Surrender (THE DRAGONFLY CHRONICLES) Read Online Free

I know the last location your father was digging for the blasted orb.”
    “I can figure that out from his letters and from knowing Anthony’s mind.”
    “I can help you narrow it down to a specific vicinity. It will save time.”
    “I am certain, Mr. Black, that I can find the coveted orb as quickly as you can.”
    Jackson’s eyes narrowed. “And I can crawl underground to retrieve it.” Jackson watched fury and embarrassment pinch her features. Damn, he’d insulted her, but he needed to convince her that she needed him. It was common knowledge in archeology circles that Kailin Whitaker wouldn’t go underground, and her balcony bed confirmed the fact that the brave lady before him was severely claustrophobic.
    Kailin took a long inhale of the cool night air and exhaled. “Very well, then, Mr. Black. Since you’re so accomplished at slithering on your belly in the dirt, you may accompany me on my expedition.”
    With that, Kailin turned her straight back on him and walked toward the prow of the sailboat, her face into the wind.
    He’d won, Jackson reminded himself as he watched her graceful shape saunter away. His plans were in motion. Kailin would be safe. Dr. Whitaker would be retrieved, and the orb would be his. Jackson inhaled the wind and closed his eyes, slamming the dark images from his past back into their cell inside his chest.
    Kailin stared below at the dark swirls of current made by the swiftly moving boat. Her power pushed the hull through the mild river current of the Nile. A steamer would have been faster under its own power, but the small sailboat glided through the deep channel with unnatural ease. Would the captain notice? She hadn’t seen any of the crew walking along the deck to ponder the rushing water. Perhaps they’d accept the fact that they’d arrived a day early in Luxor as a sign of good luck.
    She watched Tuto dive below a low sand hill far out under the bright moon. It didn’t matter what they thought, what anyone thought, as long as she got to Anthony before anything further happened to him.
    Her forehead pinched and she breathed slowly in through her nose to control the panic that could shatter her plan if she wasn’t controlled. She wasn’t fearful for herself. That would be hindering, and well, silly really. There wasn’t much that could stop her or hurt her for that matter.
    She frowned as her internal gaze formed around Jackson as he’d stood against her magic on the balcony, totally unaware of and unaffected by her power. He could stop her. The thought of his biceps straining against his sleeves hitched Kailin’s breath. She’d witnessed his might as he’d broached her wall. She’d watched his tall, cowboy-like grace as he rode before her along the road south. And just now she’d seen the strength of his will behind his sharp, intelligent eyes as he played against her phobia to manipulate himself into a position of need on her expedition. Jackson Black. He was dangerous, not only physically but also emotionally. She exhaled through O -shaped lips to steady the slight rocking of the boat as they nearly flew down the center of the Nile.
    I’ll keep my distance . Her frown relaxed. They didn’t call her Ice Princess for nothing.
    The water swirled and Kailin breathed in the fresh air. Jackson had delivered her small trunk to a cabin below. She’d have to go inside the ten-foot-square box at some point, but she’d never be able to sleep there. She scanned the deck. Several lounge chairs sat scattered for guests. Perfect. A blanket would keep her warm and she’d pretend to doze off while watching the stars. Kailin strode with slow, measured steps toward the narrow stairs leading down into the depths. One more full breath and down. In and out. Keep breathing .
    She trotted lightly down. Reaching the bottom, Kailin kept her run under control as she strode to her quarters and turned the flimsy lock in the door with her mind. Click and slide. She was in.
    “Good