In the Dead of Cold Read Online Free Page A

towel on a nearby chair. His hand was now tucked under his other arm. Obviously, he had a gun holstered there and had his hand on it, ready. Yes, these men knew Bart. Well, Jane had to confess that after her encounter with him, she’d react the same way. So much for Milo saying he wouldn’t hurt her.
    Graham was the only man in the room who appeared calm, at least everywhere but in his dark eyes, which glistened with anger and hate. Was I wrong to bring this to him?
    “What can you tell me about Bart?”
    Graham’s question was subtle, but Jane could hear how he forced himself to remain calm. “He plans to kill you.”
    “And he was in Silvia’s Bookstore on Maple Street in Royal Peak?”
    “Yes.”
    “How do you know his plans?”
    “It’s not important.” She didn’t need to waste time explaining her ability. “What’s important is stopping him from using your wife as bait to kill you so he can keep her for himself.” She knew it sounded blunt, but there was no other way to convince him. And considering the horrific experience she’d had with Bart, her words were rather sugarcoated. Jane clenched her jaw again, this time to fight off a yawn.
    Should she continue, or should she leave? Had she told him enough?
    She remembered the way Bart had looked at her, and she decided to take the leap. “And I don’t need a doctor, but I would ask for your assistance.”
    “What kind of assistance?”
    “Well, Bart’s not too happy with me right now. I’m not lying about his wanting to kill you. I think you top his list, and my name’s right below yours. I’m asking for your protection.”
    “Perhaps you should talk to the police.”
    Jane couldn’t hold back the next yawn. “Excuse me.” She met Graham’s gaze again. “I know what you are and what you’re capable of.” Just as she knew about Milo Drummond before she’d known his name. “I also know what Bart is. I know you—and others around you—are the only ones who can protect me from him.” But who would protect me from them?
    His eyes hardened. “What do you know?”
    She had so hoped she wouldn’t have to explain things. There was so little time before fatigue overcame her and she was nose level with the carpet. “I know you’re a vampire, with greater strength and speed and endurance than any human.”
    He chuckled as if he thought that was a silly idea.
    Jane didn’t smile.
    He stopped laughing abruptly. “How do you know?”
    “I learned it from one of your men.” She gripped the chair harder. Her knuckles turned white. She stared at Graham to keep from glancing at Milo and giving away the identity of her informant.
    Graham sat up straighter, and his eyes narrowed. It was his first sign of emotion. Anger.
    “One of my men betrayed me?”
    Jane shook her head. “No, this man would never betray you. He would give his life without hesitation to protect you. He has nothing but respect and loyalty and admiration for you.” She had to pause and take a deep breath to avoid another yawn.
    “Then how is it you came to know about me, and when?”
    She didn’t want to tell. And for a moment, she considered lying— we were drunk, having wild sex, and he spilled his guts and told everything about you. In the end, she spoke the truth. Besides, she felt Graham would recognize any lie she told. “Sometimes when I touch someone, I feel things or I know things. Two years ago, I bumped against this man in an elevator, and I knew about him. I knew about his job for you.” She didn’t add that since that simple, innocent touch, she’d been sharing her bed with Milo every night in the wildest dreams possible. She kept her gaze glued on Graham, but her nipples hardened when she thought of Milo.
    “You’re telepathic.” Graham relaxed.
    “Yes.” Right then, she was also exhausted, and gosh, but that was such an easy word for such a complex ability. “And at first, I couldn’t believe it. It all seemed so…impossible.” As did the dreams