You Are Mine by Jackie Ashenden Read Free Book Online

just—”
    â€œI don’t care about your fucking apartment. What I care about is the information you’ve been withholding.”
    â€œI don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    â€œOh yes you do. It’s time for that discussion now, Eva.”
    She said nothing, staring at him.
    â€œAnswer me.” This time he didn’t bother hiding the order, injecting all his will into it.
    â€œNo.” The word burst from her as if she’d forced it out. Her chest heaved, the curve of her small, beautifully shaped breasts outlined against the tight cotton of her black T-shirt. As usual, she wore jeans and heavy boots in addition to the t-shirt.
    All part of her armor. Nothing pretty or feminine allowed.
    Yet she didn’t need pretty or feminine. There was a reason he called her angel, and it wasn’t only because that had been her hacker handle.
    She reminded him of an angel. Beautiful and fragile. Ethereal and otherworldly. Untouchable. A fallen angel in black boots and skinny jeans.
    â€œDo you think I’ll hurt you? Is that what you think?”
    She didn’t move. “Get the hell out of my place, Zac.”
    â€œNot happening. Like I told you, I have some things I want to discuss.”
    â€œOh, fuck, you can’t expect to come in here and—”
    â€œSeven years, Eva. Seven years I’ve done everything you wanted. I’ve kept my distance. Respected your boundaries. Been your friend and asked for nothing in return.” He met her gaze. “But now I’ve come to collect.”
    Her jaw was tight and it was obvious she was struggling to contain her breathing. “Collect what? Jesus, since when did our friendship become a damn transaction to you?”
    â€œSince the lives of our friends were put in danger.”
    Color crept into her cheeks. “Yeah, okay. Look, I can find the identity of that guy no sweat. It won’t take long.” Her throat moved as she swallowed. “In fact, why don’t you take me out to the island? You can protect me there while I investigate.”
    Of course she’d go for that option. Of course she’d expect him to fall in line, like he always did. “What do you think I am? Your tame housecat? Do you think you can order me around to suit yourself?” He held her gaze, letting the mask of the gentleman slip a little. Letting her see the beast he was inside. “I’m not your fucking pet. And the sooner you understand that the better.”
    Anger flared in her eyes. “I’m not stupid, Zac. I know what you are.”
    He watched her, studying the delicate architecture of her face. He’d been learning Eva King for years, and he knew all her expressions, all her moods, all her little gestures. “I’m not sure you do. You only see what I let you see. And I’ve been protecting you for a very long time.” He leaned forward, noting the almost imperceptible flinch she gave at the movement. “And I know you’re not stupid. What you are is scared.”
    â€œBullshit.” That anger burned bright, as if he’d personally insulted her. Her fingers flexed on the glass as she pushed herself away from the windows. “I’m not scared.”
    It was a low move because he knew she hated being told she was afraid. That she’d react to it. Nevertheless, it was true.
    He put his elbows of his knees, linking his fingers loosely. ‘“Then if you’re not scared, tell me what happened. Tell me how you know the man in that video. And why you’d get a personal email warning you off. We need the background, angel. We need to know those connections.” He paused. “Or are your friends’ lives less important to you than your fear?” Another low blow, but he’d push her, stoke her anger. That was preferable to her being afraid.
    The color in her cheeks deepened. “No, of course not.”
    â€œSo tell me. I won’t