Stunned (The Lucidites Book 2) by Sarah Noffke Read Free Book Online Page B

that, but it’s necessary. Those reports are crucial.”
    “I know you’re right. You’re always right. I’ll get it done for you. And maybe you can help me out again with another massage,” she says, and then to my horror she winks at him. Blatantly, f-ing winks. “The last time you did, it was really helpful.”
    The color drains from Aiden’s face. I draw a long breath in through my nostrils, trying not to let my jealously become apparent.
    “Well, see you later, Roya,” Amber says, tossing her ponytail over her shoulder as she prances out of the lab.
    Whirling in Aiden’s direction, I lower my chin and shoot an accusatory stare at him. If he didn’t know why I was mad before, he knows now. Unable to stomach looking at him any longer I start for the door.
    He catches my wrist, spinning me around. “Look, Roya, I don’t know what you think is going on.”
    Swiftly I break clean of his grasp. “I think it’s pretty clear.”
    “Not to me,” he says.
    “Well, you’re an idiot.” That’s for sure the first time he’s ever been called that.
    “I’ve never given her a massage. I swear to it.”
    “Why would your employee say such a thing?!”
    “I don’t have a clue.”
    “You don’t have a clue, or you don’t want to tell me?”
    “I don’t know, Roya. Seriously. I don’t know. You have to believe me. She’s lying. I’ve never touched her.”
    “Why would she lie? In front of me?”
    He shakes his head. “I sincerely don’t know.” I have to give him credit, he does look the part—completely puzzled.
    “So you didn’t meet her the other night? You didn’t take her up on her invite and have ‘fun’?” I say, my arms tightly crossed in front of me.
    If he ever had a case it’s gone now. Sunk to the bottom of the ocean. I see it in his face. And it deflates any hopes I had too.
    “I thought the whole team was supposed to be there. I didn’t know it would just be the two of us. I didn’t know…” He stops, having read the look in my eyes. It says what my mouth doesn’t: I don’t believe you.
    “Do we really have to be discreet because of your position? Or is it so you can play me? And Amber? And who else?”
    “No, Roya. It’s not like that.”
    “Really? I can’t get more than a few minutes with you. And you’re off…” I close my eyes, feeling the heartbreak finally set in. Such a fool to ever believe him. Such a fool. Opening my eyes I find Aiden staring at me regretfully. He’s on the edge of saying something; his mouth is about to open and make excuses. Excuses I’ll believe. He’ll make this all go away. Then he’ll do it again. I won’t be made a fool though. I turn and stalk off before he has a chance to manipulate me the way he always does.
    “Please don’t do this,” he calls as I approach the exit. I continue my march. “Don’t storm off like this,” he insists, but I remain focused on my path. “Let’s work this out between us.”
    I halt. Turn. Find his blue eyes. I want to ensure he understands what I say and doesn’t question it. I will not be made into a fool, not by him or anyone. “Aiden, there is no ‘us.’”
     

Chapter Eight
    T he treadmill takes my abuse without complaint. Each stride hisses with anger. Each beat of my feet drums with hostility. I am so furious with Aiden that I don’t even use the iPod he gave me. I just run and try to find solace in the sound of my feet pounding against the treadmill. If George senses me down here enraged, then he’s decided to give me some space. I’m glad for that.
    After dinner, I decide I’ve let off enough steam that I’m willing to be somewhat sociable. Samara and I lie on the floor of her room exchanging details of our reports.
    “I investigated this elderly man. I’m not sure why he was of importance though. He’d been kicked out of his run-down little house by some guy with an accent. I followed the old man around for half an hour and listened to his thoughts,” Samara says as