Read Online The Hostage by Jonas Saul - Free Book Online Page B

ago. I remembered thinking how I’d love to meet you one day. It was very brave what you did.”
     
    They approached a red light. “Do you expect me to believe that?”
     
    “It’s the truth.”
     
    “So you saw a picture of me and two weeks later you see me at a ball game and that’s it. Here we are.”
     
    “Yeah, that’s what I expect you to believe because that’s how it happened. Wait, why are you here?”
     
    The light changed to green and they continued north over Front Street and then up to King Street.
     
    “I came to save your life,” Sarah said.
     
    “My life? Why? How did you know I needed saving?”
     
    “It’s a long story.”
     
    “Tell me. I have time.”
     
    Sarah looked at him. “Maybe one day.”
     
    She surprised herself at how she felt. Drake was gorgeous, if that was possible for a man. He seemed strong, witty, and brave, but she had no time to be interested in men. Someone tried to shoot him thirty minutes ago and he wasn’t crying like a baby.
     
    “I see fire in your eyes,” Drake said.
     
    “What?” Sarah turned to look the other way. Compliments sucked because they made everything awkward.
     
    “Fire in your eyes. Your hair is stunning. Sarah, I remembered your face because it’s rare when a man sees a female as beautiful as you.”
     
    “Drake, stop. Don’t give me any pick-up lines. I’m warning you, this could turn out bad. You are only looking at me — you aren’t seeing the real me. I’m dangerous. People have a habit of dying around me, or I end up having to kill them.”
     
    He remained silent for a few steps, then said, “It’s an honor to know you, Sarah, but you don’t know anything about me. I just survived a grueling experience. An ex-girlfriend from high school, who I thought I would marry one day, tried to kill me, so I’m not afraid of your warning. I know it sounds corny, and we just met, but I feel I’ve known you for a long time and since you just saved my life, I’m indebted to you, or at least until I can save your life one day.”
     
    Sarah snuck a glance at him. “Great. Look, I don’t want to sound unappreciative, but who writes your material?”
     
    It was out before she could take it back. A part of her had no problem with such a hot guy hanging around and attempting to save her life, but the truth was, her way of life was too risky for others. Her stomach twitched, but not from fear or nervousness. It came from a place of anticipation, one borne of being a woman and feeling desired.
     
    What the fuck are you thinking? A boyfriend? Are you crazy? You’ve never had one of those things. You don’t want one of those things. Fight it.
     
    She looked at Drake and studied his jaw, his perfect nose, his stunning eyes. Everything about him melted her. Even his deep voice caused her to shiver.
     
    Shit. What the hell is happening to me? This is stupid.
     
    She saw what looked like a coffee shop on the other side of the street. She guided him to the left where they crossed Spadina and turned to cross Adelaide.
     
    “What happened back there?” Drake asked. “How did you know they were going to try to kill me?”
     
    “You were marked for death because of what happened to you recently, which I don’t have a lot of details on.”
     
    “How come you’re here and not a bunch of cops?”
     
    She looked up at his gorgeous eyes. “I don’t know. My sister has a sense of humor maybe? Is this place a good one for coffee?”
     
    Drake smiled. “Absolutely. Tim Horton’s is the best. Come on.”
     
    Before going in, Sarah scanned the street behind them. Nothing odd or out of place. No one followed them, as far as she could tell.  
     
    A moment later, she stepped in behind Drake in line. After ordering two coffees, they took a table near the back, Sarah facing the front to watch the door.
     
    Drake asked why she was in Toronto.
     
    “There’s not a lot to tell you,” Sarah said. “I’m what they call an