Killer Love Read Free Page A

cannon. “You’re accusing me of theft ? Of pilfering your measly stash?”
    She knew she’d pushed too hard when she saw a tic at the corner of his mouth. It wouldn’t do any good to enrage him, especially in front of his guest. “I didn’t mean that you’d stolen it. I thought maybe you’d moved it, for safe keeping.”
    “I’m sorry, dear.” Bryce’s voice was calm but a slight tremble in his clasped fists indicated a fragile hold on his temper. “I have no idea what happened, but I assure you, I’ll launch a full investigation and get to the bottom of this pressing matter.”
    Warmth moved up her neck and into her cheeks. Bryce’s attempt to humiliate her in front of his guest was working. But she wouldn’t let it show. She swallowed back the anger before she spoke. “Thank you.”
    “Now, if you’ll excuse me, Mr. Smith and I have business to discuss.”
    The stranger still hadn’t spoken. His silence unnerved her. Jade felt an irresistible pull and flicked a glance at the man. She resisted the urge to take a step back when her gaze collided with the vivid green of his. The urge became stronger when his eyes moved up her body, then settled on her face. A chill skimmed her flesh.
    The set of his firm mouth and the glint in his eyes was disconcerting and at the same time, riveting. She pulled her coat tightly around her, almost feeling the man’s gaze penetrate the fabric of her blouse.
    Dragging her attention from him, she turned back to Bryce and forced a smile through frozen lips. “Certainly. I didn’t mean to interrupt you. I’ll let you get back to your meeting.
    “Thank you, darling. I’ll be in shortly. Goodbye.”
    Jade recognized the tone. She’d heard it before. False affection tinged with anger. She’d been dismissed. She nodded and left the room.
    As she made her way back to the house, her anger built once more. Was Bryce holding her money on his person or had he put it in his office? She wasn’t sure, but she intended to tear the house and his office apart until she found it. Tomorrow morning he would leave for Los Angeles. She planned to use that opportunity to find the money. And be gone before he returned.

Chapter Two
    Special Agent Delia Grimes could feel the eyes of her fellow agents burning a hole in her back as she returned to her desk. The room was silent. Too silent. The hum of computers and the tick of the clock were the only sounds to be heard. Somehow, the stillness accentuated the heavy scorched smell of coffee sitting too long on the burner.
    What were they up to?
    Then she saw it and she knew. Her body went still and her face flamed with embarrassment. Sucking in a breath, she took a seat, not acknowledging the ‘gift’ her co-workers had placed on the cluttered surface of her desk. She didn’t look up, but when she heard the muted snickers, she knew they were aware she’d seen it.
    A mug shot encased in a condom. Very funny. Very freakin funny.
    The only reason she was here, at her desk, was because she’d fucked up. Yes, she admitted it, she’d fucked up. But, she didn’t deserve this. Didn’t deserve to be pulled out of the field and assigned to desk duty. Okay, so she’d been screwing a felon. And, okay, he was a suspect in a case they were currently working. Not good. She’d made a bad choice. She always made bad choices when it came to men, but this one had to be the worst.
    She’d been a runway model before she became an FBI agent. Tall, with fiery red hair, ivory skin and green eyes, she’d had some success in the industry but she’d always wanted to be more. Wanted to prove she wasn’t just a pretty face. She’d been so proud when she’d made it through the academy at Quantico, thinking now she’d automatically earn respect from men instead of them wanting to jump her bones. She’d been wrong. The respect had been a long time coming. But, she’d finally earned it. And now, she’d screwed it up. By the very thing she’d meant to