Read Online Bought His Life by Aleka Nakis Tia Fanning - Free Book Online Page A

guests start arriving in the next ten minutes.”
    Lawson climbed into the passenger seat. “Who’ll man the front desk?”
    “Oh, Alejandro will. He’s such a darling. Keeps up with the books and manages the place when I’m not around. He’s watching the band tune up their instruments. And Jared is there, too. I think he’s more excited about tonight than I am.” Michiel started the Cadillac and put the automobile into reverse. “But can I give you some advice?”
    Michiel waited until they were on the motorway before glancing at Lawson and raising a finger from the steering wheel. “I know you’re not from around here, so I just thought… Well, the Bearded Cockle isn’t for the likes of us. I know it would be hard to tell from such a name because of the whole ‘cock’ thing and all, but the men there are kind of rough, and, well, how should I put this… straight as an arrow.”
    “Michiel, I’m not—”
    “I know you don’t exhibit your sexual orientation the way I do, but still, if the men there should find out, you might end up hurt. I just hope whoever you’re going to see is worth it. You look the type that likes to play on the dangerous side, but—”
    “She is,” Lawson offered with a smile.
    “What?”
    He gazed out the window, his mind picturing the beautiful woman that somehow, in only one day, had managed to consume his every thought. “I said she is.”
    “Please tell me you’re talking about your sister,” Michiel whined.
    He laughed. “No, I’m afraid not.”
    “All the good ones are straight.” Michiel shook his head. “Wait a second. Then why are you staying at the Flamingo?”
    A mischievous answer leapt into Lawson’s mind. He knew he should repress it, but he couldn’t help himself. He just hoped it never got back to his captain—but how good would it be if they returned with John, too?
    “Well, don’t tell him that I told you, but my friend… he’s a little shy about it. Where we come from, you don’t broadcast your orientation. He’s military.”
    “I fully understand,” Michiel replied, nodding. “Even though the law has changed, don’t ask, don’t tell is still very much in effect.”
    “Yes,” Lawson agreed.
    “It was hard for me to come out as well. My parents were quite ashamed when I told them I was gay. They said they still loved me, but their society friends would never understand. So they shipped me off to Florida, gave me my substantial trust fund and said, ‘Good luck. You can come back when you’re ready to settle down with a good woman and give us some grandkids.’ I took the money and bought myself a little motel. Here I am.”
    Michiel turned into a shoddy area down by some rotted fishing docks, then pulled into a lot in front of a shack of a tavern. The place was virtually empty except for a couple of rusted trucks and some motorcycles. His heart dropped into his stomach at the sight of Kimber’s car.
    “How will you get back to the hotel?” Michiel asked.
    “I’ll find a way. Thanks for the ride.”
    “You watch yourself. This place is nothing but a haven for pirates, bikers and hardened criminals.”
    “I will. See you later.” He shut the door, waving as Michiel pulled off.
    Lawson stood in front of the Bearded Cockle, debating on whether or not he should go in. He told himself that he didn’t care for Kimber, that what he felt for her was simple lust, and that really, his only concern was getting his key back.
    He circled her car and spotted the envelope that held his key. It was hidden on the floor behind the driver’s seat.
    Why should he care at all what happened to her? She hardly even acknowledged his existence. Just because he wanted to make that shower scene a reality didn’t mean he had to follow his dick’s desires. If anything, he should break the window, get his key and get the hell out of town.
    But then what would happen to Kimber? What if she got hurt because he wasn’t there to help her?
    A picture of