Warrior's Cross by Madeleine Urban, Abigail Roux Read Free Book Online Page B

through Cameron. His first impulse was to jump at the chance even though he knew absolutely nothing about the man or what he had planned. Was he really going to do this?
    There was no question. Yes. Yes, he was going to do this even though it was insanely foolhardy. “I better get moving then,” Cameron said, unable to tear his eyes away.
    The corner of Julian’s mouth twitched in what might have been a smile. He turned without another word and left, moving slowly and deliberately as he exited the restaurant. He always seemed to move in measured bursts like he was putting a lot of effort into reining in his stride.
    Cameron wasted thirty seconds staring at the door and pondering the way Julian moved before he lurched to activate the locks and turn down the lights. He hurried through the restaurant and back into the kitchen, telling the sous chef to close up shop. By the time he’d finished locking up what needed to be secured, twelve minutes had passed. He swore, grabbed his heavy coat and scarf, and took off, pushing through the doors and loping toward the elevators.
    Julian stood in the lobby, his big shoulders squared in his heavy wool overcoat as he stared out the glass front of the building and waited. The sound of the elevator as it arrived in the lobby was a tiny chime in the quiet of the marble floors and high ceilings. He glanced over his shoulder as Cameron stepped out of the elevator. Julian turned around and inclined his chin, visibly surprised that Cameron had actually come.
    Cameron shrugged into his long, charcoal-gray coat and pulled the scarf slung over his arm around his neck, licking his lips nervously.
    Had the man not expected him to show up? Then why even ask?
    Julian began walking slowly toward him. “Do you have someone to get home to on Christmas Eve?” the big man asked as he moved closer, his low voice carrying across the marble.

    38
    Madeleine Urban & Abigail Roux

    Cameron’s hands stopped on the coat buttons as he watched the other man approach, and he spoke before thinking it through. “No.
    That’s why I always volunteer to work.”
    It had already occurred to him that Julian might be dangerous. But leaving alone with him, late at night, and admitting no one was waiting for him? It was not a very good idea at all.
    “I wouldn’t want to keep you,” Julian murmured as he stopped several feet away. It was as if he could sense Cameron’s sudden unease and was trying not to alarm him by being too close or too loud.
    Cameron was torn between a silent wave of longing and a tingle of apprehension. He waited until he was sure what he wanted to say would be what actually came out of his mouth, unconsciously licking his lower lip. “No one’s waiting.”
    Julian nodded slightly. “I was going to suggest we talk while we walk, but it’s begun snowing again,” he said as he glanced at the window. “Do you mind?”
    Cameron couldn’t stop the smile. “I love the snow.”
    Julian smiled slightly and held his hand out toward the door, inviting Cameron to lead the way. Moving ahead, Cameron walked out into the snow, immediately stopping and grinning as he lifted his face to the big, fluffy flakes for a long moment before turning to move down the street. The snow was almost two inches deep, and he left tracks behind as he trekked through it.
    Julian was soon beside him, walking with his head down. “She was trying to have her husband killed.”
    Cameron glanced at Julian in surprise as they made their way down the sidewalk. He had no idea what to say to that. Should he ask?
    Was it appropriate? “And you…” he ventured after several yards.
    “Had been hired by her husband,” Julian answered, his frozen breath billowing out in front of him. “For a slightly different purpose.”
    “To keep him alive, I’m guessing,” Cameron said.

    Warrior’s Cross 39

    Julian shrugged noncommittally and turned slightly to look behind them. “I do this and that,” he finally answered. “I’m