Read Online Twice In A Lifetime by Jennifer Jakes - Free Book Online

he gave a slight nod and dropped his hand.
    “Thank you.” She jogged forward then turned. “And sorry. I wouldn’t have really shot your dick off.” Before he could answer, she hiked to the house.
    Ian’s glare cou ld have peeled paint off a car. But she didn’t stop until she reached his side.
    “Godamnit. You are the most infuriating woman I’ve ever known.”
    “Yeah, well, it’s part of my charm.” She kept her voice light, but fear skittered down her arms. The gris-gris bag heated. “Part of why you love me.” If he loved her.
    His attention snapped from the door to her. The anger slid from his face. “Izzy, I should tell you—”
    The door flew open and Alicia flounced outside. She smelled like sex and looked like hell. Hair un-combed, eyes huge, glazed. Drugs of some kind. Oh yeah, this was the girl Izzy remembered.
    “Ian.” Her mouth twisted. “What do you want?”
    Pain pinched his brow. “I came to take you home.”
    Daniel strolled to the archway, smoking a cigar. “Greetings, Douglas.”
    Ian’s hand slid to the butt of his pistol, and Izzy’s heart stopped. No, no, no. Please don’t do something stupid. Please. She couldn’t stand to lose him again.
    “Let her go, Roberts. I'm taking her home.”
    Daniel shrugged and gave a lazy, unconcerned look. “She's free to come and go anytime she wants.”
    Ian held out his hand. “Let’s go.”
    “No.” She recoiled as if he offered her a snake. “ You go home, Ian. I have no interest in living by your rules ever again. I like it here.”
    Ian stiffened. “Alicia—”
    “No.” She staggered farther into the yard. “You will not control me. No one will. I do as I please.” Thunder rumbled and large drops of rain spattered the silk of her dress. She laughed, dancing in a circle as she unbuttoned the bodice and bared her breasts. “Daniel, come dance with me.”
    Ian’s face reddened. “Stop this behavior, young lady. I raised you to be better than a common whore.”
    Izzy fisted her hands. Damn the little bitch for hurting him. Couldn’t he see what she’d become? Just like before, he wouldn’t let go. Why couldn’t he just give up and walk away?
    The gris-gris bag zinged a scorching sting to her chest. Because Ian doesn’t walk away. He never gives up on those he loves.
    Oh, God. Tears filled Izzy’s eyes as she yanked the bag free from her shirt. Yes, I get it, Celeste . Whether she filed for divorce or just irritated him until he had to go for a ride, he would always come back.
    Always .
    “Alicia, it’s time to go.” Ian grabbed her wrist.
    “No!” She fought like an animal, kicked, clawed, then finally, out-winded, crumpled to a heap in the sandy mud.
    “Come on,” Ian whispered as he bent to carry her. “I’ll take you home.”
    “Never.” She jerked Ian’s pistol from his waist and waved him back. “I’ll die first.”
    Christ. Izzy’s stomach knotted. It was going to happen. Alicia would die and the guilt would tear Ian apart. Not again. Not again. Please, God.
    “Ian, let her stay.” The words were out before she could stop them.
    He shot her a glance that shouted ‘no’.
    “Yes.” Alicia pointed the barrel toward the jungle. “ Leave. Let me stay.”
    He heaved a long sigh, and stepped back. Relief shuddered through Izzy.
    “I can’t.” He lunged for the gun.
    “No!” Izzy’s scream melded with the crack of the pistol.
    Oh, God. Oh, God . No, no. She flung herself to the ground, to Ian’s side. Alicia moaned and wiggled from beneath him, her dress covered in blood. Christ, which one of them was shot? Please not Ian. Please no.
    Izzy rolled him over, cradling his head on her lap. He coughed, blood pouring from the hole in his stomach. His men charged from the trees, shock crushing their expressions.
    “I— I didn’t mean to.” Alicia’s eyes widened. She dropped the gun to the ground. “He shouldn’t have…I— I.” She ran to the door and threw her arms around Daniel. “Make