Run to Me by Christy Reece Read Free Book Online

about the consequences of Shea’s betrayal. He knew there had been a few times when LCR operatives had gone bad and had been dealt with. Noah McCall was perhaps the most compassionate man in the world, but when it came to one of their own betraying others, there wasn’t a lot of latitude. Few people asked what happened to these traitors, but it was assumed that whatever it was, the punishment was harsh and just.
    What had happened to the warmhearted woman who, though skilled enough to handle herself against the strongest of men, could never bring herself to truly harm anyone? Oh, she could disarm the meanest of bastards, had no problem clocking someone to knock some sense into them. But her tender heart had never allowed her to cause true injury. Killing wasn’t in Shea’s nature. How many times had he chided her for those useless emotions? Her reaction was always the same … a gentle, breathtaking smile he’d felt to his soul.
    Though he’d always thought her beautiful beyond description, the sheer joy of living Shea exuded, along with her warmth and compassion, were the things he’d loved the most about her. His years in prison had eaten away any tenderness he’d possessed. Shea’s pure heart had filled that emptiness. God, what had happened to her?
    The body draped over his shoulder woke and started squirming. “I don’t feel well … let me down.” The words were a demand, but the tone sounded weary and drained.
    “Tough shit, babe. Should’ve thought about that before you tried to knock my nose through my skull.”
    “I won’t run.”
    He didn’t bother to respond to an obvious lie.
    “I’m sorry I hit you.”
    Her apology sounded even more insincere than her promise not to run. He squinted up at the sky. “It’ll be dark in about half an hour. Looks like we’re going to have to sleep in the jungle tonight. I’ll put you down then. If, however, you try to attract attention, I’ll knock you out again. And believe me, baby, this time it’ll hurt.” He smacked her butt. “Understand?”
    “Yes.”
    “Good. Now that you’re awake and in a talkative mood, you want to tell me why the hell you went from a warm, courageous woman who saves people to someone who kidnaps and terrorizes innocent women?”
    She didn’t answer for so long, Ethan began to think she’d gone back to her silent treatment.
    “I … do … what I am told.” The words were said haltingly, as if she wasn’t quite sure what she was supposed to say.
    “Oh, well. That explains everything. Thanks.”
    “You’re welcome.”
    His sarcasm couldn’t have been more evident, but she’d answered as if he’d really thanked her. Something was so off with her, and for the life of him he couldn’t figure it out.
    “I’m going to vomit if you don’t put me down.” This time, the distress in her voice sounded authentic.
    Stifling a weary curse, Ethan stopped and slid Shea to the ground. A bite of conscience hit him when he heard the thud. He’d never treated a woman so roughly before, and for it to be Shea, of all people, tore at his gut.
    She rolled over and tried to sit up, but her hands were tied behind her back. After watching for a few seconds, Ethan gave in and pulled her up so she could sit.
    Blowing out deep breaths, she kept her face straight ahead, still not looking at him.
    “Shea, dammit, look at me. Do you feel guilty for what you’ve done or do you just hate me that much?”
    She was motionless for several seconds and then raised her head. “Why do you keep calling me Shea?”
    The question almost knocked him on his ass. “What the hell else am I suppose to call you?”
    A tiny frown appeared on her forehead, confusion flickered in her eyes, and then her expression smoothed into blankness. “You don’t need to call me anything.”
    Ethan looked up to the sky for inspiration … for patience. “Look, you’re tired. I’m tired. It’s getting dark, and we’re probably still about an hour or so away from a