All or Nothing: A Trust No One Novel Read Free Page B

there.
    Joe caught her, as she rushed blindly by him, and pulled her into his arms. “It’ll be okay, Cara. Everything’s all right now.” The warmth and strength of his body anchored her again. She buried her face against his chest until the worst of her groans subsided.
    When she had herself under control again, she pushed away from him. He took her hand and led her through the motel walkway to the parking lot and out onto the street. The lights of the casino beckoned in the distance and she started for them.
    Joe swung her around. “You can’t go back, Cara.”
    “What? What do you mean? That’s where I’m staying. My brother is there, my luggage. Of course I’m going back.” She tried to twist away from him, but he tightened his grip and pulled her across the street. A wave of panic washed over her. Was it a mistake to trust him?
    “You have to stay away from your family. You’re not going back.” His expression was hard, his tone unyielding.
    She bristled. “You can’t stop me.”
    “Yes, I can. Don’t start a fight you can’t win. You’re not thinking straight right now, but I’ll explain everything later. Trust me.”
    She was probably in shock, but what did that have to do with going back to her motel? Just what gave him the right to decide for her? He’d saved her life and he probably thought she owed him, but she hadn’t forgotten it was he who put her in danger to begin with. The argument wasn’t over, but she’d postpone it for a few minutes until her mind was a little clearer.
    “Who were those men? Why were they after you?”
    He hesitated, looking away from her. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you, but not right now.”
    Her gaze dropped to the dark stain on the sleeve of his left arm. “You’re bleeding. You need a doctor.”
    “I can’t go to a doctor with a knife wound. They’ll call the police. I try to avoid those entanglements whenever possible.”
    Oh God! What had she done? Was he wanted by the police? Maybe those two men were cops and she just killed one of them. Cara started to shake.
    “Are you okay?”
    “No.” How would she ever be okay again?
    “My car is just down the block. Come with me. Let me get you off the street in case there are any more of those creeps.”
    “More of them?” Her gaze darted into the shadows of nearby buildings then came to rest on Joe again. “No way am I getting in a car with you.” She took a step back.
    Joe raised his hands in front of him. “We’re sitting ducks out here. I can’t leave you alone. Just come to the car. I’ll explain everything and then give you a ride wherever you want to go… as long as it’s not the casino.” He held out his hand, and his eyes begged her to trust him.
    Not one good option in the bunch. Cara groaned as those eyes drew her in again. She had absolutely no reason to trust this man, yet she wanted to. “Okay, but just long enough for you to tell me what’s going on. Then I’m walking back to the casino.” She ignored his hand as she brushed by him.
    He fell in beside her, and they walked in silence. When he stepped to the curb and opened the door of a black sedan for her, she only hesitated a moment before she slid onto the seat.

 
    Chapter Two
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    Friday, 9:47 pm
    “S ON OF A bitch! Murphy, what the hell?” Joe growled.
    Special Agent Michael Murphy had just slipped into the backseat of the car and plunged a hypodermic needle into Cara’s neck. Joe barely caught her as she slumped sideways in the front seat.
    “Damage control.” Murphy slid the rest of the way into the car and slammed the door. “You weren’t having any luck convincing her to stay away from Sinclair. I heard you arguing from outside.” He shrugged as he put the empty syringe back in its case. “Don’t sweat it. She’ll only be out an hour or so. I understand your need to keep your promise to your friend, Joe, but at this point, the woman is a liability.”
    “I had everything under control. You