Read Online Once a Rebel by Sheri Whitefeather - Free Book Online

“My brother Daniel is doing fine. He’s married, too. His wife’s name is Alisha. They ran off to Vegas last weekend without telling anyone.” She managed a lighthearted laugh. “I never thought that would happen to him. Falling in love so deeply.”
    Ethan didn’t know if he should envy or pity the guy. “And your sister?”
    â€œKyra?” She made a thoughtful expression. “She’s just Kyra. Tall, stylish and distrustful of men.”
    â€œSo are you,” he said.
    â€œDistrustful of men?”
    â€œNo.” He shot her a boyish grin. “Stylish. But she’s got you beat in the tall department.”
    â€œDon’t I know it?” She jammed her elbow into him. “But don’t act superior. You like petite blondes.”
    â€œThat I do.” He balanced his coffee as it sloshed in his cup. He’d patterned every blonde he’d ever dated after her. Not consciously, but he’d done it.
    A Freudian crime, he mused, recalling how she’d teased him about it last night.
    When silence lapsed between them, they sat quietly, watching the ranch hands do their jobs. Ethan finished his muffin, but Susan still picked at hers like a sparrow.
    â€œI never made peace with him,” she said. “But at the time I didn’t want to. So, in the end, there was nothing. No closure.”
    He knew she was taking about her father. “I heard your parents died in a single-vehicle accident.”
    â€œSeven years ago. Dad was driving.” She turned to look at him. “We never knew if he’d been drinking. We never found out.”
    He put his arm around her, holding her close, giving her the comfort she needed. She closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder.
    He closed his eyes, too. He knew what it was like to cut someone out of his heart, to not make peace with that person. But he wasn’t going to offer information about his mom and what she’d done to his dad, a man who was kind and loyal, unlike the bastard who’d sired Susan.
    Some things, Ethan thought, were better left unsaid.
    Â 
    After spending the morning with Ethan, after being wrapped in his arms, Susan entered the house and stood in the foyer, feeling warm and protected. But the feeling didn’t last long.
    Deep, serious voices caught her attention, bringing her back to reality. Ryan and another man were discussing Jason Jamison. She couldn’t see them, but she could hear them, just a heartbeat away, in the greatroom. Was Lily there, too, sitting quietly, anxiety churning inside her?
    As Susan moved toward the voices, her boots sounded on the tiled floor, signaling her presence. Everyone turned to look at her. Ryan, Lily and the other man.
    Was he the head of the security team?
    He stood next to Ryan, and she realized that whoever he was, he was preparing to leave. That their discussion was over, at least for now.
    He was tall, with short dark hair and a strong, solid build. His clothes were as dark as his hair and the expression on his face.
    â€œSusan,” Ryan spoke first. “This is Special Agent Jamison. Emmett,” he added, using the other man’s first name, letting her know she didn’t have to stand on formality.
    So this was Jason’s brother? The FBI agent who’d vowed to track him down?
    She extended her hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Ryan and Lily’s cousin. I don’t live here. I’m visiting from California.”
    â€œI know who you are. I’m aware of everyone on the ranch.”
    Of course, she thought. That was part of his job.
    Emmett’s manner, she noticed, was professional yet brusque. Even his handshake was quick and to the point. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t aware of his surroundings. His eyes, as green as her own, cut through her like a blade. When she took a step back, his gaze didn’t leave her face, not until he turned away to address Ryan.
    â€œI’ll