Running With the Devil by Lorelei James Read Free Book Online

get rich, but my employment prospects are better.” She scowled at the water bottle she’d inadvertently crushed in her hands. “Provided I actually come up with the tuition to finish my degree.”
    Drake shifted. He settled his strong forearms on his knees. “I told you I’d pay you.”
    “I know.” Her gaze strayed to the quartz clock nestled between a set of blue geode bookends. “But that doesn’t mean I believe you.”
    “Me specifically?”
    The second hand on the clock counted off the time she was wasting. “No. It’s just…I’ve waited for grants. Personally, and for the geology department. Requisitions don’t mean squat to the government. Even if the appropriate agency does miraculously approve your request and decide to pay me, it may be months before I see a check. I need the money in my account now.” As the words spilled out she knew she sounded incredibly callous.
    “Kenna—”
    Her gaze whipped back to his. “Don’t try to placate me, March.”
    “I’m not.”
    “Good. Then if you’ve got enough dirt on me let’s go.”
    Drake stood and bent to pick up her duffle bag, but she beat him to it.
    “Hand it over,” he said.
    “Nope. You really want to help out, grab the garbage in the kitchen.”
    Grumbling, he slipped past her, returning with the tied white bag. “Anything else?”
    “I’ve got everything I need.”
    She locked the door. They moved out the front entrance and down the stairs leading to the Dumpster.
    Kenna shivered in her skimpy top. Drake trotted ahead, throwing back the plastic black cover and tossing the bag inside. The lid thumped. When she caught up to him something cracked beside her ankle.
    Fearing a stray animal, she spun toward the sound. Looked down. Then another ping, closer, this time next to her hip. What the hell?
    Confused, she looked at Drake.
    He yelled, “Get down,” and tried to shove her face into the concrete.

Chapter Five
    “Goddammit, Kenna, get down!” Drake hissed, placing his palm on her head and pushing her to the asphalt.
    She cursed, but stayed where he’d shoved her.
    The stench of diapers, spoiled meat and rotten fruit registered before he automatically reached for the gun on his hip. Instead of the plastic grip of his Glock, his fingers connected with the smooth leather of his belt.
    Fuck. Unarmed, zero back up and saddled with a civilian.
    A fourth bullet pinged against the Dumpster. The fifth—a beat later—pounded into the container to their left. The sixth grazed the plastic lid on their right.
    Nothing happened for several seconds…which crawled by interminably.
    So they did have an advantage—the shooter couldn’t pinpoint their exact location.
    But for how long?
    Drake couldn’t outwait the bastard all night.
    Sirens wailed in the distance. The utility light flickered, sending a strobe-like effect across the shadowed cement. A dog yipped and barked. The booming bass of a stereo reverberated from the parking lot before it was abruptly silenced.
    He had no way of knowing whether the danger had passed and only one way to find out. Without moving his feet, he leaned over, placing his lips next to Kenna’s ear. “You all right?”
    Her chest rose and fell rapidly. She nodded.
    “Stay put. I’ll get my car. If I’m not back in ten minutes run to the manager’s office and have him call the police, okay?”
    “No. Don’t go.” Besides a quick shiver, Kenna remained motionless. One small hand clutched the duffle bag. Her violet eyes were big as saucers.
    “I have to.”
    He studied the shadows, gauging which area would offer the most cover. A deep breath later he took off, aiming for a corner of the closest building. Sixteen steps and he flattened himself against the brick. Sweat flowed down his back in a river rivaling the Mississippi.
    Silence. No shots rang out.
    Adrenaline pumping, Drake crouched and ran the length of the complex, coming to an enclosed concrete courtyard where the sixteen units converged. Little