Read Online Hearts Under Fire by Kelly Wyre and HJ Raine - Free Book Online Page B

fool.
    “Fuck it,” Daniel muttered, and broke out the eyeliner, laying a deep blue line.
    He sighed at himself and threw on a black leather duster, remembering Clark’s instructions about the walk. He left his small professor’s bungalow, slid into his Tesla, and pulled out of the driveway.
    The GPS told Daniel he’d be ten minutes early, but Bliss was across town, and he wanted to account for traffic. Once he was through town, a four-lane highway brought him out to the mountains, and he found the turn-off for Bliss Road.
    When he started up the deserted mountain road, Daniel let caution fly and pushed the Tesla all out, delighting in the handling and the constant torque of the electric engine. The road twisted and curved, right on the edge of a ridge, and each W-turn of the road brought a new, spectacular view of the city below. Daniel didn’t let the nimble car slide for each turn, but he knew he was close as the tires protested. He loved the dance up the road, more for the precise control he had of his vehicle than any adrenaline rush at the speed.
    When a car showed up in front of him, Daniel stayed on its tail until there was an empty hundred-yard straightaway. Then he floored it, and it seemed as if the other car stood still. Smiling, Daniel braked for the next turn and caught his rhythm again. When the road turned, it led to a cathedral on the mountain top. White stone lit by floodlights soared into the sky.
    When he reached the entrance to the Bliss parking lot, Daniel slowed down. Glancing at the GPS, Daniel realized he was still ten minutes early. He shrugged. Early was better than late, and he could wait. Daniel remembered Clark’s directions and went around to the right. When he approached what seemed to be impassable trees, he saw a connector snaking down to another, lower lot. That was when Daniel saw the black Jaguar with a man leaning against it. Daniel pulled past the low-slung car and smoothly backed the Tesla into the space to the left of the Jag.
    Daniel turned off the car with a press of a button, pulled the electronic card key and tucked it into his wallet. Excitement, nerves, and anticipation surged, and he balanced on top with practiced ease. This was no different from any first impression with a client; he just wasn’t going to do anything to anyone. He got out and looked over to see that it was, indeed, Clark.
    “I’m not late, am I?” Daniel asked.
    Clark’s eyes lingered on Daniel just enough to raise Daniel’s hopes.
    “Nope,” Clark said with a shake of his head, pushing away from his car and heading toward the sidewalk. He looked over his shoulder at Daniel. “I figured you’d be early, so I thought I’d schedule appropriately.”
    “It was accidental,” Daniel said ruefully. “I didn’t mean to be early, but that ridge road is spectacular.”
    Daniel admired Clark’s easy swing of step and posture far too much. Gray and white hair gleamed in the low light from either side of the path, and Daniel wondered what it would feel like to run his hands through it.
    Stop it, damnit. For having so much pride in your self-control, you’d better get some back.
    Daniel hurried so that he was beside Clark, and he tried to see through the trees. “About how far is it?”
    “Not far, really,” Clark said. “Just wanted the entrance to be far enough away from the lot that people think it’s a utility building. So Tim tells me.”
    A squat, stone structure came into view ahead. Two lights were attached to the wall, and no door was visible from the path.
    “There we are,” Clark said, nodding.
    “That’s the way in?” Daniel asked curiously, and walked up to the wall.
    Clark laughed and surprised Daniel by grabbing his arm. “Other side, Professor,” he said gently. Daniel tensed and cursed in his head as, hand still on Daniel’s arm, Clark led them around to the other side of the building.
    Two mammoth men in black suits, shirts, and ties stood guarding a set of doors. Beyond