Lure of the Jaguar: Hades' Carnival, Book 7 by N.J. Walters Read Free Book Online

move position, and his very stillness was intimidating. He was like a jaguar toying with his prey. Toni found the image unsettling.
    Paul shrugged. “He didn’t come himself this time. Sent another guy. Strange-looking dude. Spooky too.”
    “What does this mystery man look like?” Stavros asked once again.
    “Tall, dark hair, good dresser. Always in a suit.”
    Stavros swore long and low. Toni had the feeling he knew who Paul was referring to. Was Stavros involved in what was happening to her?
    Toni crept closer, needing to understand what was going on, why this mysterious man was targeting her. Stavros jerked his head in her direction. His nostrils flared and the clawed paw disappeared, replaced by a normal arm and hand in the blink of an eye.
    Toni felt nauseous. Her skin was clammy. What was going on? The whole world had gone crazy.
    “Are you going to kill me?” Paul asked. Toni was wondering the same thing. There was no doubt he was capable of it. Dressed, he was formidable. Naked, his true character was revealed. Stavros was a dangerous predator.
    In spite of the seriousness of the situation, Toni’s fingers itched to hold her camera, and she cursed the fates that she didn’t have it when it was usually close at hand. The play of light and shadow on Stavros’ skin made him look primal and fierce. All the muscles of his body were delineated to perfection. He was hunter and protector. With his hair flowing down around his shoulders and his square jaw tilted to the side, his face was masculinity personified. The images she could capture of Stavros would rival anything she’d ever done. No, scratch that, they would be the best work she’d ever do.
    Stavros picked up Roy’s gun and flowed to his feet, his movements fluid and smooth. He held the gun in front of him and Toni held her breath. “No. I’m going to let your boss do that when you don’t deliver. And, trust me, by the time he’s done with you, you’ll wish I had killed you.”
    He turned and walked toward her, leaving Paul yelling after him.
    Toni ignored the man and focused only on Stavros’ face. He looked calm but determined. He stopped in front of her, reversed his hold on the gun and handed it to her. She took the weapon. It felt heavy in her hand. Roy would have used it on her if he’d had half a chance. “Go inside and pack up your things. It’s no longer safe here.”
    Toni did her best to ignore the fact he wasn’t wearing any clothing. “We need to call the police.” That was the sensible thing to do.
    Stavros shook his head. “The police can’t help you. You’re dealing with something beyond your wildest nightmare.”
    “But you can help me.” It wasn’t a question, but he answered her.
    “I can.” He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I will. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
    “Who are you?” she whispered.
    He shook his head, wrapped his arm around her shoulders and led her toward the house. She kept her gaze away from the two dead bodies as they made their way to the front door.
    Paul groaned and called after them, begging them not to leave him. Toni stumbled, but Stavros kept her moving forward.
    “It’s locked,” she told him. “I went out through the bedroom window.”
    Stavros raised his hand and she heard the locks unlatch. “Now it’s open.” He turned the handle and pushed the door open. The living room light came on by itself. She gasped and stood there, trying to process yet one more impossible thing.
    “I’m going crazy,” she muttered. “It’s the only explanation.”
    “No.” He placed his hands on her shoulders and squeezed. “Not crazy. Pack up your things and come with me. I’ll explain everything once I have you safe.”
    She could do this. It wasn’t like she had much choice. No way was she staying here with two dead bodies and an injured man outside. Still, she couldn’t help but ask, “What about the guy in the yard?”
    Stavros shrugged. “He has his cell phone if he