Renegades by Austina Love Read Free Book Online

now? Did he show you anything to prove me wrong?”
    “No.” Keeping her wits, she didn’t reveal that Trip claimed to have that very proof. Pike could be fishing. She remembered what Trip had said about not trusting anyone with the evidence. Still, this didn’t add up. Why hadn’t he just told me the truth? Doesn’t he trust me? She didn’t understand why he hadn’t told her that Pike had been Ty’s partner.
    “You know I could take you in for robbery, don’t you?” he persisted with a slow smirk. “What’s your deal anyway?”
    “This land belonged to me and my family. Carter tricked my parents into selling before I returned home.”
    “So your attacks on the bank are strictly revenge?”
    “Sort of.” She studied his expressions, baffled by the sudden switch in demeanor. He had become almost charming and he certainly wasn’t ugly. “I have a plan and you’re in the way.”
    Pike laughed. “Is that so? What would you say if I told you I can get your farm back into your hands after I bust these guys?”
    After thinking for a moment, she replied, “I’d ask what the catch is?”
    “Stay away from Trip and stop robbing the bank. You’re getting in the way. Drug lords get cagy when newcomers burst onto the scene as you and Viper have done. Ty and I worked long and hard, took a lot or risks to gain their trust. We had a meet set up with the boss before my partner got killed—that was the night we’d had planned the bust. He backed away after that and I’m finally getting close again. The faster I take them down the sooner you’ll own this land again.”
    She wanted to believe him but if she did then that meant Trip had been lying. He told her Ty’s partner hadn’t been seen since his death. Why won’t he trust the law to bring this man in if he has enough evidence to prove his guilt? Is he so bent on revenge that he won’t rest until Pike is dead? Her heart and mind went to war. Have I fallen in love with Trip so soon? And is he more important than the land of my ancestors? Should I take a chance on this undercover cop and walk away from Trip to save my family? Sweat trickled down her back as anxiety crept into her soul.
    “I understand your dilemma but if Viper continues pushing his way in I’ll never catch Ty’s killer. We all want the same thing…justice. But all this activity might blow my cover. Trust me, Shye. I’ve shown you I’m a cop. Let me do my job then I will help you.”
    “He’s lying!” Trip leapt from the rafters and landed on his feet not far away brandishing his pistol in one hand.
    A rush of excitement filled her over his sudden arrival but was quickly tainted by mistrust. She was thrilled and confused all at once.
    Instantly Pike grabbed her waist and moved behind her. “Back off, Viper, you don’t want her in the middle of a fight. I’m sick of you getting in the way so I’ll just keep the woman until this job is done. You’re only after your damn bounty reward.”
    “Step away, Pike or I’ll take you in dead. Doesn’t matter to me how I drag your sorry ass back to California.”
    “Is it true?” she asked, unable to stop herself though it was probably the worst possible time. “Is he really a cop and your brother’s partner?”
    A look of regret shadowed Trip’s face. “Yeah, babe, but the less you knew the safer I thought you’d be. I see Pike filled your head with doubt.”
    So far Pike hadn’t drawn a weapon which made her wonder if Trip was in fact only after the bounty. Her gaze shifted between them as they stared each other down.
    “I’m not turning her over to you,” growled Pike. “She’s safer with me, so put your gun away, turn around and leave and we’ll pretend you didn’t just threaten a police officer.”
    Trip took another step forward. “No way in hell will I leave her with the likes of you.”
    “Too bad.” Pike poked her side with something hard and blunt.
    She glanced down and saw an AK-47 assault rifle in his hand aimed