Read Online Angel Thief by Jenny Schwartz - Free Book Online Page B

Khan wouldn’t go quietly.
    “Khan’s gone.” Sara blinked into sight. She stood beside Filip and he had to resist putting an arm around her. It was dangerous to parade your vulnerabilities to Vince—and love did make you vulnerable.
    Knowledge that he loved Sara slid into Filip’s mind as unstoppably as a tidal wave. It was just there, a fact of life. When he saw her, his heart beat faster, his skin came alive to her touch. She brought him joy.
    He breathed in the scent that was pure Sara.
    “That bastard doesn’t deserve angel protection,” Vince spat.
    “Nor do you.” Jay uncurled from her chair. She stopped a step from Sara and glared at her father. “You order around a djinni like he’s a slave. I’m glad Khan escaped. I’m glad.”
    Vince raised his hand.
    Jay tipped her chin, daring him to slap her.
    Don’t try it, Vince. He felt Sara tense beside him. He guessed they both felt responsible for Jay.
    “You slut.” Vince’s fingers curled into a fist. “Like your mum. Did you sleep with Khan? Is that how he caught you?”
    “No! And Mum wouldn’t sleep around if you showed her some love, some decent human kindness. But I don’t think you’re capable of it. Khan’s family died on your boat. He lost his wife and son. Your smugglers can’t even keep people alive.”
    Vince lowered his hand. “I’ve dealt with them.”
    “More killings?” Jay challenged. She was shaking.
    “I sacked them.” Vince paused. “How did Khan catch you? I don’t want it happening again.”
    “I was leaving the library. It was dark. I’d been studying. ” She stressed the last word.
    “All right,” Vince conceded. Belatedly, he asked. “Did Khan hurt you?”
    She shook her head.
    “Then when the plane returns it will fly you back to Melbourne. Someone will follow you for a few weeks, until I’m sure you’re safe.”
    “Do you care, Dad? Do you care about me or just that someone dared to take what was yours?”
    “Of course I care.” He cast a quick embarrassed glance at Filip and Sara. “You’re my daughter. Look, you’re upset. Go to your room, sleep. Everything will look better in the morning.”
    “Dad—” But her mouth wobbled, choking further words. Jay rubbed her eyes.
    Vince patted her on the shoulder, awkward in the role of carer. There was no doubt though that he directed her to the door. He wanted Jay gone and his world back to normal.
    She hesitated, then went obediently.
    “Now, angel.” Vince made a swift return to business, his voice harsh to discount any earlier hint of softness. “Where has Khan gone?”
    “That’s his business.” Sara looked beyond Vince to Jay, who had turned in the doorway. She smiled. “He’s safe.”
    Vince’s eyes narrowed. He scowled at Sara, then Filip.
    Filip bared his teeth in an unamiable smile. “Want me to kill Khan?”
    He felt Sara stiffen beside him. Stay quiet. He knew how to handle men like Vince. His challenge would remind him that killing Khan would be a waste of his third and final djinni wish.
    Sara stayed silent, but she glared at Filip.
    Jay didn’t stay silent. She erupted back into the library. “I thought you were a good guy.” She’d been betrayed at every turn, threatened, hurt, forced to grow up. Now her anger found a focus. Palms against his chest, she pushed Filip.
    He didn’t move. Poor kid. He looked over her head at Vince. A shudder went through Filip. Vince wasn’t watching his daughter. He was assessing Sara.
    “Sssh.” Filip gripped Jay’s shoulders, holding her still. Danger hung in the air.
    Sara, concerned for Jay, hadn’t seen it. Filip, his heart given to Sara, could sense it.
    Vince had had his tail twisted too often tonight. He’d need to prove his power.
    “Djinni, my third wish—” Vince pulled the djinni bottle from the pocket of his discarded jacket.
    “Get the hell out of here,” Filip said to Sara.
    She blinked up at him, shocked and unaware. And damn her, she didn’t vanish.
    “Djinni,