Nightfall by Denise A. Agnew Read Free Book Online Page B

age. She wore a form-fitting long-sleeved shirt and a type of long skirt that fell to ankle boots.
    Penny eyeballed Patty with curiosity, and she wanted to tell the young woman she didn’t have to worry. She wasn’t a barracuda who had designs on her father. No, if she was smart she’d probably remain free of romantic entanglements with a man as powerful and lethal as Alexander.
    “Dad,” Penny said. “She looks exhausted. Did you have any dinner yet, Patty?”
    Tiredness dogged Patty’s heels and her stomach felt hollow. “No, I didn’t.”
    “Come on, let’s get up upstairs.” Alexander grabbed her suitcase and Patty followed. “We’ll fix something to eat after we get the supplies upstairs.”
    “We’ll bring up some food and things from storage for the extra apartment,” Mally said.
    Patty offered to help them carry things upstairs, but they wouldn’t hear of it.
    Patty returned the warmth she felt. “Thanks, guys. I appreciate this more than I can say.”
    Upstairs Alexander walked them past four apartments. One housed him and the other three were taken by the men and their wives. Two other apartments were empty.
    Alexander stopped at the apartment furthest from the others and unlocked the door. When they went in she was instantly impressed. Okay, blown away more accurately described her reaction. It had its own living room, kitchen, dining area, bathroom, den and bedroom. She followed him from room to room, admiring the Tuscan colors, rich and masculine with burnt red, muted green, and understated rich gold. She loved the rustic furniture that looked more antique than modern. Alexander left her suitcase in the bedroom. She admired the walk-in closet and big garden tub. In her house she’d never had amenities this nice, even though her home was bigger than the apartment. The king-sized bed created an image in her head of Alexander sprawled on it, naked and waiting for her.
    Oh man. Get that right outta your head, woman.
    A knock at the door sent them hurrying out of the bedroom, thank goodness. Alexander answered the door. Everyone carried a variety of groceries she’d need for a short stay.
    “This is so nice of you,” she said, overwhelmed by their kindness when they’d made a few trips from storage.
    “Anything for the General’s—” Mark cut himself off.
    Smiles spread over several faces, except Alexander’s. He threw a glare at Mark and Ian slapped Mark on the back.
    “Come on,” Ian said as he gripped Mark by the back of the neck and sort of walked him toward the door. “Let’s get you out of here before the General tears you a new one.”
    Alexander smiled and waved. “Everyone out. We need to give Patty some room.”
    With a chorus of goodbye’s everyone but Alexander left. He closed the door and turned toward her, and Patty’s stomach did a jump and tumble.
    “You doing okay?” he asked.
    She realized she was clutching her handbag across her belly as if she were defending against something. She set it on the kitchen counter. “I’m surprised, but I’m really tired.”
    He walked toward her, and every step he took her belly did a little flip of excitement she seemed unable to control. He stepped near her, close in a way that definitely insinuated intimacy. She was caught in his gaze and not sure she wanted to escape. He’d shed the battle gear when he came into the compound, but he still looked like six feet of don’t-mess-with-me male. Her libido seemed to have found a new youth as she allowed her gaze to take him in.
    Aware that she was ogling, she cleared her throat and leaned back against the counter. “I’d like to cook dinner for everyone tomorrow. If they’re available. As a thank you.”
    A gentle smile curved his mouth. “That’s a nice gesture. They’ll love it. Hell, I’ll love it.”
    He reached up and brushed a piece of her hair back from her face and tucked it behind her ear. His fingers brushed over sensitive skin and she shivered in delight.
    In