Unexpected by Lori Foster Read Free Book Online Page B

that easily appeased. Her eyes slanted toward Ray with raw suspicion. “What job?”
    Growling in frustration, Eli briefly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he looked toward Ray. She grinned, enjoying his predicament.
    Giving up, he explained, “Ray is a guide to help me get my brother back.”
    Ray took offense at being termed a mere guide, but held her tongue. Jane obviously wasn’t about to believe such a thing anyway.
    â€œWhat kind of guide runs around half naked? And why is she spending the night here?”
    Eli lost his patience. “That’s enough, Jane. It’s time for you to leave.”
    Throwing herself against him, Jane gave Eli no option but to catch her. Over the top of her head, he glowered at Ray.
    Now how was this supposed to be her fault?
    Surely he didn’t expect her to offer some magical solution. The workings of the average female mind had always been a mystery to her. Eli likely understood women better than she ever would.
    Jane started crying, which didn’t surprise Ray in the least. The woman had the appearance of a professional watering pot—her hair was pale, her complexion was pale, and she cried without smudging her makeup even a little. Very professional.
    Eli struggled to free himself without actually hurting the woman. Jane’s narrow shoulders squared and her tears miraculously disappeared. “I’m going with you.”
    Eli groaned, stuck one hand in his hair, and knotted his fingers. He looked ready to detonate.
    Ray decided to take pity on him. “No, you’re not. Eli will just have to make do without your company for a few days, because there’s no way I’m going to be responsible for the both of you.”
    Jane stood frozen in appalled disbelief. “Eli would be responsible for me, not you!”
    â€œIf you want Eli home in one piece, he’ll have to be responsible for himself and no one else.” Ray pushed away from the wall and strode forward until she towered over Jane. With a wide-eyed look of worry, Jane scuttled closer to Eli’s side as if for protection. It was hard not to laugh, but Ray had excellent control. She summoned her meanest expression. “You’d only distract him.”
    Jane sputtered. “I’m his fiancée. I should be with him.”
    Fiancée? Ray allowed the single moment of crushing disappointment, then shook it off. Eli’s life, outside of the mission, was no concern of hers. “You’d only be a hindrance.”
    Ready to crawl back to bed, Ray turned to Eli and, seeing his relief, added, “I’m putting my foot down on this, Eli. If you want me, you’ll have to send her home.”
    She gave him the easy out, taking the blame fully on herself, but Eli didn’t look grateful. No, instead, he looked . . . hot.
    His hazel eyes seemed to smolder in the evening light until Ray felt unsettled and uncertain and ready to bolt.
    She never ran, damn him, and definitely not from a man. She thrust her chin up. “Make up your mind, Eli.”
    His gaze dipped to her mouth, lingered, before he turned to face Jane. “I’m sorry, Jane. But I need her help.”
    Jane gave one more pitiful sob, flinging herself into Eli’s arms and nearly smothering him with a long, drawn-out kiss. Ray couldn’t be sure, but she thought tongues might have been involved. Standing there watching that kiss, she felt like a voyeur, and worse, she felt pathetic. She wanted to walk away, yet her feet remained glued to the floor.
    Eli didn’t fight Jane. He merely waited her out. When Jane finally pulled away, he flattened a large hand on her back and started her toward the door.
    â€œGo back to your hotel, Jane. I’ll call you when I get home.”
    â€œPlease be careful, Eli.”
    Prodded by some evil imp, Ray called out, “I’ll take real good care of him, Jane, don’t you worry none.”
    Jane started sobbing