Mason: The Sinner Saints #4 by Adrienne Bell Read Free Book Online Page B

Sara’s knees gave out underneath her as air rushed into her burning chest. When she looked up, she found Mason standing only a couple of feet from the Russian.
    Damn it. What was he thinking? Couldn’t Mason see this was no time to play the hero? The Russian was armed. He was a professional. This alley was a trap. There was nowhere to go, no room to fight. If Mason knew what was good for him, he’d turn around and run like hell.
    But obviously, he didn’t.
    The Russian raised his gun, aiming it at the dead center of Mason’s chest.
    “Hand over the necklace,” he said, his lip curling up in derision.
    Mason ignored him. His gaze snapped to her on the ground. “Are you okay, Sara?”
    She opened her mouth, ready to tell him to get the hell out of there, but only a thin croaking sound came out.
    A steely gleam that Sara had never seen before hardened Mason’s stare. Her blood chilled.
    The Russian must have caught it too, because his Adam’s apple quickly bobbed up and down the moment Mason turned his attention back to him.
    “You really shouldn’t have hurt my friend.” His voice was as cold as the frigid pavement beneath her hands.
    Then he moved so fast that Sara had a hard time keeping track of him. In a single step, Mason closed the distance between him and the Russian. One hand closed around the gunman’s wrist. He thrust the butt of his other palm into the center of his throat.
    The Russian stumbled back a step, his eyes wide. He grasped at his neck with one hand, while Mason slipped the gun out of the other. In a fluid motion, Mason ejected the clip from the bottom of the gun, then slammed the side of the weapon against the side of the Russian’s head.
    The man crumpled to his knees. Mason towered over his hunched over body.
    Not even five seconds had passed and the fight was over. Sara stared up at Mason in wonder.
    “Tell your boss to leave Sara Baumgartner alone, or I will do the same thing to every man he sends her way,” Mason said. It didn’t sound like a threat, but a vicious promise. One that Mason clearly had every intention of keeping. “Understand?”
    The man weakly tried to raise his head. A low gurgle bubbled out of his mouth.
    “I’ll take that as a yes,” Mason said, and lifted his booted foot.
    Sara clenched her eyes shut. A second later, she heard a sickening crunch. Curiosity got the better of her and she peeked out through cracked eyelids.
    The Russian was laid out on his back, blood gushing from his broken nose. Sara quickly turned her head away.
    Mason used the outside of his jacket to wipe the empty gun clean before tossing it into a corner of the alley. Then, for the second time that night, he offered Sara his hand.
    This time she took it.
    He easily lifted her off the dirty ground, and gently cupped his hands over her shoulders. There was no violence in his gaze now, only concern.
    “Sara, are you all right?”
    She gave a shaky nod.
    “I thought you were going to let me walk away,” she said. Her voice was squeaky, but at least it was working again.
    “I did. I never said I wouldn’t follow,” he said. “You’re not complaining are you?”
    “Oh God, no,” she said quickly. She shuddered to think of what would have happened to her if he hadn’t followed. She’d be the one sprawled out on the ground. Except, she wouldn’t be breathing.
    “Good. Because I’m pretty sure I did tell you that ditching me was a terrible mistake.”
    “Careful.” Sara narrowed her eyes. “Nobody likes a cocky bastard.”
    “Is that right?” He lifted his hand and gently brushed her hair back from her face. “Well, then let me make it up to you. You can stay at my place tonight.”
    “No.” Sara shook her head. “I need to go back to my apartment.”
    “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
    “You mean do I think it will be swarming with cops and hitmen?” She shook her head. “No. My real name is not on the lease, so it’s as safe as anywhere. It’ll take everyone at