In the Still of the Night:Sexy Romantic Suspense (Book 2 The Blonde Barracuda's Sizzling Suspense Series) by Taylor Lee Read Free Book Online Page A

now.”
    “Please don’t, Jake. Don’t ever stop!”
    His groan was as heartfelt as hers. “Don’t you worry about that, Darlin’. We’re just getting started.”

Chapter 5
    Master Wan beamed with pleasure. His eyes sparkled, unable to hide his relief.
    “That is excellent news, Jake. It appears that the spells my wife has been putting on you have worked their magic. In addition to her usual incantations for Jai Li’s and my safety, her prayers have been for you to move permanently close to us. As much as we both hope that you and Jai Li will marry soon, neither of us looked forward to her becoming an ‘army wife.’ Of course I knew that, as with Anthony, you were unlikely to re-enlist, but my prayers have truly been answered, knowing that you will soon be living here in California close to us. I am eager to hear all of your news. You have not only made me extremely happy, but seeing Jai Li’s lovely smile this morning, I am gratified that you’ve brought great joy to the young woman I honor above all others.”
    The dignified man held both of Jake’s hands in his, and bowed low—a formal recognition of his respect and affection for Jake.
    Jake bowed in return.
    “Thank you, Master Wan. You and Madam Juen have welcomed me into your home like one of your family. I appreciate your kindness. Like you, I loved Anthony, and miss him in ways that I know you can understand. Being with you makes me feel as though he is even more a part of my life than when I knew him only as my friend and comrade. Now in your home, I see him as your son and my brother.”
    A momentary flash of pain shadowed Master Wan’s eyes, then his lips curled in a soft smile.
    “Yes, Jake, Anthony was my spiritual son as Jai Li is my daughter. They both have brought me more joy than any man deserves in one lifetime.”
    The older man’s face briefly clouded, and with a slight nod he motioned Jake away from the dojo. They’d been watching Lexie spar with a young man who was a superstar in the national mixed martial arts ranks. Jake knew the pride on Master Wan’s face was mirrored on his own. Lexie graciously acknowledged the boy’s strong moves, but didn’t hesitate to call him on his weaknesses, one of which was clearly that he thought he was the better fighter. Lexie systematically beat that notion out of him, one ferocious strike, one fierce kick after another.
    Jake marveled. “She is an extraordinary teacher, Master Wan. So much of your detachment shines through when she works with students. We both know how impatient Lexie is, but she never shows that to students. Clearly that is the model you taught her.”
    Master Wan nodded. “Ah, yes. If you think she is impatient now, Jake, you should have seen her at sixteen and seventeen. Once she decided she would no longer be a rude, hostile young girl, she wanted overnight to become a master martial artist. In truth her rise was almost meteoric. Neither Anthony nor I could believe what she learned in the space of a year. I have not had a student with more natural talent. Anthony came close, and I understand from both Anthony and Jai Li that you are as talented if not more so. According to Jai Li, you have the gift of serenity—which we both know has escaped our beloved fighting tornado.”
    A smile tugged at the corner of Jake’s mouth.
    “Yes, I agree. Serenity is not one of Lexie’s skills. She has many others that are more formidable than mine, such as her aerial maneuvers. I’ve not seen that level of talent except in the most advanced Asian warriors I’ve fought. I think my ‘serenity’ as you call it, came from my boyhood years. I spent much of my time hunting in the forests, fishing in the lakes and streams. My father was an army colonel, as well. He was killed in an undercover operation in the Middle East when I was fifteen years old. Before his death we were extremely close. Even as much as his work kept him physically away from me, we had a connection that I never had