Read Online Bull (Red, Hot, & Blue) by Cat Johnson - Free Book Online Page A

had been hiding a mistress from the public, and from his wife unless she knew and didn’t care. Marly’s stomach churned at the thought. John was willing to place her in the role of long-term mistress without a second thought. She wanted—she deserved—so much more than that. She wanted a lifetime commitment. She wanted a home and kids. Maybe not this second, but one day.
    When she thought about it, she realized she wanted Bull.
    “I’m truly sorry for you, John.” Marly took a step back and out of his reach. More than anger, she felt pity. He really was messed up. Maybe growing up in the kind of life he had made it impossible for him to be any other way. “You think you don’t have a choice in how you live, and that’s sad for you. But I do have a choice, and I would never be happy being what you’re asking me to be.”
    She turned and opened the door, then paused and looked back at him. “Goodbye. Please don’t call or try to see me again. Take the jewelry if you want. It’s all in the box on the bedroom dresser. You can let yourself out.”
    Still shaking from the encounter, Marly walked out, leaving him standing in her apartment alone. He didn’t look shocked or saddened. In fact, his expression told her he didn’t believe a thing she’d just said. He’d continue to call and drop by, but she felt stronger now. She’d deal with it until he finally got the message, gave up on her and found himself a new girl.
    But right now, there was someone she needed to see. Marly drove way too fast to the hospital. She swung her car into a space in the lot and left it parked crooked in her rush to get inside. She strode into the lobby, not stopping until she hit the security desk. “I’m looking for Bull Ford’s room.”
    The guard searched the list. Twice. He shook his head. “I’m not finding a Bull Ford.”
    Probably because it was doubtful Bull was his real first name. The touch of a hand on her shoulder had her jumping.
    “That’s all right, Joe. I’ll handle this.”
    She didn’t recognize the man who’d spoken. He, however, seemed to know the guard.
    “Marly Spencer?”
    It seemed he knew her as well. “Yes.”
    He took a few steps back from the desk. She followed. “Nice to meet you in person. I’m Matt Coleman.”
    He smiled and gave her a cocky, knowing look. She frowned, trying to place him. She met so many people out on gigs, they often remembered her, but she rarely recalled them.
    “I’m sorry, I don’t…” Then it hit her. She drew in a quick breath and felt her face heat. “ That Matt? Bull’s Matt?”
    “Yeah. I’m afraid so.” He cringed. While she processed that this man had listened to her and Bull during a very intimate moment, he continued, “We need to talk before you go up and see Bull.”
    “Is he all right?” All embarrassment disappeared, replaced by concern.
    Matt bobbed his head. “Physically, he’s healing. That’s not the problem. Marly, he doesn’t remember anything about that night.”
    “You mean the explosion.”
    “No, I mean absolutely nothing. Not his being assigned to work security at the party, or the terrorists…or you.”
    For the second time in an hour, Marly felt sick to her stomach. “Maybe once he sees me.”
    “Maybe.” Matt nodded. “Our commander is talking to his doctor now to see how to proceed.”
    How to proceed? Marly knew how to proceed. She would march right into his room, tell him what they’d shared, throw her arms around him and kiss him until he remembered her. “I want to see him.”
    Matt grinned. “You don’t care what the doctor says, do you?”
    “Yes, of course I care and I would never do anything to harm Bull, but…”
    “But you still want to see him.”
    He was still grinning at her, and she felt her face blush hotter.
    “Look. I know you heard everything.”
    “Yeah, I did. But don’t stress too much about it.” He let out a snort of a laugh. “Believe it or not, that happens a lot to me. No one else