Read Online Fire & Ice by Anne Stuart - Free Book Online Page A

closing the door before coming around the other side. He reached beneath the dashboard and the engine roared to life, the headlights spearing through the darkness down the long, narrow road ahead.
    “Aren't you afraid the Russians are going to find us?” She fumbled with the seat belt, finally managing to fasten it.
    “No.”
    “Why?”
    He shot her a look. “You don't want to know.”
    “You killed them? How many people have you killed?” she demanded, shocked.
    “Their car went off the road. I don't know whether they're dead, and I don't care. At least they're not a problem right now. And as for how many people I 've killed, you don't want to know that, either.”
    She should feel sick. Horrified, stunned. But the horrible truth was, she felt fine. He killed. He killed to protect her. And some ancient, atavistic streak inside her wanted to preen and purr. She was one sick puppy.
    To cover the silence she leaned forward, fiddling with the knobs. “Is there any way to turn up the heat?”
    “Probably not. Stop bitching. I gave you my jacket.”
    “I didn't ask you to. And I'm not bitching. I'm just not used to winters.”
    “I forgot—you're a California girl.” He made it sound one step removed from the village idiot.
    She started to unzip the jacket. “Take your goddamn coat...”
    His arm slammed out, stopping her. “Leave it on,” he said. “I don't need it, and you do.”
    As a matter of fact, she wished he would put it back on. She could see him too well in the reflection of the dashboard lights, and his muscled arms were...disturbing.
    Get over him, Jilly , she told herself sternly. He thinks you're a pain in the ass.
    “Okay, I give up,” she said. “Take me to the airport and I'll get the first plane out. I won't fight you.”
    “It wouldn't do you any good if you did fight me. You're getting out as soon as it's safe. Until I find out what's going on we're on our own, and I'm not going to let you walk into a trap.”
    “I'd be grateful you're looking out for me if I didn't think you were simply afraid of your cousin.”
    A faint smile curved his mouth. “I can hold my own against. Taka. Remember, I grew up with him. But you're right, I don't want to piss him off unnecessarily. Besides, I like your sister.”
    “You do?” She was astonished. “My sister told me you hated all American worn-en.
    “There are exceptions.” He didn't look at her this time, and his voice was cool. While she sincerely doubted she was one of the exceptions, she wasn't going to push it.
    “So you're not taking me to the airport?” No.
    Staying in Japan was hazardous to her health. Staying with Reno was asking for trouble. So why was she relieved?
    Because she'd gone out of her freaking mind, that's why.
    “Why are you shaking your head?”
    She jerked, startled. He must have been watching her. How often had he watched her when she hadn't realized it? And what had she given away?
    “Just disbelief about this stupid situation,” she said in all honesty. He wouldn't know that the stupidity was her reaction to him.
    “You walked into it. You have no one to blame but yourself.”
    Are you always this sympathetic?”
    To her surprise he laughed. She wasn't sure if she'd ever heard him laugh before. She certainly hadn't seen him smile. Are you always such a pussy?” he said.
    She almost choked. “Believe it or not, I'm not used to running for my life.”
    “You managed once before.”
    “Isobel was a lot nicer.”
    “True enough. I'm not very nice.”
    “I noticed,” she grumbled.
    He laughed again. If she didn't know better she'd think he was enjoying this. But he couldn't be. He was saddled with a major irritation, and they were on the run for their lives. He could hardly be having a good time.
    She settled back into her seat, folding her arms across her chest. Hugging the jacket around her, as if it were his arms around her, protecting her. At least he wouldn't realize what she was doing.
    Maybe, when she