Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood Read Free Book Online

do,” he answered. “And where was I suppose to . . .”
    â€œOne clean shot, directly through my heart,” she explained. “You’d have to be accurate, of course. I wouldn’t want to linger.”
    â€œNo,” he agreed. “Lingering would definitely be out of the question.”
    â€œHow can you find this amusing? We happen to be discussing my death!” she cried out.
    â€œI’m not amused,” he argued. “Fact is, I’m getting downright angry again. Tell me, do I get to ravage you first?”
    She took a deep breath before answering. “You certainly do not.”
    â€œThat’s a pity,” he replied, completely ignoring her outraged expression.
    â€œSir, do your parents happen to be first cousins? You’re acting like a complete simpleton. You’re either an idiot or the most cold-hearted man I’ve ever met. I find your conduct disgraceful.”
    Her eyes were flashing with indignation. Caine had never seen such a dramatic shade of green before. It was as though the purity and the sparkle of a thousand emeralds had all been squeezed dry of their color and given to her.
    â€œI’m not at all convinced you’re in any real danger, Jade,” he announced. “This could very well just be a product of your overactive imagination.”
    â€œI dislike you intensely,” she whispered. “And as for your ignorant opinions, well I . . .”
    â€œJade, save the bluster for later. I’m not in the mood. Now, I don’t want to hear another word about killing you. And if you continue to glare up at me so prettily, I swear I’m going to kiss you just to take your mind off your foolish worries.”
    â€œKiss me?” She looked stunned. “Why in God’s name would you want to kiss me?”
    â€œI haven’t the faintest idea,” he admitted.
    â€œYou’d kiss someone you disliked?”
    â€œI guess I would,” he replied with a grin.
    â€œYou are arrogant, overbearing . . .”
    â€œYou’re sputtering, my sweet.”
    She didn’t have a quick comeback. Caine continued to stare down at her when he spoke to Monk again. “Well, Monk, do you give me your word?”
    â€œI do. I won’t be telling anyone about this night, Caine, but we both know your friend, Lyon, will surely find out before the sun sets again. He’ll wring the truth out of me. I’m giving you warning ahead of time.”
    Caine nodded. The Marquess of Lyonwood was a good friend. Caine trusted him completely. The two had worked on several missions together for their government. “Yes, he will find out,” he predicted. “But his new wife and son keep him occupied. Besides, when he learns what I’m up to, he’ll keep it to himself. If he inquires, you may speak freely to him. No one else though, not even Rhone,” Caine added, referring to Lyon’s closest friend. “For all his merits, Rhone does talk too much.”
    Monk nodded. “I’m begging you, Caine, to let me know how it all ends up with the little lady.”
    â€œMonk?” Jade asked, drawing both men’s attention. “You wouldn’t happen to own a pistol, would you?”
    She sounded too damned eager to him. Caine knew what she was thinking. His angel was as easy to read as a Latin text. “He doesn’t and he won’t,” he announced.
    â€œI don’t and I won’t what?” Monk asked.
    â€œYou don’t own a pistol and you won’t kill her,” Caine answered in a clipped tone of voice.
    â€œNo, no, of course not,” Monk agreed. “Caine, you aren’t forgetting your trap, are you?” he asked, when he was finally able to pull his gaze away from the beautiful woman.
    â€œNo, I’m not forgetting,” Caine answered. He turned to Jade and asked, “Is your carriage returning for you?”
    Her exasperation was obvious. “I hired