Around: Wrapped Around You Read Online Free Page A

half. I think you’ve misunderstood how this relationship works.”
    “Please.” Julie hated the sound of her pleading with the animal that had her brother, but the important thing was to get Caleb back alive, keep her daddy safe and Eric out of the mess. “It’s the holiday. Everything is slower than normal because so many employees are on vacation. Meet me at the parking garage at the Harris Court Mall at two o’clock the day after tomorrow, and I’ll have your money.”
    “Again Miss Blake, I think you misunderstand the nature of things. You do not dictate terms to me.”
    “I don’t want to walk around lugging duffle bags full of money. There is a First National branch in the Harris Court building.”
    “Very well, Miss Blake. The day after tomorrow at two o’clock. I look forward to meeting you. In person.”
    She could feel Eric vibrating beside her, and she looked to Jackson to see if it was okay the end the call. He nodded, and she blew out the breath she’d been holding.
    “Sorry I can’t say the same,” she said.
    “Make sure you bring the money, all of it, or next time the damage will be permanent.”

THREE
    IT TOOK EVERY BIT OF restraint he had to let Julie talk to the slime on the phone, and when the bastard hit her brother, he could have killed the man with his bare hands. Seeing Julie with tears in her eyes did him in. She didn’t cry. For something to hurt her that badly…well, he’d be damned if it ever happened again.
    He pulled her back against him, wrapping his arms around her from behind. She let her head fall back to rest on his chest, and he nuzzled her cheek, sheltering her with the bulk of his body.
    “Did you get what you needed?”
    “I think so,” said Jackson. “It’s a place to start.”
    “Find a place to finish it,” warned Eric.
    “We’ll get the bastards. Don’t worry. Miss Blake, it would be better if you didn’t go out alone.”
    “She won’t,” said Eric. He wasn’t letting her out of his sight until this was over.
    “You can’t go out with her, sir. The two of you absolutely cannot be seen together. In fact it would be better if you went on with your normal schedule.”
    “No.” No way was he leaving Julie by herself. His executive chef could handle things until this was over. He’d make it up to him later.
    Jackson nodded. “That’s up to you. Just do not go out together. I’ll get everything set up for the day after tomorrow and be in touch with the details. Try not to worry, Miss Blake. In two days this will all be over.”
    Luke thumped him on the back. “Hang in there and call if you need anything.” He leaned in to kiss Julie’s cheek, and Eric stifled a possessive growl. Luke had trouble of his own on his jobsite. He hadn’t needed to take time out to be with Eric. The fact the he had meant a lot to him.
    “Wait, I’ll walk you out.”
    “Don’t worry about it. We’ll show ourselves out.”
    “Send my love to Claire.”
    “I will,” said Luke. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Julie. When this is over, the four of us should get together. I think you and my Claire will hit it off. You’re both very strong women.” He gave her a soft smile, his eyes shining as he talked about the woman he loved. Eric was struck again by how much things had changed for his friend since he met Claire. “And try not to worry. Jackson is the best in the world at what he does.”
    The head of security followed Luke out, and they were alone again, just he and Julie.
    “Are you okay, cher? How are you feeling?”
    “Cold,” she said, sinking back into him. “I’m not sure I’ll ever be warm again.”
    “Come on,” he said, catching her by the hand. “I think I know something that will help.”
    Tugging, he pulled her down the hallway and into the master bathroom.
    “Wait here,” he said, dropping her hand and leaving her standing in the doorway. He turned the taps on the enormous reproduction claw foot tub. He loved old things but none of