Read Online Secrets in the Shadows by T. L. Haddix - Free Book Online

her own mother would recognize her. She laughed humorlessly at the thought. She was everything her mother had once accused her of being. The only difference was that now she could control her own body instead of being someone else’s pawn.
She was in charge of who she let into her bed, and had been for a number of years. As an innocent teenager, she’d had no idea the power a woman could wield over men. She learned that lesson well, thanks to some benefactors, and she fully enjoyed her power.
Checking the bed to make sure it was neat, she turned down the covers so the sheets were exposed. She removed the throw pillows, placing them in the chair next to the bed, and reached into the nightstand drawer for the bowl of condoms she always kept on hand. The bedside lamps were already on, casting a soft glow over the room, and all she had left to do was check her personal security system.
Once that was done, she looked out over the apartment, pleased with the way it had turned out. The loft style, open and airy, still had an intimate feeling, thanks to the warm, dusky colors and strategically placed lighting. She had completely remodeled the building when she purchased it, knowing specifically what she wanted. It was all one big open room, with high ceilings and hardwood floors. The bedroom was on a dais, about four steps up from the main area. The bathroom opened up off the bedroom and, aside from the closet, was the only closed off area of the apartment.
She hurried into the kitchen and selected a chilled white wine and two glasses, placing them on a small tray. She quickly rinsed some fresh grapes and strawberries she had purchased the day before and put them in a nice serving dish. Adding a corkscrew on the tray, she carried the ensemble into the living room and set it down on the coffee table.
On her way back to the bedroom to recheck everything one last time, she lit several candles. Atmosphere was important, after all, even if just for a quick romp in bed with someone who was practically a stranger. She knew better than to entertain the notion that tonight was about more than sex. A realist, she knew what most people thought of her, how they viewed her. She didn’t believe in love, and the idea of casual sex didn’t bother her overmuch. She encouraged men to see her as a woman to be enjoyed, and she used that perception to her advantage.
Hearing his footsteps on the outside stairs to the private entrance, she went back to the bedroom, reached for the phone, and hit a series of buttons on the keypad. Three lights flashed, letting her know that her security system was online and running. She waited for him to ring the bell, and not wanting to appear too eager, she made herself walk to the kitchen before going to open the door.
He stood on the deck. The ambient lighting from the sconces on the exterior wall struck the planes of his face. They looked at each other for a few moments, and she finally spoke.
“I didn’t think you’d be calling quite so soon.”
He gave her a boyish grin and leaned his tall frame against the doorjamb. “I didn’t expect to be calling so soon, myself.” He leered down at her, eyes full of appreciation.
“I take it things didn’t work out the way you wanted them to with your little girlfriend, or you’d be with her. I’m glad.” She tugged on his shirt, pulling him into the apartment. “What happened?” She faced him, her back against the cold metal of the door.
“Let’s just say that she’s not the kind of woman a man feels comfortable calling in the middle of the night and asking if he can come over. I’d rather not talk about that, though.” He touched her shoulder, trailing his hand down and cupping her breast through the silk.
She absorbed his words with only a tiny pinch of hurt, coolly acknowledging the confirmation that he was just like all the others. Telling herself that she was reassured by his behavior, she pressed her breast against his hand.
“What would you like to