Read Online Dragon's Lair by Denise Lynn - Free Book Online Page A

Alexia touched Braeden’s forearm. “Please, I’ve been up all night. Can I get some rest and then we’ll talk?”
    His gaze fell on her hand. “Nice try. We’ll talk now.”
    This time when he headed toward the elevators, Alexia followed. What else was she going to do? It wasn’t as if he was about to leave her alone. The doors hadn’t completely slid closed when she found her voice. “We’re done talking.”
    Braeden shook his head at her statement. She didn’t really think it was going to be that easy. He leaned against the far wall. “We haven’t even started.”
    Alexia backed into the opposite corner and crossed her arms. Any other man would take that as a silent signal to keep his distance. But he wasn’t any other man, and she had little hope that he’d take the hint.
    â€œTell me what’s going on,” he said.
    â€œThere’s nothing going on.” When he glared at her, she added, “I’m fine.” She’d reached the point of exhaustion. Between her rising temper and the sick fear twisting in her gut, she was ready to scream.
    â€œFine?” Braeden narrowed his eyes. “Terrified is not fine.”
    She hated that he could still read her moods. It only infuriated her more. “Just stop it. I said I’m fine, so let it go.” Alexia nearly hissed.
    He held up the Beretta. The magazine was still in the trunk, but he retracted the slide to make sure the chamber was empty before handing it to her. “Here.”
    His actions backed up his attitude. He really didn’t trust her. She dropped the gun into the pocket of her jacket.
    â€œWhy are you carrying a weapon in the first place?”
    â€œNone of your business.”
    Braeden curtly reminded her, “You came to me for help. Or was that just another lie?”
    She raised her head, bringing her gaze to meet his. He wouldn’t believe her, but it was the truth. “I’ve never lied to you.”
    â€œI’m amazed you can say that with a straight face.” He edged closer, then leaned his shoulder against the back wall of the elevator. “Why did you bring a gun along? Who did you plan to shoot?”
    Shocked that he could ask such a question, she let her jaw fall open for a brief moment before she sputtered, “I didn’t plan on shooting anyone. My God, Braeden, I don’t hate you or your family that much.”
    â€œSo why do you have it?”
    â€œIt isn’t important.” More to the point, it wasn’t any of his business.
    â€œAlexia, you came here for protection. How am I supposed to protect you if I don’t know what’s happening?” His cold eyes glimmered as he asked, “How do I even know you actually need protection if I don’t know what’s going on?”
    She’d had enough of his questions and insinuations. Her sigh hissed in the confined space before she asked, “Why do you bother asking me questions when you can get the answers yourself?”
    â€œYou want me to get to the bottom of this myself?”
    â€œIt wouldn’t be the first time.”
    Her sarcasm only served to fire his anger. Jaw clenched, Braeden leaned away from the wall, hit the stop button on the elevator, then closed the narrow distance between them.
    She felt the warmth of his body. He was too close. He loomed over her like a dark, threatening beast. She pressed her spine hard into the corner.
    But he wasn’t backing off. He only leaned closer. She was unable to draw a breath. Whether she meant to or not, she’d goaded him with an invitation he obviously wasn’t about to ignore.
    â€œIf you’re so damn eager to feel my presence, look at me.”
    Resisting the urge to push him away, Alexia lifted her gaze to his. And her breath came at last, long and shaky. It had been years since she’d let anyone this close to her—physically or mentally.
    She gasped as