Read Online Oriana and the Three Werebears by Tia Fanning - Free Book Online Page B

passwords. God, I know that sounds really bad, but I promise I didn’t really read anything in depth, and I remember nothing of what I saw. Honest.”
    Jordan noted how her cheeks had flushed red. Between that and her rambling explanation, he guessed she was embarrassed by her admission.
    “Oh, and I wasn’t asking any of you about your work, or why you’re here—like here in this bunker, as I’m sure you couldn’t tell me anyway because you work for the government. I assume. I’m just asking if work brought you to Alaska, and if you had plans on staying for a while and… I’m just glad you’re not criminals. Or at least I don’t think you are. But if you are, please don’t tell me. I don’t want to know.”
    Shaking his head at his brother, Jordan clucked his disappointment. “You left your desk unsecured? You’d better hope Jack doesn’t find out.”
    Jon rolled his eyes then patted Oriana’s hand, offering her a benign smile. “It’s fine. We understand why you went in our office, and we’re not upset.”
    Exhaling in relief, she seemed to relax some. “Oh, good.”
    “I just ask that you don’t tell Jack what you told us.”
    She furrowed her brows. “Why?”
    “Because,” Jack drawled from behind them, “he knows how upset I would be at the news.”
    They all turned their heads to where he leaned against the doorjamb.
    “Oriana needs her rest,” Jack continued. “Jordan, take her tray to the kitchen and clean up. Jon, I need to speak with you in the office.” On that, he left.
    “Hell,” Jon muttered under his breath.
    Jordan chuckled. “You brought it on yourself. How many times do you need to be reminded?”
    “What’s happening,” Oriana asked.
    “Oh, nothing big. Jon’s going to get another ass reaming, I’m going to clean up the catastrophe I’m sure he left in the kitchen when he made you breakfast, and you’re going to relax and recover.”
    She turned a sympathetic gaze to Jon. “I’m sorry I got you in trouble.”
    “No worries. It’ll be fine.”
    “I’m guessing Jack’s the boss?”
    “Yeah, among other things.” Jon reluctantly rose to his feet and headed for the exit. “I’ll come back later and visit. Maybe around lunchtime.”
    Oriana gave a small smile. “Okay, that’ll be great.”
    Jordan got up as well and collected her tray. “Is there something you’d like me to make you for lunch?”
    “Whatever you all are having will be fine with me.”
    He nodded and headed for the door.
    “Jordan?”
    The way her soft voice carried, the vulnerability lacing it perhaps, caused him to pause. He looked over his shoulder, raising his brow in query.
    “What are you all going to do about me?”
    “What do you mean?” he asked.
    “Um, like what are you going to do about me now that I know about you all and this place? I mean, Jack implied I was allowed to leave once my plane was fixed, so I assume that I’m not being kept prisoner in your secret lair... I’m not a prisoner, right?”
    Guilt twisted his stomach. He and Jon had only thought of tricking Jack into letting Oriana stay, never once stopping to consider that she might actually want to leave. “No, you’re not a prisoner.”
    “Not that I thought you all would keep me against my will, or kill me, to protect your…” she trailed off.
    Placing the tray on the dresser, he returned to the bed and sat down beside her. “While your presence does pose a security threat to our operation, we will not harm you to ensure its protection. You are free to leave and return to your life at will, though we would appreciate your discretion if you do. We ask that you do not mention us, what you saw while you were here, or our location to anyone.”
    She nodded. “I promise to keep quiet.”
    The guilt that had knotted his stomach turned into a stabbing pain in his chest. She didn’t want to stay. Jordan didn’t understand why that realization had such negative impact on him. He didn’t know her, and it