Protected by Shadows by Aliyah Burke Read Free Book Online

out?”
    “Yes.”
    “How exactly?”
    She so wanted to punch him in the face to get the smugness off it. “I can call the cops.” A shrug. “Beat you with the bat or a frying pan.” She drummed her fingers on the table. “Or drug you.” She looked pointedly at his coffee mug.
    He paused briefly in the act of drinking. “You won’t call the cops because you want—as you stated—answers. And you won’t get any if they take me away. The other two, you don’t have it in you.”
    She blinked a few times and leaned back in her chair. “You have no idea just exactly what I’m capable of, Valentino Cassano. Don’t make the mistake of thinking because you’ve fucked me on the down low that you have the slightest inkling of what I have in me.”
    He dragged his tongue along his bottom lip and her belly clenched. I want to feel his tongue on me. Focus, I need to focus.
    “Answer my question, Val. What do you know about this group?”
    “The name is Valentino.” He paused. “I’m not an investment banker.”
    She fought a yawn. “No shit.”
    He narrowed his gaze. “What do you mean?”
    “You may have fooled your family, Val , but not me. The places we meet. Hell, there were times you arrived smelling like gunpowder.”
    “You know what gunpowder smells like.” He made it a statement. And damned if he didn’t sound a bit shocked by the notion.
    She laughed, unable to help herself. “Southern,” she said, pointing at herself. “Not sure who you’re used to da…dealing with.” Shit, I almost said dating. “I have two older brothers and I can shoot anything. Yes, I know what it smells like.” Shaking her head, she took another drink. “Stop trying to ask the questions. Who are they?”
    “A large group of men and women who disagree with the government we have in place.”
    “Cult?”
    He gave a quick shake of his head. “Think more militant group. Not a religious cult. Although they are just as devoted to their leader.”
    She frowned. “Issues with the government? What the hell does it have to do with me? It doesn’t make sense.”
    “I need to know exactly what they’ve said to you.”
    Her laughter was anything but amused. “What’s your role in this?”
    “The group I represent is actively trying to stop The Watchers.”
    “This ‘group’ have a name?”
    He nodded and she crossed her arms. Waiting.
    “Does it matter?”
    “My brother, mine , is lying in a coma because of this Watchers group. You show up demanding answers and my cooperation, like they did—without the appearance—spouting about another group. Oh yeah, don’t forget you feel the need to sweep my house for listening devices. So yes, Valentino Cassano, it matters. Who are the ones you work for?”
    “Theta Corps.”
    She sniffed. “Never heard of ’em.”
    “Not surprised.”
    “So all y’all are after The Watchers? For how long?”
    “Years.” While his response came immediately, she couldn’t miss the derision which coated the word.
    “Are you the reason my brother is in a coma?” He never blinked. “I mean because I slept with you and you are in this Theta Corps, are they coming after my family?”
    “No.”
    “Swear it.”
    He leaned forward, the chain and gold ring spilling into view. “We go after many groups, I can’t swear that.”
    “At least you didn’t lie.” She glared. “About that.”
    “I don’t announce what I do, Lexy. It’s a dangerous job.”
    “Right. Like 007.”
    “Sure. Without the accent, tuxes, a desire to gamble and—”
    “Drinking?”
    “I was going to say the women, but yes, the drinking as well.”
    “Does your family know?”
    “I had to tell them today. No, they weren’t happy, they feel betrayed.”
    She didn’t want to discuss family, for it made her think of hers. “How long have you been in this group?”
    “Over fifteen years.” He put his cup down. “My turn.”
    She didn’t think so. She had no desire to make this easy for him. “Sorry. I