Read Online HardJustice by Elizabeth Lapthorne - Free Book Online

inside with a minimum
of fuss. Ben climbed into the passenger seat as Layla slid behind the wheel.
    She spent a moment adjusting the seat and rearview mirror,
enjoying the near-painful way Ben scrutinized her every move.
    “I won’t ding your baby,” she cooed to him, teasing him
unmercifully.
    “I’ve always believed any man who lets a witch drive his car
is a fool,” Ben grumbled, clearly uneasy.
    “Obviously you’re in love,” Riley joined in on the teasing,
a twinkle in his eyes. Ben shot him a look, but Layla noticed her lover didn’t
disagree with Riley’s assessment, either.
    Warmth suffused through her chest. In the best mood she’d
felt for months, she started the car and hummed along with the radio as she
pulled into traffic. As they turned out of the side street, she noticed an
unmarked sedan race around the corner, noticeably exceeding the speed limit.
    Quirking her eyebrow, she checked her rearview mirror as
they moved out of sight.
    “Just in the nick of time,” she murmured. Both wizards were
silent, clearly lost in their own thoughts.
    * * * * *
    “And here I thought your work was boring,” Damon said as he
stepped aside to let Layla into his apartment. Ben half carried, half assisted
Riley into the living room.
    “I thought you said your Investigations were all computer
work and following paper trails?” Damon continued as he closed the front door
behind them. Layla grinned and spread her hands wide in an innocent gesture.
    “I think I said my work mostly consisted of such
things,” she hedged. “This is obviously a rarity. Can you help us? Please?”
    “I consult with the Enforcers from time to time,” Riley
interjected, strain evident in his tone. “So I can concoct some story to
appease them if you’re worried about any ramifications. I’d really appreciate
it if you don’t report this. I don’t need the grief or paperwork just yet. I
simply need to be able to walk properly as soon as possible.”
    Damon glanced at Layla, his gaze serious.
    “I’ll owe you,” she stipulated. “We’re not doing anything
illegal. We’re just…well, not completely official either.”
    “Ah, well, that’s clear as mud,” Damon joked. He tilted his
head, indicating Ben should take Riley into the back. “Through there into the
spare room will be fine.”
    Ben and Riley passed Damon and moved down the corridor.
Damon glanced at Layla, laughter in his eyes again.
    “Well now, you always find the handsome wizards, don’t you?”
    Layla flushed.
    “Ben looks like he’s ready to swallow you whole. You have to
tell me all about it later, promise?”
    She nodded. Damon left the room.
    “I can take it from here, Ben, why don’t you go into the
living room with Layla?” she heard her friend say in a genial tone. Layla
chuckled. She heard the door close and a moment later Ben returned.
    She sank down onto the couch, the tension of the last hour
or so finally seeping from her bones. Ben settled down next to her and heaved a
weary sigh.
    “Thank you for bringing us here,” he said in a soft voice.
Layla shifted to her side so she could face Ben and watch the various emotions
play over his face. She leaned her elbow onto the back of the couch, propping
up her chin as she waited for him to explain.
    He remained silent, deep in thought.
    “Riley is obviously a good friend of yours,” she finally
said. “He was injured protecting us, on a mission for us . Not you, the
both of us. Riley’s obviously in pain and needs assistance. Of course I’d help
if possible.”
    Ben still gazed at his folded hands, not meeting her eyes.
She could practically feel the weight of guilt upon his shoulders.
    “Hey,” she said as she reached out her free hand to cup Ben’s
chin and tilt his face to hers. She stared deeply into those dark, soulful eyes
of his. “This isn’t your fault. Riley is a big boy, perfectly capable of
looking after himself. If the situation was reversed and you were in there
getting