Love or Justice Read Online Free Page B

bed.
    “Let me get you some sheets.” He turned toward the hall.
    “I’m going to change into some night clothes.” Laurie unzipped her bag.
    “Wait.” Dante doubled back.
    He moved to the half-opened door. He inspected the bathroom before coming back into the bedroom. “After our earlier bathroom encounter, I wanted to be sure it was clear. At least this one isn’t on the ground floor.”
    Laurie laughed, and Dante gave her a smile. He went to the hall closet, and brought back a set of light green sheets and a pillowcase. Laurie was already in the bathroom. He made the bed for her. Dante heard her rummaging around in the plastic bag of beauty products she brought. Then he heard running water. By the time she emerged, he was finished with the bed, and ready for his own.
    “All right.” Dante turned toward her.
    He felt the air evaporate from the room. She stood there in a simple light blue cotton nightgown, with tiny little straps snaking over her shoulders. It fit over her narrow waist, flaring out down to her knees. It made her fair skin almost sparkle. Her blonde hair was down. It hung a few inches past her neck. She looked like every angelic picture Dante had ever seen.
    “Thank you.” She smiled at him. She walked right up to him and looked up into his face.
    His heart gave a sharp thump. He realized her eyes were a deep blue, almost sapphire.
    “Thank you for everything.”
    Dante’s brain moved in slow motion. He didn’t move or speak, as Laurie threw her arms around him in gratitude. After a couple of minutes, he registered her floral scent, her softness as her upper body melted into his, and her heat pulsed through his shirt. He stared at the bathroom door. Then he patted her shoulder blade. After a few moments, she broke the embrace, to climb into bed.
    “Good night,” she called to him as he left her room.
    “Good night.” He hesitated as he flicked off the light. He let his gaze linger on her for a moment before he closed the door most of the way and went to his room for some well-deserved rest.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER THREE
     
     
    Laurie
     
    When Laurie awoke, sunlight peeked through the edges of the closed curtains. She rolled onto her back, staring at the white ceiling. This was a blank room. Everything was white, and it was sparsely furnished. Just a bed on a metal frame, a wooden nightstand with a lamp, and a chair. The wood of the nightstand looked like someone had taken a chunk out of it. The lamp had a crack that ran from the upper right corner of its oval surface almost to the bottom left of the base. There was a closet, but no dresser. This room was not a room you lived in; it was one you stayed in—for as little time as possible.
    She ran her hand over the sea foam green sheets Dante used to make her bed. At least he tried to make her feel more comfortable. Laurie sat up on the bed and stretched. There would be no work today. No more cleaning rooms. The thought made Laurie lighthearted for a moment.
    She got up, and saw a note on her bag at the foot of the bed.
     
    Morning,
    When you’re up and ready, come downstairs for breakfast.
    Dante
     
    Laurie smiled. She went to the bathroom to get a shower. She was hungry, and she was anxious to see her new home, even if it was temporary. She had fallen asleep on the drive here. She had no idea where they were. Between work and law school, she never had time to go anywhere. Laurie glanced out the bathroom window as she ran water for her shower. The view was breathtaking. The volcano was in the distance, barren and grey, the top shrouded in clouds. In front was a swath of brilliant green that led to a clearing where the house stood. She was in the middle of a lush forest. Probably one of the reserves. The realization made Laurie even more anxious to get ready.
    She showered with lightning speed and walked back to her bag to pick out some clothes. Maybe Dante would go hiking with her. She had always wanted to hike the