Smoke and Shadows by Victoria Paige Read Free Book Online Page B

few cars behind her, or the woman crossing the street in front of her. She double-checked the 9mm in her purse, making sure the safety was off. In an emergency, an engaged safety on a gun could make the difference between life and death.  
    Her heels clicked noisily on the sidewalk, and she winced at the damage that the intricately paved walkway would inflict on her pumps. Shoes and clothes were her guilty pleasure. Besides, she wanted to keep up her cover as a successful architect. Marissa’s face lit up when she spotted her neighbor, Brian, grinning at her. His dog, Bruiser, a Bullmastiff mix, was sitting beside him, drooling all over the ancient mildew-stained concrete steps that led up to the house.
    “Hey, stranger,” Brian drawled in that sexy Southern accent that used to make her melt. He had moved in next door three years ago after his divorce. As an aide to a congressman, he was well versed in Beltway politics and had a personality of charm and tenacity. Add in the mesmerizing pull of those baby-blue eyes, a lean, muscular body, and a busy schedule, he’d been perfect as her once-upon-a-time fuck buddy. Heck, she hadn’t had sex in six months—although, Brian had always made it known that he was available. “Haven’t seen you around.”  
    Marissa grimaced. “Tough project. Boss is a slave driver.”
    “So quit. You don’t need the money,” Brian said. “Have some fun.” He waggled his eyebrows.
    Marissa laughed. This was why she liked Brian. He wasn’t complicated—he wasn’t after commitment. There was no awkwardness between them. They knew what they wanted out of their friendship. He wasn’t demanding or autocratic like one other man she knew.  
    “Hey, boy.” She bent slightly to pet Bruiser. Big mistake. The gigantic dog rose up on his hind legs and nearly knocked her off her feet. She avoided that disaster, but her suit ended up with a gooey streak of disgusting dog drool.
    “Bruiser!” Brian exclaimed. “Aw, fuck! I’m so sorry!”
    Marissa laughed harder. “No, it’s all right. I’ll just send it for dry cleaning.”
    “Send me the bill.” Brian’s face was flushed with embarrassment.
    “Seriously, Bri, it’s fine.” Marissa went up a few steps so that she was eye level with him. Leaning in, she planted a friendly peck near his lips. “Don’t worry about it.”
    “How about I bring some pizza over for dinner?” Brian suggested. “You staying in?”
    “Really, Brian. You don’t have to,” Marissa said. “Kinda tired and thinking of just spending some time alone. No offense.”
    “None taken. But I insist,” Brian pressed. “You don’t have to do anything. I don’t care if you fall asleep on me.”  
    Marissa shook her head, grinning. “Flirt. You’re still the master of double-meanings. But really, I’m not up for company.”
    Brian looked disappointed, but being around her right now was not safe. In fact, she shouldn’t have conversed with him too long outside. But sometimes, the life of a spook was so lonely. She just craved some semblance of normalcy, such as hot sex with a hot neighbor. Except right now, her libido was channelled toward someone else.
    “I really need to turn in and just laze around for the rest of the day,” Marissa stated with finality. It was 4:00 p.m., and there was nothing she wanted more than to sleep until the next morning. She grinned at Brian, and ascended the remaining steps and entered her house.

    Marissa dropped her bag on the dining table and headed for the kitchen to check the contents of her fridge. Shaking her head at the sparse supply, she tried to remember the last time she went to the grocery. Looked like she was having instant ramen for dinner. Her gaze dropped to her landline and sighed. Time to return some personal calls.  

    “I’m telling you, Trent, it’s not going to make any difference,” Marissa told her brother. “It’s only going to be his way or the highway. Dad will never change.”
    “Have you