In Too Deep by Kira Sinclair Read Free Book Online Page A

attitude from her—because he wasn’t the only one picking up on her hostility. But he’d take what he could get.
    His legs shifting beneath the easy rocking of the boat, Knox really wished he could feel the reassuring metal of his Beretta against his palm. It had been a long time since he’d missed that sensation.
    He’d have to make do with the wrench he’d taken from the toolbox under the seat along with the emergency beacon he’d surreptitiously stuffed into his pocket before the other boat had arrived.
    “Sweetheart,” the leader said, “why don’t you jump on over here.”
    It was a command, not a question. And Knox seriously disliked the predatory expression that accompanied the words.
    “Don’t move, Avery,” Knox countered, even as she started to obey.
    “What? Really?” She froze and a little spurt of relief shot through him. Not that it lasted long.
    The leader smirked, his lips twisting. “That looks like some pretty expensive equipment.”
    “It is,” Knox said slowly, grinding the words out.
    “Here’s what we’re going to do.” Turning to one of his men, the leader gestured at their boat. Before Knox could move to block him, the guy crossed, planting both feet aboard their boat.
    “Miguel is going to escort your pretty friend over here. Then, you’re going to follow.”
    “Why would I do that?”
    “Because if you don’t, Miguel will put a bullet in her brain.”
    Miguel smiled, the kind of psychotic grin that told him he not only wouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger, but would enjoy it.
    Knox had run into enough men like him in his career to recognize a sociopath when he saw one. And these men were all cut from the same cloth. They weren’t just in the business for the money, they enjoyed the rougher side of life that came with drug running.
    He ground his teeth. They were outnumbered and outgunned. His best bet for protecting Avery was to do as he was told...for now. None of the men realized he was a SEAL. Had the training to take them out, if they’d just give him a small opening.
    It was clear he was being underestimated, but that had always been one of his greatest assets...allowing him to blindside his opponents and leverage the power of surprise.
    People genuinely liked him, often accepting his easygoing outlook on life at face value. For some reason, most people automatically trusted him. A quality that had made him an excellent interrogator.
    Knox watched, helpless, as Miguel wrapped his hand around Avery’s arm and lifted her across the expanse of water into the opposite boat. She stumbled over the edge. Knox lurched forward, intent on helping, but before he could reach her one of the other men had a gun buried against his shoulder.
    “How sweet,” the leader drawled.
    At gunpoint, Knox followed, constantly scanning for an advantage he could use, but there was none. They were outnumbered and outgunned.
    Miguel pushed him onto the backseat, forcing Avery down beside him. Thank God for small miracles, no one bothered to tie them up. Not that it made much difference, since two of the men still had guns trained on them.
    From his position, Knox watched them hook a three-point line onto rings that were already anchored in the wooden box. The third man took the controls in Knox and Avery’s boat.
    Knox had to bite his tongue when the man sped off, taking with him some damned expensive equipment. Losing it hurt. But not nearly as much as getting shot or watching Avery bleed would have.
    Out of nowhere, Avery’s hand landed on his thigh. She squeezed. He wasn’t sure if the gesture was supposed to be a warning or reassurance. Either way, it worked because he felt his blood pressure slipping back down to something more manageable.
    She wasn’t scared. Or was damn good at hiding it if she was.
    “Are you okay?” he murmured, low enough that the whine of the boat engine would cover up their conversation.
    She nodded. Loathing flashed through her eyes as she glanced at the