Read Online Risk (A Mageri World Novel) by Dannika Dark - Free Book Online Page B

be so dramatic, Hannah. You’re getting all goosenipply, and that’s an image I’m going to have to burn from my retinas.”
    Her eyes went dramatically wide, and she covered her chest.
    Simon turned away and headed toward the door.
    “I want her back before dark,” she said. “We have an agreement, but I’ll not have her out at undignified hours for a lady. Her reputation is pristine, and it shall remain that way.”
    He wondered if Hannah knew her Learner had slept with a prat right under her nose. Clearly not, or she wouldn’t think her Learner so pristine. She probably made Ella wear a chastity belt.
    “Spare me the lecture, Hannah. Everyone knows the manner in which you raise your Learners. I’m not feeling particularly randy this evening, so you have nothing to worry about.”
    “I want your phone number.”
    “Stand in line.”
    “I’m serious, Mr. Hunt.”
    He glanced over his shoulder and paused at the door. “So in the middle of a fight, our attacker can be greeted by your delightful ringtone, which will momentarily distract me? Afraid not. My terms or we have no deal.”
    “You’ll sign the contract this evening,” she said in a tone that invited no argument.
    Simon waved a hand and left the room. As he moved through the hall, he checked his phone messages and saw that Justus had sent him an invite to meet him at the Red Door, a local Breed club they frequented. He must have found information on this Learner situation. Simon didn’t worry about bringing Ella along since she couldn’t read lips and wouldn’t understand what they were saying. He needed facts, and even after their communication breakthrough, she’d never tell him the sodding truth. Women were evasive about their life and enjoyed torturing men with vague explanations. Either that or they’d chat your ears off about feelings.
    One way or another, he was going to find out the truth.

    * * *
    S imon steered the Maserati around the corner, wondering if his wheels impressed the young woman sitting to his right. The car was sleek, fast, and expensive—even if it had a nonexistent backseat.
    “Why the bloody hell would I want to impress one of Hannah’s minions?” he muttered aloud.
    Simon changed the song and tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, flicking a glance at her clothes. She’d chosen a long-sleeved dress that reached her ankles—stretchy fabric the color of lead. She wasn’t Simon’s type, but he couldn’t deny the alluring mystery of what lay beneath all that drapery. Her breasts were only a mouthful, and she had delicate hands with slender fingers. The most striking thing about her was the hair—lock after lock, braided together in an intricate manner. His mind boggled at what it must look like unbound.
    He watched as she ran her fingers along the door and then the dash. She must have felt the vibration from the speakers, so he cranked up his stereo. Her eyes brightened, and a smile touched her lips.
    She immediately reached for his hand. Who’s singing?
    Ella looked like the kind of girl who listened to opera.
    I’m afraid you wouldn’t know anything about an old band called Audioslave , he replied in thought.
    I miss music , she said wistfully. I can remember the words, but it’s so hard to get the melody right. The memory of music is fading away .
    She gazed out the window, her expression melancholy. Without a second thought, he squeezed her hand and sang “Like a Stone” in his head.
    Her grip tightened, and she drew closer. Simon couldn’t help but notice what a lovely mouth she had. Full lips, soft and pale pink—just enough color to make them stand out as if begging to be kissed. He’d never thought he could find a woman without a speck of makeup so bloody attractive. Her skin was fresh and pale, and the faded smatter of freckles told him she rarely went outside anymore. He would have continued staring had he not been driving a death machine, so he concentrated on the song and watched her frown