Protected by Shadows by Aliyah Burke Read Free Book Online Page B

name as she lowered herself into a chair. She sat with grace and crossed her long, tanned legs as she gestured with her head.
    Val turned along with the two men. Holy shit! The men were panty-soaking hot. And one was familiar—she’d seen him in Zurich. All three men stood, the redhead remained sitting.
    If I were into group sex, I just found the three men I’d want in bed with me.
    The familiar one grinned at her. A John Deere cap sat on his head, complete with stains. His jeans were molded to powerful legs and the ends of his blond-brown hair touched wide shoulders, covered by a tight blue shirt.
    Christ, he was huge.
    The other man had blue eyes, short dark hair and leaner muscles, but was dressed in a similar vein. Valentino had redressed in his suit he’d arrived in.
    “Lexy,” Val said, sidling toward her.
    She knew he expected her to blow at the invasion. Lexy pasted a welcoming smile on her face and moved past him. “Hi, I’m Lexy. I’m sorry, can I get y’all some coffee, tea, juice? I’ll have some breakfast ready in a spell if I can tempt you to eat.”
    “Breakfast sounds divine.” The large man stepped in front of her. His eyes were a startling shade of green.
    I wouldn’t want to be on his bad side.
    “Name’s Beauregard Jackson, ma’am.”
    Of course it was. “Lexy Camden. Did you have a good time in Zurich?”
    Straight white teeth flashed in his tanned face as he grinned. “You do remember.”
    “You’re a hard man to forget.”
    His smile grew. “I like her, Valentino.”
    “Get away from her.” Val’s voice slid around them like a dangerous pit viper.
    “Always with the orders.” Beauregard winked and moved back.
    Ignoring Valentino, she focused on the other man. “And you are?”
    “Ethan Jackson, ma’am.” He pointed to the redhead. “My sister, Anabelle Lee. Cousins to Beauregard.”
    She nodded at the woman. Got a barely-there one in return. She’s not happy with me. “Let me get a start on breakfast. Val, a word.”
    “Val?” Ethan asked in a shocked voice while the other two had looks of disbelief on their faces.
    Lexy made her way to the farthest point in her kitchen and waited for him to join her. When he stood before her, she poked him in the chest.
    “Who the fuck do you think you are bringing strangers into my home?”
    “I work with them. Would you stop calling me Val?”
    Nope. “I don’t give a rat’s ass if they’re part of the prez’s inner circle or your besties from childhood. This is my house. Mine! You have no right.”
    He frowned. “Wait. Let me understand this. You’re pissed at me for inviting them in, but you offered them breakfast?”
    “Duh. Of course. Southern hospitality.” She grabbed some pots and pans.
    “Southern hospitality.” He shook his head. “I didn’t see it last night.”
    Her grin was feral. “You’re an unwanted guest.”
    “What’s the difference between me and them?”
    “They’re guests you invited—visitors—and I will be the pleasant hostess. So no need to worry I will snap and shoot everyone.”
    “You’re crazy.”
    She glared at him. “Be careful, Val. One more surgery on my docket is doable.” Turning her back on him, she got to work.

Chapter Four
    “What’s going on?” Beau asked as Valentino stood by the living room window watching Lexy as she tossed some bags in the back of her convertible.
    “The Watchers put her brother in a coma and have contacted her.”
    Ethan and Anabelle Lee joined them, concern on their faces.
    “What can we do?” Ethan crossed his arms and rocked back on his heels.
    “What did they say to her?”
    Valentino scuffed the toe of his shoe against the tan carpet. “She wouldn’t tell me last night when I arrived, Anabelle Lee.”
    Anabelle Lee’s cobalt gaze narrowed. “So what, she’s not taking this seriously?” Anger tinged her words.
    “She’s overwhelmed.” He’d had some time to mull it over since he’d arrived.
    “So what, we have to coddle