Read Online Dawn Endeavor 1: Fallon's Flame by Marie Harte - Free Book Online Page A

my clothes away for me.”
    “Did you enjoy the gardens last night?” Jules asked.
    Olivia took a bite of breakfast and forced herself to chew, concentrating on not blushing.
    She didn't look up. “I did. I love the landscaping around here. Very pretty, even in the cold.” Good job. Now if you can just keep your cheeks from flaming every time you see Jesse's talented mouth, you'll be okay.
    She still didn't understand why she'd let him go down on her. Olivia had no problem expressing a healthy sex drive, but oral before a first date had never been her MO. No doubt about it, Jesse was dangerous. She'd be best to steer clear of him while she acclimated to her environs and the team.
    At least he hadn't bragged to his friends. Kisho wouldn't say anything if he knew, but Gunnar most certainly would.
    “Ah good, you're all here.” Mrs. Sharpe joined them. She wore a similar outfit to the one she'd worn yesterday. Gray wool slacks but with a black dress shirt and the pearls. “I've put together a folder for each of you. Study the contents thoroughly, and you'll know as much as I know. I want this to be your focus for the next few days. After that you'll start training with Olivia. You'll need to see what she can do physically and mentally.” Mrs. Sharpe turned to her. “My dear, I'd like to see you later today, after you've had a chance to look over the folder.” Folder actually translated to a thickly bound sheaf of paper.
    “Don't you want to know if I'll agree to do the job?” Olivia asked, curious that Mrs. Sharpe acted as if her participation were a done deal.
    Mrs. Sharpe looked at Kisho.
    He nodded. “Sorry, Olivia. You're on board. Saw it again yesterday.”
    “Really? What did you see?” Incredible, she thought, to know the future.
    “I get glimpses of possibilities, but every one I've had since Mrs. Sharpe told me about this mission has you in the jungle with the four of us.”
    Her mouth dried, and she reached for the glass of orange juice Jesse handed her. Their fingers touched, and she shivered. She didn't mistake his look of satisfaction.
    “Ah, okay.”
    “And there you have it.” Mrs. Sharpe dropped a thick stack on the counter. “Read up, and I'll see you all later. Olivia, five o'clock sharp. Don't be late.” She left them in a well of quiet.
    “I hate reading,” Gunnar grumbled. “It's going to be a long day. I can just feel it.” Jesse drank the rest of his coffee and carried his cup to the sink. He grabbed his stack of material and headed for the door with a salute to the others.
    Jules stood. “Fallon—”
    “Gotta get busy. Talk to you later, Jules.” He disappeared in a flash.
    Jules didn't say anything, but the dark expression on his face promised problems for Jesse.
    She felt bad for him, but at the same time, she appreciated not having to trip over herself in his presence. At least now she could eat, then disappear up to her room to study. She took the stack of material Jules handed her as he passed them out to his team.

    “Bastard's fast; you have to give him that.” Gunnar sighed long and loud as he traipsed over to the couch across the living room and sat down. He propped his gigantic feet—still bare—
    up on the coffee table and opened the folder. “Wish I could disappear too.”
    “Don't we all,” Kisho murmured.
    Gunnar shot him a finger, which Kisho ignored. He sat next to his friend and began to read.
    Olivia finished her meal in silence, aware of Jules's scrutiny. She had no intention of telling anyone what she and Jesse had shared; what it had felt like to fly so free. Her experience with a virtual stranger had been the best sexual experience of her life. How pathetic did that make her? The queen of easy, and desperate to boot.
    Now depressed and eager to be alone, she shoveled her food into her mouth, poured herself a cup of coffee, and took it and her folder with her back to her room. Time to get to work.

    Five o'clock rolled around all too soon. She'd