Sky's Lark Read Free Page B

you out," Thomas admitted wearily.
    "What? You are in charge around here, is that not right? Make it happen, bastard, or I'll find someone else that can. Those who are no longer useful feed the fish." His words were clipped through tight lips, leaving no doubt what the price of failure would be.
    Standing, Thomas gave a quick nod, running fingers through his short hair. "I'll get to work on it." He knocked on the soundproof door to catch the attention of the guard across the room monitoring the outside door. With one more look, he slipped out, presumably to arrange for Santora's release.
    "She will pay for her audacity." The quiet promise carried across the vacant room.
    He possessed money, influence, and connections galore, every tier from the lowliest street walker to the DEA supervisor. They all jumped when he yanked their strings.
    Once more he thought of the petite blonde who had flirted outlandishly, then teased mercilessly before nearly unmanning him in the backseat of his car. Under ordinary circumstances he might consider keeping her for a while, plundering the depths of her body while flexing the muscle of his dominance, forcing her submission and willingness to obey his every wish.
    But now she would pay as no other before her. She and whoever sent her as bait like the sirens that lured men to their death. The tables would turn this time, leaving her at his mercy.
    The thought put a smile back on his face.

Chapter 4
     
    Bryce "Sky" Winters watched the petite blonde trot up the stairs with ease despite the four-inch stilettos that would send most women to the emergency room. Her svelte form held strength, much more than he would have given her credit for. Bold blue eyes and cropped blonde hair accentuated her eye-catching looks. In another time and place, he could see her cheering for her local high school football team, flashing pompoms as she danced and pranced in front of a crowd of spectators.
    DEA, she claimed. He mentally shrugged. Could be. She spoke too well and held far too much confidence to be a prostitute, no matter what story her clothing told. For that matter, she could have just as easily been a secretary, waitress, or librarian, although he never remembered seeing a single librarian that looked and dressed like that even on a night off.
    Waiting until the door clicked behind her, he clung to the shadows, ensuring the little trick made her way safely inside before the other group members got further ideas in their heads than a simple bet that he couldn't steal a kiss from the blonde bombshell.
    A damn fine kiss in his opinion, surprising as hell considering the situation and an innate belief that the woman wanted to kick his ass for making such a demand. She possessed the fortitude to try, anyway. Not that he bought into the jazz that women were weaker and men dominated. Growing up with three sisters, he knew better. Women weren't weaker, they were sneaky and quick, and could usually dance around a lust-sick man with ease.
    A lamp in the upstairs window clicked on, throwing dim light farther across the dark lot. But no silhouette teased him with brief glimpses of the superb female body he had held close. It was just as well. The kind of distraction she presented was the last thing he needed in the middle of the most critical and dangerous undercover job he ever ventured into. If he didn't keep on his toes, he'd end up floating in the ocean instead of pursuing a pretty blonde filly after he completed the present assignment. As it was, he almost let the cat out of the bag by confessing his undercover status to counter her DEA claim. Only his old-school training clamped his mouth shut before he uttered words that could be used for blackmail or lead to his immediate elimination from the party. There were plenty of other women around that might lead him on a merry chase before he lassoed them, probably not as fine as the one that just left his arms, though. All would have to wait.
    Turning, he strolled