Read Online Knock Out (A Reynolds Security Novel) by Melissa Hale - Free Book Online Page B

darling?” He asked his wife.
    “ No, you go ahead. I believe I will get a drink and mingle with the guests.”
    “ I would be honored if you would allow me to escort you Mrs. Castillo.” Jace offered his arm.
    “ Thank you.” She slipped her hand onto his arm and smiled. “And please call me Elena.”
    Viktor toured her around each case, telling her about each piece. Sensing this was all about his ego. Lou continued to gush about how beautiful the creations were and what a genius he was. As they neared the last display his conversation veered toward a personal nature.
    “That man you were with, are you together?”
    “ Mr. Carpenter? No, we only shared a dance. I did come with someone.” She made a show of looking around. “I am not sure where he went. I left him by the bar.” She leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, “To tell you the truth I only agreed to the date because of the opportunity to see the collection.”
    “ I feel so used.” Colby’s voice in her ear nearly made her laugh and she had to bite it back.
    “ I am so pleased you went to such lengths to view my collection.”
    “ It is quite a collection.” They reached the final case it was the necklace with the rainbow of colors. “I think this is my favorite.” She spoke with a bit of awe in her voice. “It is so colorful.”
    “ Would you like to try it on?”
    “ Are you serious? No I couldn’t possibly.”
    “ Nonsense. You wore none of your own to the party. I insist you wear this one.”
    “ Viktor, I couldn’t. I mean, it must be worth a fortune, what if something happens to it?”
    “ Ah my dear there is security all around.” He point out men in black suits stationed all around the room. “You are in no danger of a thief.”
    “ He is right about the security.” Lou looked up as Jace and Elena rejoined them. “Though I am not sure I approve of the risk.”
    “ This is the man in charge of all the security.” Viktor laughed. “We pay him to not take risks. But jewelry is meant to be worn.”
    “ Don’t worry my dear.” Elena spoke up. “He does this every time the collection is on display. He selects a young woman to model a piece. Nothing has ever happened.” Lou bit on her lower lip as if in indecision.
    “ If you’re sure.”
    Viktor disarmed the case and placed the necklace around her neck. It was heavy and cold. She felt as if she had a chain around her neck. The sensation unnerved her but she smiled.
    “Oh my gosh I can’t believe I am wearing one of Viktor Castillo’s creations. Quick take my picture.” She fished her phone out of her clutch purse and handed it to Jace. He snapped a picture and she made a show of looking at it before putting it away.
    “ I may spend the rest of the night in front of a mirror.” Lou giggled.
    “ Nonsense. Go. Dance. Have a good time. Before you leave we will put it back in the case.”  She nodded with the excited head bob of the fan girl she was portraying.
    “ Lou’s call sign is now bait.” Colby’s voice chuckled in her ear. She waited until there was no one within ear shot before responding.
    “ Very funny, I turned on my tracker but if you guys let me get snatched I am going to be so pissed.” She hissed. She heard a series of chuckles meaning the men had keyed their mics just so she heard them laugh.
    One by one her team came out of the woodwork to dance with her. Just to make it look like she was mingling without her having to dance with too many strangers.
    “Hey Bait.” Her earpiece whispered. “This guy at the bar is acting really strange, kinda creepy. Come and flirt with him.”
    “ Sounds like just my type.” She muttered.
    “ I am ready to blow this popsicle stand. The sooner someone makes a move the sooner we can all get out of here.”
    “ You’re tired? My feet are killing me!” She grumbled.
    When she reached the bar she saw the man Colby had been referring to. He was nursing a drink and staring out at the room. He was a white