Never Let Go by Deborah Smith Read Free Book Online

sound of frustration. "I was afraid of this! Life isn't a John Wayne movie, and you can't ride roughshod over the villains! These Indians don't fight fair!"
    "Injuns never fight fair," he said quaintly. "That's why the Duke had to be so tough."
    "I won't do it! I won't let you come with me!"
    He straightened slowly, all levity gone. He was six inches taller than she, many pounds heavier, and much more inclined to use physical force if need be. "You don't have any choice."
    She studied the determination in his eyes and muttered, "Oh, it is excellent to have a giant's strength; but it is tyrannous to use it like a giant."
    One corner of his mouth curved up in jaunty defiance. "I reckon that quote's not from a John Wayne movie."
    "Shakespeare."
    "Shakespeare never had a wife who could worry the horns off a brass billy goat." He arched a brow at her. "I tied you up once a few years ago when you didn't have sense enough to let me help you. Remember?"
    Her face burned. "And I suppose that you're prepared to use that Neanderthal tactic again?"
    "In the flash of a gnat's eyelash."
    Defeat settled on her visibly. Frowning, she knelt down and gathered the clothes she'd dropped. Rucker gazed at her bent head and struggled not to lay a reassuring hand on the silky brunette hair that fanned across her shoulders.
    "We can't take your truck," she said abruptly. Her expression anxious, she went to the bed and began stuffing things in one of the bags. "The first thing Jeopard will do is give the state patrol your tag number." She paused, looking even more troubled. "So Millie's brother has been assigned to the Valdivia case. Jeopard must be special."
    "His agents call him the Iceman, untouched by human emotion."
    "He and Valdivia are a perfect match, then."
    "Wrong. Jeopard's got honor. He works for the guys in the white hats."
    "Meaning that Valdivia and I don't, right?" An awkward silence stretched between them. She felt Rucker watching her, and she sensed the anger and disappointment that lay beneath his control.
    "Right."
    "Then you shouldn't get involved with us."
    "I got involved the day you promised to spend the rest of your life with me. It's too late to back out now."
    Dinah sighed raggedly and changed the subject. "We can't take your truck," she repeated.
    "I've already got that worked out."
    "How?"
    "My secret." He tossed his clothes on the bed. "Pack my bag."
    She curtsied low. "Yes, your highness."
    He almost smiled as he left the room.
    Dinah had just finished dressing in running shoes, jeans, and a bulky white sweater when he came back. She turned around and stared at the shotgun he held in the crook of one arm. Startled, she tried to joke.
    "I hate to tell you this, Rucker, but we spies don't use James Bond tactics very often. The gun's not necessary."
    "Indulge me. It's a symbol of my manhood."
    "Get a Phil Donahue T-shirt instead."
    He went into the master bedroom and opened the linen closet door. Her breath stalled as she watched him reach far inside and feel for something. His back straightened with surprise as he drew his hand out.
    He held a box of shotgun shells and her diaphanous black robe.
    Understanding and disgust slowly crept into his expression as he lifted the enticing garment for perusal. He turned slowly toward her, the robe looking fragile in his big hand.
    "White used to be your color," he said succinctly.
    "Don't draw analogies between my lingerie and my morals."
    "Another gift from the banana king?"
    Dinah lifted her chin proudly. "Since you're going to think the worst no matter what, I see no point in discussing it."
    "Get that damned fur coat," he ordered in a rough tone. Dinah knelt beside the bed and reached underneath. She pulled the sable out and stood up.
    "What are you going to do? Shoot it?"
    "Bring it and come with me."
    She followed him through the house to the kitchen, then out a door to the back porch. Damp, cold wind curled through the screens and combined with anxiety to make her shiver. From