Whats Your Pleasure by Marie Haynes Read Free Book Online Page B

but let me just say, you’re right on the money. She might seem tough, but she’s vulnerable. She could use a friend, maybe some backup. Here.” He pulled out a card. “Take that, and I’d appreciate you calling me if she needs anything, and I do mean anything. I’d also appreciate it if you kept this between us. Joe doesn’t like Mike or me poking around her business, but hey, what’s a brother supposed to do?”
    Nathan grinned, tucking the card into his wallet. “Bill, I like the way you work.”
    “One more thing.”
    “Shoot.”
    “Baby Girl’s got some demons. They’re hidden real deep, but they need to come out. She’s stubborn, but if you or Vince can break through and help her wrestle those demons, she’d be better for it. Do the girl good to find out she’s not meant to be the strongest person in the room all the time. ”
    Nathan glanced over to see Joe wiping down the counter. Looking back at Bill, he nodded. “I understand.”
    Bill lifted his beer in a salute and downed the contents. Glancing back at Joe, he noticed her frowning at him. “Guess I’d best move along. Good chatting with ya .” He reached over and shook Nathan’s hand before walking over to end of the bar.
    “What are you up to?” Joe demanded, her hands on her hips.
    “ Nothin ’, really. Just making a few new friends,” he answered, the picture of innocence.
    “Yeah. Right.”
    “I’m takin ’ off now, kid.” Bill lifted her off her feet in a huge bear hug. “ Gotta be back home late tomorrow morning, so I’m heading to bed. Probably won’t see you tomorrow.”
    Joe wrapped her arms around him and hugged back just as fiercely. She never could stay mad at him for very long, especially when he shot her that silly, lopsided grin.
    “Next time you come down, give me some warning, will you?” she scolded gently.
    He set her gently on her feet and kissed her cheek before tossing a quick wave at Nathan and Vince and heading out the door.
      
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter Six
     
     
     
    Heaven’s Flame
     
    1 shot rum
    A dash of hot sauce
     
    Allow the hot sauce to settle a moment before drinking in one gulp.
      
     
    The heat blistered her skin, but she had to find him. Covering her mouth with the hem of her T-shirt, she dropped to the floor and crawled. His terrified cries escalated into hysteria. Finally, she was in his room. Using one arm to cradle him against her body, she began to crawl again, using memory to guide her to the door. Dark, heavy smoke obscured her vision. She heard a loud crack and curled her body around him, protecting him milliseconds before the flaming beam crushed her.
    “Joe! Joe!” Someone was shouting.
    Joe shook herself awake and stumbled to the door.
    “Joe, let me in!” Vince yelled.
    “Coming,” she yelled back, fumbling with the lock.
    She pulled the door open, wearing only the over-sized T-shirt she slept in, blinking against the bright sunlight. Suddenly, Vince’s arms were around her, holding her tightly.
    “You okay?” he asked.
    “Yeah, I’m fine. Why are you smothering me?” she answered, confused.
    “God, woman. I was downstairs doing some paperwork and heard you screaming your head off.” He held her at arm’s length then pulled her back against him.
    Joe’s arms went around him as if by instinct. It felt so good to be held, comforted. It had been a long time since she’d been cradled in strong, masculine arms. She nestled her head against his chest.
    “I’m sorry, Vince. I guess I was having a nightmare,” she murmured.
    “Look at me, Baby,” he said. “It’s over, now. I’m here. You want to tell me about it?”
    Yes , Joe thought. I want to pour my heart out to you. Tell you everything. But I just can’t do it. If you knew what kind of a deformed monster I really am, you’d hate me, fire me, never want to look at me with those beautiful, sexy eyes again.
    “Thanks, but I’m okay, now,” she