a voice under his breath, he added, “I’m sure he loved that.” He picked up the letter opener from his desk and ran his finger down the edge. “You want his murderer to face justice, do you not?”
    â€œWith every cell in my body.”
    â€œGood.” He held the opener out to her, handle first. “Take it.”
    She did, feeling the warmed metal against her palm and the curves of the dragon.
    He raised his arms out to his sides. “If you’re sure I killed him, go ahead then. Take your revenge.”
    She squeezed the handle and stared at a chest that looked so hard she wasn’t sure the tip would penetrate. He was taunting her. Daring her. She pressed the tip to the molded pec over his heart, just below the dragon’s mouth, and met his gaze.
    â€œCould you do it, Ruby? As tough as you like to appear, could you sink a sharp object into someone’s flesh? It’s harder than you think. Physically and psychologically, even when you feel justified. Could you handle the feel of warm blood gushing between your fingers and down your arm?”
    Every bit of the rage she felt since seeing the bolt piercing her uncle’s chest rushed in around her. “Yes.”
    â€œGood.” He paused, staring into her eyes in a way that twisted her stomach. But nothing like his next words did. “You’ve felt it, haven’t you, a rage so hot and fierce that you believe you could take someone’s life? Even though that sane and civilized part of you abhors that ferocity, a darker part craves it.” Her denial withered on her tongue. He didn’t press her because he seemed to know she had. “Have you ever killed someone?”
    She wanted to say one or two but somehow she knew he’d spot her lie. “I threatened someone. And I would have gone through with it, too, if he hadn’t paid for the merchandise.” She could hardly push the words out of her dry throat.
    Nevin hadn’t bothered to check the slip of paper the hulk of a man waved in his face, and off the restored motorcycle went—without getting paid for. When she’d hunted the man down, he dismissed her as a mere girl. She threatened the creep with bodily harm—oddly, not with shooting him but tearing out his throat. He must have sensed her suppressed violence, because he paid on the spot.
    â€œKilling is not easy to do,” Cyntag said. “And should never be done out of rage.”
    â€œAre you speaking from experience?” It sure sounded like it.
    His mouth twitched ever so slightly. “I don’t think we should go there just now.”
    Which meant they’d go there later. And that she was right.
    Cyntag smelled of earth and fire and—where in the hell were these thoughts coming from? His energy and heat pulled at her. Were his eyes glowing? She swore something flickered in them, just for a second.
    He nodded to the point of the letter opener. “Why are you hesitating?”
    She took a step back, bringing the opener to her side. “Because I can’t be sure you did it.” He was right. If he was Mon’s murderer, she’d be dead.
    â€œVery good. You put logic over your anger. As opposed to when you pulled the gun on me or tried to crush my balls. Never let your emotions drive you.”
    â€œI’m not a rash and emotional person. Then again, I don’t usually watch someone I love die or get chased by a supernatural ball of fire.”
    He leaned against the door again, though she couldn’t be certain it was to block her escape. He looked so relaxed. Yeah, as relaxed as a lion. “What do you know about the