Intimate Knowledge Read Online Free Page A

I don’t want you distracted, talking to me or anyone else for this. You need to be focused completely on your surroundings. And don’t drop or lose the phone, no matter what.”
    Jennifer grinned. Saul’s voice snapped with command, his tone urgent. She understood though, he was worried for her.
    “I promise. I’m going to hang up now or you might bite my nose off. I’ll call back in a few minutes.”
    “I’ll bite something off, that’s for sure,” Saul replied darkly.
    Jennifer’s breath caught. Often they would bicker or tease back and forth, but this felt different. Something had changed between them. Excitement and nerves flickered in her chest. Something deep in his voice brought her body to life. Her nipples and clit sang with it.
    She wondered if the adrenaline of the fight, her flight, hiding and now imminent escape had heightened the gentle sexual teasing between them. Or maybe something really had changed from Saul’s point of view. She didn’t know, but an intrigued part of her looked forward to finding out.
    “You don’t scare me, Saul,” she replied. Jennifer had meant to sound firm, confident, but even she could hear the faint hint of questioning in her voice. “You’d never hurt me, or bite something off.”
    “I’d never hurt you, no, babe. That doesn’t mean I won’t bite you. Call me when you get out and I’ll see you soon in the Gardens. Now, hang up.”
    Feeling equally turned on and confused, she mumbled out an “okay” and pressed the button to end the call. This time instead of placing it in her satchel, mindful of Saul’s admonishment not to lose it under any circumstances, she placed it in the back pocket of her jeans.
    Her world still felt as if the very axis of it had changed, shifted somehow. Now, having contacted Saul and knowing he would be beside her soon, protecting her and helping her, she no longer felt anywhere near the same level of stress or fear. Oh, she was still scared—Ginger, the killer and any number of people after her blood still roamed the streets, searching for her. But with Saul on her side she felt safer and more confident of her chances.
    Saul had never let her down. Ever. She doubted he would start now.
    Though, something clearly was changing between them. She’d loved him for years, been attracted to him since their teens. That tone in his voice, that darkly sensual promise. She’d never heard it before—or maybe just never noticed it.
    Opening the door to Mel’s café, Jennifer glanced at the patrons quickly as she entered. It took considerable effort, but she focused on her surroundings, watching for something that felt off or someone paying too much attention to her. Nothing struck her as odd, so she headed for the counter, a smile and greeting on her lips for Mel.
    “Hey there,” Mel said cheerily. “You need a Friday night hot chocolate? The double choc-chip cookies are still warm from the oven, they’re the last batch of the day.”
    “Actually, I need a huge favour.” Jennifer leaned into the counter, lowering her voice so only Mel could hear her. “I know this sounds crazy, but I think there’s a strange guy following me. I’ve spotted him a few times while I was browsing, and no matter where I turn he’s just there, watching me and giving me the creeps.”
    “Do you need me to call the cops?” Mel said quietly, scanning behind Jennifer.
    Jenn shook her head. “No, I’ve called a friend. I just want to use your back exit, leave without this guy being able to see me. Would that be okay?”
    “Are you certain you’ll be safe? There’s always a few coppers hanging around the outskirts in case tourists get lost or can’t find a taxi easily once it gets dark.”
    Jennifer smiled, pleased by Mel’s genuine sympathy. “I promise. Saul and I are meeting just a short distance away, he’s already in the car and won’t be more than a few minutes. I just don’t want to go back out the front, not while this man might be