Deceived Read Online Free Page B

ago when Asher had called with the express intent of chewing his ass out for going along with Jack’s cluster-fuck of a plan.
    That was a fun conversation. Nothing like getting your balls busted for going along with what you thought were orders and then getting an encore ball-busting for taking on new orders without backup. He’d be sure to thank Jack when they all got back to Chicago.
    â€œYou look like you could use something warm to drink.”
    Luke’s head snapped up toward the sound of the voice. Behind the counter of a homemade wooden booth that sported cartoonishly large red apples painted on the front, was a woman so striking Luke actually felt his chest grow tight. Her lips curved into a smile, bringing dimples to her cheeks. Long dark auburn hair spilled over her shoulders, framing the curves of the full breasts beneath the crimson turtleneck she wore. He was so taken aback by her loveliness, it took him a full twenty seconds to realize that he was staring at Sarah Scoffield. Holy hell . . . was it really gonna be that easy?
    â€œYes, I’m talking to you,” she teased with a laugh, motioning him over. “I guarantee this will be the best apple cider you’ve ever tasted, and all proceeds go to Bakersville schools. I promise you won’t regret it!”
    Luke sauntered over, unable to repress a grin. Sarah Scoffield was even more breathtaking the closer he got. And the picture her sister had sent didn’t even begin to do her justice. Looking at her standing there smiling at him with those adorable little dimples, her wide dark eyes sparkling, Luke began to think this job might not be so bad after all.
    * * *
    What the hell was wrong with her?
    Sarah wasn’t the kind of woman to hit on a complete stranger, and yet here she was flirting mercilessly with the man on the other side of the booth. She’d seen him skulking through the crowd, his height and powerful build making him hard to miss. And that profile—she couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen a man so heart-stoppingly handsome. And when he’d turned toward her and pegged her with that dark stare of his . . . well, it’d been a long time since she’d felt her heart skip a beat, let alone since she’d felt the other areas of her anatomy sit up and take notice.
    As he came toward her, Sarah busied herself filling a paper cup with cider to hide her sudden onset of nerves. By the time she lifted her eyes again, she was able to steady her hands as she handed the cup over.
    He took the cup from her, his fingers brushing over hers briefly during the exchange. As he lifted it to his lips, he peered over the edge and took a careful sip. “You’re right,” he drawled. “I don’t regret it one bit.”
    Dear Lord . . . that voice ! It was deeper than she’d expected and velvety smooth. She felt the heat rising to her cheeks and offered him a nervous smile. “I’m Sarah,” she said, extending her hand. He took it in his massive paw and gave it a quick shake, but he didn’t immediately release her, continuing to hold her hand gently in his grasp.
    â€œLuke,” he replied. “Can someone fill in for you here, Sarah?”
    â€œI . . . uh . . . I’m supposed to be working here for the full hour. Sorry.” She drew back slightly, but his grip tightened on her fingers, keeping her where she was.
    He leaned across the counter until his lips were close to her ear. “Sarah, I need you to come with me.”
    Sarah’s blood suddenly ran cold with fear. “Listen,” she stammered. “You’ve got the wrong idea. I didn’t mean—”
    â€œYour father sent me, Sarah,” he interrupted. “You’re in danger.”
    â€œMy father?” she scoffed. “Not very likely.”
    Luke glanced around as if expecting danger to close in on them at any moment. “There was an incident earlier today. Your