Abducted: Reconnaissance Team (Texas Rangers: Special Ops Book 1) Read Free Page A

prosecuted that drug dealer the Border Patrol caught with two kilos of cocaine. The guy put out a hit on you, but that didn’t stop you from putting him away for twenty years.” 
    “Not Border Patrol,” Sheila said. “The Texas Rangers caught him.” 
    “What’s the difference?” 
    “There’s a world of difference.” A glint appeared in her eyes. “They didn’t catch the man contracted to kill me.”
    They weren’t supposed to. He was the hitman, and she knew it.
    “Isn’t he delicious?” Mrs. Remmey interjected.
    Sheila nodded. “Yes, he is.”
    “But he’s spoken for.” Mrs. Remmey glanced at Liz. “You don’t mind, do you, darling?” 
    “My escort is your escort,” Liz replied. 
    Ben glanced at Sanchez. The man laughed at something another guest said. Ben had to break free of the women. He couldn’t chance Sanchez leaving the party.  
    “We’ll talk later, Sheila,” Mrs. Remmey said. “I have to show off Liz to my other guests.”  
    “It was very nice to meet you, Ms. Antonio,” Ben said.
    She inclined her head. “Perhaps we’ll have a chance to talk more later?” 
    “I wouldn’t count on it,” Mrs. Remmey said. “I plan to keep him to myself.” She started away and Ben turned his attention to her. “Come along, Liz,” she said. “I believe tonight is going to be your lucky night.” 
     

Chapter Three
    Liz’s excitement grew as Larissa Remmey worked the room. Two small but respectable boutiques fawned over the dress—after Larissa informed them the dress was sure to be a hit. They begged appointments early next week and Liz promised her assistant would call them first thing Monday morning.
    Larissa then left with Adam to, as she said, “show off my newest friend” and make all the other women at the party jealous. Liz released a silent breath and accepted a glass of champagne from the tray of a passing waiter as she milled about the room. The evening’s rocky start might just end in financial salvation. No thanks to Tanya.
    Liz scanned the room until she spotted Tanya on the dancefloor. She sipped her champagne and stared until Tanya’s eyes met hers. Their gazes locked no more than a second before Tanya’s date whirled her, but the anxiety in Tanya’s eyes said she had gotten the message Liz telepathed: I know you sabotaged us.
    Liz jarred from her thoughts when Adam came into view, dancing with Sheila Antonio. Liz recognized Sheila’s interest in him. In her job, Liz watched women fawn over male models, but Sheila Antonio’s attitude bordered on proprietary. Lust came in all forms and, in this case, the form was five foot eight with blonde hair coiled atop her head, and an hourglass figure that would make any full-bodied model jealous.
    She’d draped an arm around Adam’s neck like a familiar lover and now stared at him as if intending to eat him on the spot. Adam stared politely down at her, though Liz was certain she detected frustration in his expression. Sheila’s hand slid from Adam’s neck and she flattened her palm against his chest. He maneuvered a turn and Liz realized he would see her gawking. She whirled away and snatched a shrimp appetizer from the tray of a passing waiter.
    “Ms. Monahan.” 
    The male voice startled Liz and she turned to face the speaker.
    The tall, dark-haired man flashed a smile. “I’m Reid Lowman.” He extended a hand.
    Liz shook his hand and didn’t miss the flick of his eyes to her chest. If buyers noticed his attention, they would buy the dress and promise to make their customers the belle of the ball in this latest Nina Bruno design.
    “I had no idea Nina Bruno’s Creative Director would be modeling this year’s winter debut design,” he said. 
    That made two of them. “Life is full of surprises.” She tried to pull her hand free. He held fast. “Who are you representing tonight?” she asked.
    “Larissa invited me—which means I’m free for the evening.” 
    “Ms. Monahan has a date for the