Silent Deceit Read online

  "Huh, maybe Jimbo needs his goddamn eyes examined." Kingman gazed down at her, noticing the bandage on her hand. He smoothed the gauze with a thumb. "What happened here?"

  "It's nothing." She held her ground, but knew her eyes widened when he touched the burn. He couldn't find out she was with Blue at the fire last night. Especially since she suspected Deuce had torched the barn to kill a witness. "I cut myself picking up broken glass in the bar yesterday during the clean up."

  "Poor baby." He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it. She tugged it away, hiding it behind her back.

  "Don't do that." Toying with a strand of hair, Rena tucked it behind her ear. "You're making me nervous."

  "Don't ever pull away from me again." She could see the urge to slap her surged through his veins. "Have you forgotten that I protect you? Keep your old gang away from you?"

  "N-no, I haven't forgotten, and I appreciate it." Her chin tipped up, her inner strength fighting a battle she knew she'd never win if she didn't stop him before things got out of hand. Old habits—such as being a punching bag for losers—gave men like Deuce the idea they could continue the abuse. "But I've told you before...I'm not ready for a relationship."

  "Well, listen to the high class sorority girl. Honey, you may have forgotten your roots, but I haven't. I know exactly what you did for a living." Deuce shoved her into the apartment and slammed the door behind them. "I want what you owe me."

  "I owe you nothing. I pay rent for this place and I work for you in the bar. That's it." Oh yes, she talked big, but could he see the fear in her eyes? Smell it on her skin?

  Deuce yanked her against him. Crushed her mouth with his and forced her lips apart. He tasted of booze and stank of sweat. She bit his tongue. Threw her head back and slammed him in the nose. "Get out of here! Leave me alone!"

  She ran to the counter, seized a knife from the kitchen sink and swung around to face him. Catching her wrist, he twisted it until she dropped the blade. He followed with an uppercut to the jaw. Blood flew, oozing from her split lips. Rena hit the floor, shaking her head to clear it. Not again. Never again. She struggled to her knees.

  "We're not done yet." Grabbing her hair, Deuce hauled her across the carpet toward the bed. And came face-to-face with Tigz. "Fuck! What the hell kind of cat is that?"

  "The killing kind."

  Tigz jumped off the bed. Deuce let her go in a hurry. A low growl in his throat, her cat slinked toward him. Deuce backed away, felt behind him for the door handle, and got out. Rena crawled to the entrance as the cat flew straight at Deuce. He stumbled and fell on the landing while Moshpit and Mitch aimed at Tigz and fired their guns.Tigz was too fast, bounding off the stairs and into the trees. She slammed the door and locked it, pulling herself up with the handle. Leaning against the counter, Rena searched for her mace in a drawer, knowing this wasn't over. The can was gone, but Kingman wasn’t. And the bastard had a key to the place.

  Deuce bellowed. "That's it! I'm done with drugs. I'm edgy as shit and I'm seeing things!"

  "I dunno, boss." Moshpit's voice. "We all saw the cat. I don't think it's a hallucination."

  "I don't give a crap what you think." Kingman roared and booted the door, plowing into her apartment again. His eyes were wild, his intentions clear. "You don't want to play nice? Tough shit. You're coming with me. The cops are onto us, and it's time to leave."

  "I'm not going anywhere!" She snagged the coffee pot and flung it in his face.

  Deuce screamed, but still managed to grab hold of her. Fingers wrapping around her throat, he dragged her with him. She couldn't breathe. Pinpoints of light danced behind her eyes. She tore at his hands. He didn't let go, and Rena saw stars an instant before the lights went out.

  About the Author

  Growing up with two brothers, having a husband and raising two sons, Kallie Lane understands the rough edges of Alpha males, and loves to write about them. She excels at hard hitting action and complex relationships.

  Kallie keeps herself grounded by also working in the biotech industry.

  Living in Canada with her family and a robust collection of dogs and cats, you will usually find her with a book in her hand, that's if she's not at her computer writing one, or plotting her next romantic suspense novel.

  Visit her website at: www.kallielane.com

  Kallie loves to hear from readers. You can send her an email at [email protected]

  Read more at Kallie Lane’s site.