Techno Crazed (Hacked Investigations) by Sarah Makela Read Free Book Online Page A

and she tried not to blush. Then again, her body was blushing from what he’d done.
    “Thanks. At least one good thing to happen before… Never mind.”
    Ian rested his forehead against hers. “No, I won’t miss out on more of that. And next time, I’m going to take my time.” He leaned back, grinning mischievously.
    “I look forward to it.”
    * * *
    Hannah looked around the bedroom in the morning light, tired but content. Light drifted in from behind the curtains, giving the entire room a steady, warm glow. The screaming alarm clock had yet to sound, and she preemptively turned it off to allow Ian a little more sleep.
    In the kitchen, she found a TV dinner in his freezer and warmed it up. The faint sound of snoring came from a room off the kitchen, where Bernard was still locked up in his small house. Curiously, she walked into the weight room and saw the gnome taking a nap through a window. His face looked somewhat serene and happy, perhaps genuinely. Shrugging, she returned to the kitchen where the microwave pinged.
    Ian trudged from the bedroom, rubbing his eyes and looking around the apartment. “Hey, when did you get up?” he asked, sleepiness roughening his voice.
    “Ages ago. You snore and woke me up.” Hannah grinned and began to eat.
    Ian grunted and headed toward the coffeemaker and set about making a new pot.
    “So, why don’t you use your magic more often? You have normal things like a stove, a coffeemaker, and an ancient computer… Only thing that differs is the ward on the door.” She cocked her head to the side.
    “The problem isn’t that I can’t do things with my magic, it’s whether or not I should,” Ian said, leaning against the kitchen counter.
    Hannah set her fork aside and scratched her head, not understanding what he meant.
    “It’s not so simple. Every time I use magic, I exert some of my will. I get tired. And I like keeping a low profile. Besides, I would get lazy having the oven cook my meals automatically or the coffee pot refill itself whenever needed. It might be practical, but it would probably freak out Bernard, or he could ‘adjust’ the mechanics to do something other than what I’d like.” Ian sighed and crossed his arms over his chest.
    The sound of slight snoring drifted into the kitchen from Ian’s exercise room, causing them to laugh.
    Hannah sauntered over to Ian and gave him a long kiss. “Thank you. For everything.” Glancing down at her watch, she sighed. “We need to start getting dressed. Rich normally would have tea in about two hours, and I need a shower.”
    “Sure thing. Need any help?” He grinned.
    She winked at him. “I think I can handle it this time. You need to eat breakfast.” Walking toward the bathroom, she heard Ian talking softly to Bernard.
    The sexy technomage waking up the foul-mouthed gnome rather gently made her smile. The two were so much alike, yet utterly different.
    During the shower, she noticed her wounded side was a ghost of what it had been. The initial gaping wound had reduced, and the pain lessened. Sure, the gnome was annoying, but at least she wouldn’t have to spend the next two weeks changing bandages.
    Walking into the living room, she caught the lingering scent of coffee in the air. The clinking of dishes came from the kitchen. Ian plopped a piece of egg into his mouth. Bernard sat near him on the kitchen table, sulking with a big cup of coffee.
    “What’s wrong with him?” she asked, nodding toward Bernard.
    “Hangover. Seems like he managed to sneak a bottle of rum into the house before I locked him up.” Ian raised an eyebrow at the gnome. “He most likely drank until morning, enjoying last night’s emotional overload too much. He’ll be fine. Won’t you, Bernard?” Ian said loudly and nudged the small guy’s cap.
    The gnome grimaced and shot Ian a look of murderous intent with his bloodshot eyes. Bernard hopped off the table and walked down the hall. A moment later, a door slammed and more soft