Abducted: Reconnaissance Team (Texas Rangers: Special Ops Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

Larissa.
    He held her hand lightly, but firmly. If she tugged free it would be obvious she wasn’t pleased. “I promised a bonus if you got me through the night,” she said under her breath. “Make a scene with Tanya, and I’ll bury you.” 
    His head snapped in her direction. Finally, she’d gotten his attention.
    “I believe you mean it,” he said.
    She couldn’t tell if he was worried or amused. “Don’t try me,” she said.
    “I think it would be worth seeing you try,” he replied.
    “What the—I’ll do more than try—”
    She broke off as Larissa stepped away from the woman she’d been talking with and took three steps to meet them.
    “Darlings,” she cooed, “I want to introduce you to a dear friend of mine. Martin,” Larissa called to a man standing a few feet away. “Come here, darling.”
    Liz turned her attention to the short, wiry man who joined their group.
    He reached Larissa’s side and said in a British accent, “The party is marvelous, Larissa. And you look smashing.” He kissed her cheek. “Where is that granddaughter of yours? You promised she would be here. I brought her something special from London.”
    “Christina is under the weather,” Larissa replied.
    “Poor thing,” Martin said. “Nothing serious, I hope.”
    “Just a cold, but I insisted she rest.”
    “Of course. I’ll have the gift sent round tomorrow. It’s an outfit designed by Chelsea that will look smashing on her. Don’t worry,” he quickly added, “it’s appropriate for a fifteen-year-old.”
    Larissa laughed, but Liz thought she sounded tired.
    “I trust you completely,” Larissa said. “And I’m sure she’ll love it. Now, I want to introduce you to the designer I was telling you about last month. Liz Monahan with Nina Bruno Designs. Liz, meet Martin Stayes, head buyer for LaRouche.” 
    For a heartbeat, Liz couldn’t think.
    Martin Stayes...LaRouche?
    LaRouche—one of the most exclusive boutiques in London? She resisted an impulse to leap and shout yes! and barely managed a casual, “Very nice to meet you, Mr. Stayes.”  
    “Well, any designer friend of Larissa’s is a designer friend of mine,” he said.
    “And, Martin, darling,” Larissa said, “in case you didn’t know it, Liz is wearing Nina Bruno’s newest confection.”
    “The dress you told me about?” he asked.
    “The one and only.”
    He turned his attention to Liz and ran his gaze down her body. “The dress is stunning, and she fills it out beautifully.” 
    “Of course she does.” Larissa winked at Liz. “Now, I’m sure you two have business to discuss and, as we all know, Liz never mixes business with pleasure. I, on the other hand, have no such compunctions. So I’m stealing this young man from you again, Liz dear. I think, this time, I’ll keep him.” 

Chapter Four
    “Very nice of you to introduce Ms. Monahan to your friend,” Ben said once he and Larissa were out of earshot.
    Her lips twitched in amusement. “Do you know who he is?” 
    “No. But I’m betting you wouldn’t waste your time introducing her to a nobody.” 
    “I don’t know any nobodies,” she said.
    Ben laughed. “I’m sure you don’t. Did you see Tanya?” 
    “Oh, yes. She’s with Carlos Sanchez.” 
    “I don’t believe I know him, either.” 
    Larissa slanted him a curious glance. “I don’t believe I know you , darling.” 
    Ben flashed a smile, one he knew had stopped more than one woman in her tracks. “I’m just one more working model.” 
    “I know every working model in this town. You’re not on that list.” 
    “Can you keep a secret?” he asked.
    “I’m the soul of discretion.” 
    “I’m working on my masters in biotechnology at the University of Texas.” He shrugged. “Education is expensive. A friend suggested I do a bit of modeling to make ends meet.” 
    Her brows rose. “Biotechnology?” 
    “Are you saying a man can’t have looks and brains?” he asked.
    “On the contrary, I