Moonlight's Peril (Moonlight Series Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

of them having a religious affiliation. Maybe they’re apocalypse preppers.
    Bianca’s watch showed almost noon. Pulling her phone out, she sent a quick “I’m Okay” text to Kloe.
    Several women hung clothing on lines and children played nearby. If they weren’t murdering kidnappers, this would be tranquil. A blonde figure in a white sundress about Chessa’s height caught Bianca’s attention. Breath rushed from her lungs, and her heart pounded. Chessa. Thank you, God, thank you! I’m coming, baby.

Four
     
    Bianca pushed herself up on her knees and leaned so close to the edge a few rocks tumbled down the limestone bluff face as she struggled to get a good look. The woman turned. She wasn’t Chessa. Disappointment surged.
    Bianca put down the binoculars, taking a moment to regain calm. She’d been sure—so sure.
    “I thought you were going to fall,” said a male voice. Bianca screeched and twisted around. Law Foster stood casually on the path as if he was out for a stroll, but she doubted the coincidence. She glared. He glared back.
    He was tall and confident. If he weren't a cult leader, he’d be ridiculously hot. She could see the outline of muscles under his shirt. The man’s sculpted body held her attention. What the hell is wrong with me? His dark blond hair dangled over his eyes in such a casually sexy way she sort of hated him for it. Why can’t he look like a creeper? Get it together, girl. Looks can be deceiving.
    His brow furrowed as he looked at her with his cold gray eyes. “Get off my land, Ms. Archer.”
    “Give me my daughter back, Mr. Foster.”
    “I wish I had her. I’d love to give her back and be rid of you, but we both know I’m not the one who took her.” He regarded her with unwavering and intense demand. His tone softened. “I know you’re hurting. I wish I could help you, but she’s never coming home.”
    Bianca’s lips parted, and her brows drew together. “You sound sure of that. I know someone in your commune knows where she is. You’re protecting Lucas’s killer and a kidnapper. Please, just give her back and I’ll make sure they never trace her recovery back to you or any of your people. I swear we’ll keep quiet.” Bianca’s hands balled into fists. Hate rose up and suffocated her. He was the gatekeeper of her pain, and she just needed to find a way past his wall of lies and secrets. “God damn you! Tell me,” she wailed.
    The left corner of his mouth turned down, and he shook his head slightly. Regret passed over his features, and his subtle sympathy devastated her. She’d directed too much energy in his direction to be wrong about Chessa’s whereabouts.
    The wind rustled the leaves overhead. The magnitude of her isolation hit her. No one would hear her scream if he attacked. This is how I die. Oh Lord, watch over me, over her. I—please. Her mind screamed the prayer with a desperation she’d never experienced before. There was nothing behind her but a long drop.
    “You’re a good mother,” Law said. “And a brave woman. I wish I could help you, but she’s not here. If you keep looking, you might find things you aren’t able to handle. You’re young. You can have more children. How old are you, thirty?”
    She gasped with horror over his insensitivity. “I’m thirty-five, not that it’s any of your business. I could have a hundred children, and none of them could take Chessa’s place, so fuck you.”
    Foster shrugged, which made her angrier. “Go on with your life before you lose it.”
    “Is that a threat?” she demanded, standing up.
    “If I wanted you dead, you’d have been dead a long time ago. I don’t want to see you hurt. There’s nothing for you at the end of this search but pain. Missing children’s stories seldom have a happy ending.”
    “You sound confident of that.” Bianca spat each syllable as an accusation. “If she’s dead, just tell me where I can find her body. Please, if you know anything tell me. I can’t live