Read Online Saint by T.L. Gray - Free Book Online Page A

lived.
    She slipped from the room while he was
still talking on the phone. Jared understood. Jared would make her feel better.
    She found him in the gym, sweat beading his
torso, face and thighs as he sat on the weight bench taking a breather. She ran
a manicured hand down his firm chest, feeling the slick sweat against her palm.
    “What are you up to today?” Jared asked
lightly, toweling his face off before reaching for the water bottle.
    “I’m lonely.”
    He took a sip from the bottle, squirting
some of the water onto his face. “Perhaps Manuel will take you into town.
Shopping always makes you feel better.”
    “Buying a new dress would be wasted effort.
Benito will not notice.” Her hand continued to savor the play of muscle across
his chest and shoulders.
    “Don’t get too close, you’ll ruin your
outfit.”
    She smiled. “You worry over little things.”
    He looked sideways at her. “That pantsuit
probably cost more than this machine.”
    She moved in front of him and to keep his
saturated thighs from touching her silk pantsuit, he opened them. She took
advantage, stepping closer, running her fingers through his hair. Nina thought
he tensed for a moment. But of course, Jared would anticipate her need and
worry over soiling her expensive clothes.
    “Did he hurt you again?”
    “No.”
    “Then you came to chat because you were
bored.”
    “No.” She placed her hands on his thighs
and lowered herself to her knees. “I hate the woman. She is taking Benito from
me and she is not even here.”
    His index finger lifted her chin so she
gazed up into his eyes. “She can’t take him from you. Why do you doubt
yourself?”
    “Benito doesn’t fool me. He wants her in
his bed before she breathes her last. He will give her my pleasure. He has done
it before.”
    “Nina,” Jared warned when she reached for
the waistband of his sweats. “You know what will happen if we’re caught. This
isn’t wise.”
    “I don’t care.”
    “You care nothing for me as a friend then?”
    She laid her cheek against his damp thigh. “A
friend would not turn me away.”
    He stroked her hair gently.
    “Nina!” Benito’s voice boomed from down the
hall.
    Nina quickly rose to her feet and hurried
to the door. “Here.”
    “Did I tell you to leave the room?” Benito
snapped.
    “I didn’t think you would notice.” Elation
filled her that Benito had noticed her departure. Now he would coax her into
going back with him and they would spend the day making love.
    “What are you doing in here anyway?” he
growled, casting a disgruntled glance at Jared.
    “I couldn’t find Manuel. I thought Jared
might know where he is.”
    “I’ll be in a meeting all afternoon and
probably most of the evening. You’ll have to entertain yourself for a while.”
    “But I thought—” The back of Benito’s hand
sliced across her cheek.
    “Don’t backtalk me. I’m not in the mood.
Just stay out of the way. Manuel won’t be able to escort you anywhere today, he’s
going to be busy.”
    She lifted a hand to the burning on the
side of her face. “Will I see you tonight?”
    “Yes.” Benito cast one last look at Jared,
who was concentrating on his weights now, then turned and strode away.
    Jared didn’t dare look at her. He was her
friend and he knew she didn’t want him to see her pain. Later. Later, he would
make her feel better.
    * * * * *
    Seth was checking out his truck for the
road trip when Francis sauntered up, hoisting one boot against the bumper. “You’re
gonna deal with the problem before you leave, right?”
    “Sometimes it’s best to let it simmer for a
while.” He didn’t look up but continued checking the lines, the oil, transmission
fluid, water and electrical circuits. It was rather optimistic of him, he
supposed, to hope Francis wouldn’t notice the package’s fragile condition.
    “Not this time,” Francis grunted. “No
offense, Colonel, but I’d rather not be left with a bomb that has a very