Hunger's Mate by A. C. Arthur Read Free Book Online Page A

at her with such concern.
    She shook her head. “Sorry, just lost my balance for a second. I’m fine.” She talked while righting herself and scooting back out of his embrace. Her body instantly chilled and she folded her arms over her chest to keep the shiver away. “I’m fine,” she stated once more for good measure.
    He nodded like he might have believed her, but the moment he spoke, she knew differently.
    â€œYou’re shaking. A few seconds ago you were running like a serial killer was after you. And I’ll bet every dime in my wallet that if I take another step closer you’ll probably scream to high heaven,” Ezra stated plainly.
    Jewel closed her eyes, thankful that she was close enough to the wall to lean back. “Okay, fine might be an overstatement,” she admitted, then closed her mouth and continued the attempts to steady her breathing.
    â€œWhat happened?”
    She shook her head. “Nothing.”
    â€œYou’re lying,” he accused.
    She lifted her head and glared at him. “You’re rude.”
    He closed the distance between them and in the span of a second or so she was trapped—exactly what she did not want to be with this specific male, or with anybody for that matter. “I repeat, you’re lying. And not only about what just happened, but about so much more.”
    His words trailed off as he lifted a finger to the long strands of hair hanging at her shoulders. Crap. She was still wearing the wig and if she didn’t have the shield of her sunglasses he’d see that her eyes were also a different color. Never wanting anything she did or any trouble she encountered to touch her father again, she’d decided when she came to Perryville that the Jewel Jenner that worked here on a daily basis would not be the same as the one who visited her father in the nursing home. Sure, they had her name, but she used a P.O. box instead of her actual address, so if anyone ever questioned the same name there would be other things to throw them off track. She hated that this was how she had to live now, but it was what it was.
    As for Ezra being here right now, it was problematic. He’d only ever seen her in the red curly wig and the green contacts. This black wig, sunglasses, and padding she added around her midsection and buttocks, she kept in her car because she only needed them when she went to visit her father. What she definitely did not need right now were his questions about any of that.
    â€œThe last time I checked this was a free country and I could do whatever the hell I wanted, whenever I feel like it.”
    Her words were curt and cold, and she immediately regretted them. Of course, Ezra was quicker than she and reacted instantly.
    â€œWhen I see a woman running for her life, all that freedom crap goes straight to hell. Now, you can tell me what happened or I’ll find out for myself,” he warned.
    And it was definitely a warning. She had no doubt he would do exactly what he’d said and perhaps much more.
    Yet, again, her hesitance was her downfall. She just wasn’t on top of her game tonight and she hated that she was so close to falling apart in front of him.
    â€œYou do not want me snooping around in your life, Jewel. I can guarantee that.”
    He was absolutely right and so she was sure to speak up quickly then.
    â€œIt’s nothing. I thought I heard footsteps behind me and I forgot how dark it tends to be out here at night. That’s all. No big deal.”
    He nodded again, but she knew he wasn’t buying a word she’d said.
    â€œSo what’s with the wig and shades?”
    â€œI like change,” was her retort. “Can you back up off of me, please? I’m not a criminal, you know.” Those words resonated in her mind and again, she wished she hadn’t said them.
    â€œNo, you’re not a criminal.”
    He continued, lifting his hands, until she reached up,