Read Online Ruby's Fantasy by Cathleen Ross - Free Book Online Page B

protect him. Given his word to his parents. He had to make this right for Ruby because he couldn’t make it right for his brother. He stared down into her eyes and saw a shimmer of a tear so he brushed it away with his thumb.
    â€˜You’re like some superhero who takes over. I’m not used to that.’ She gave him a watery smile.
    He’d pushed her. Pushed her as hard as he could without alienating her. ‘I’ve missed things in the past. Made mistakes. I want to make this right for you.’ Remmy’s face rose in front of his eyes. Blood. Holding his brother’s broken body. Trying to stop the bleeding. Impossible. ‘I promise on my life I’ll keep you safe.’
    â€˜What is it?’ Her hand went to his cheek.
    He turned from her, powerless to deal with the grief of his brother. ‘I want to test the equipment I’ve installed. Go behind the desk. Feel underneath, find the button and push it. The door will unlock. That way no one comes in here unless you want them to.’
    â€˜You tell me to trust you, but you shut me out, too.’
    He put his hand up to stop her moving close. Her face was open and gentle but if she gave him sympathy it’d tear him apart. ‘Can’t talk. Not now.’ Out of the blue, memories of Remmy’s death would seize him by the throat.
    Her mouth tightened but she didn’t press him, instead she did as he asked, pressed the button under the shop counter and the security door clicked open. ‘It works well.’
    He glanced up at the camera situated in the corner high up where it couldn’t be tampered with. ‘Everything is done. I’ll be right next door monitoring your every move. Careful when you bend over in that skirt, Ghost is working with me today.’
    â€˜He doesn’t say much, does he?’
    â€˜Ghost?’
    â€˜Yes.’
    â€˜Ghost is a ghost. Knows more about technology than anyone. One of the best undercover operatives too. No one notices him and that’s how I like it. Don’t be fooled by it, he’s deadly when he has to be and he acts fast. Can’t speak in front of women though.’
    â€˜He barely said hello to me.’
    â€˜He grunted. That’s a good response for Ghost. Don’t be offended, that’s just how he is.’
    â€˜Fine. I’ve got all the instructions. No going anywhere without you. No talking to Ghost. You guys coming out of the army are all about rules.’ She tapped her fingers on the counter top. ‘I’ve got a few of my own. I don’t like owing money. Write me up the account.’
    â€˜I’ll do it later.’
    â€˜Jake!’
    Why’d she have to look so hot dressed as a Dom? He swore he’d never been so affected by a woman until he’d met Ruby. When he looked at her, when she demanded something of him, he could forget his grief. He strode over and backed her up against the counter with his body frame. ‘Are you prepared to do anything to extract it out of me?’
    â€˜Are you prepared to bend over?’ she asked.
    â€˜Me bend over? Not likely. Keep that sexy act up and I’ll have you over the counter.’
    Her large blue eyes widened.
    â€˜I have work to get on with. Let’s have dinner tonight. I’ll fix the account for you then,’ he said.
    A frown creased her brow and her crystal blue eyes clouded. ‘Dinner will have to be early. I need to catch up on my beauty sleep,’ she added, examining her fingernails.
    Jake’s bullshit detector buzzed and a siren went off in his mind. He knew a lie when he heard one and she was a terrible liar. He hoisted her up off her feet, placed her on the counter and stood between her legs so that his chest pressed against hers. The deep scent of roses and leather made his nostrils twitch and his erection throb. ‘I want to spend the night with you. I have to keep you safe.’
    She blinked. ‘Not