Tangled in Chains Read Online Free Page A

that Blaze wouldn’t expect her to quit and become one of those socialite wives she’d seen at his parties. They all seemed so empty and bored while looking prim and proper on their wealthy husband’s arms.
    She knew her fiancé sought to achieve that level of success. He’d already become quite popular in his field and would most likely rise quickly to the top. The invitation for internship at an impressive firm in lower Manhattan was no doubt due to his well-known ambition.
    Fancy dinner parties and social engagements where everyone conversed over the latest stock trends didn’t appeal to her. She fully intended to support his work but also planned to maintain some independence, especially her career.
    “We’ve made good time on this order,” Marge said. “Why don’t you take your lunch?”
    “Are you sure you don’t need me to watch the counter?”
    “No, I’ll take care of it. We’ll be able to finish this order in plenty of time after a break.” She peered over her dark rimmed glasses. “Won’t be long we’ll be doing flowers for your wedding. Have you set the date?”
    “Six months.”
    “You don’t sound too excited.”
    “Oh…” Sapphire waved her off and laughed. “I’m just tired. Late nights and busy mornings don’t mix well.”
    “Go take your break then, hon.”
    “Thanks, Marge. I did promise Blaze I’d call him around lunchtime.”
    “Oh hey, we are slow tomorrow so you can take the day off if you’d like to spend a little quality time with that handsome fiancé of yours.”
    “Sounds good.” She smiled and grabbed her purse before walking outside. The sun felt warm as she strolled across the street to a local coffee shop—a welcome change from the chilly room they’d been working in all morning.
    With a mocha latte and blackberry scone in hand, she found an outdoor table to enjoy her break.
    “Good day, beautiful,” came a familiar voice. “Imagine my luck to find you here.”
    Looking up, she saw Shook standing at her table.
    “May I join you?”
    “Yes, of course.” Surprised by his unexpected appearance, she almost gasped for air and felt a rush of heat over his breathtakingly magnificent looks.
    “Can I get you anything?” He pulled out a wrought-iron chair and sat down.
    “No thank you, I’m good.” She gave a discreet once over and inwardly sighed. He was absolutely gorgeous in black leather pants and a sharp blue silk shirt. “You’re dressed like a rock star.”
    “Had a promo with a band several blocks from here, I was included in the photos so had to look the part.”
    “It works for you.”
    His hair shimmered in the sun as it hung several inches past his shoulders. She found it suddenly difficult to think.
    “I wanted to apologize for leaving without a proper good-bye this morning,” he said in that silky accented voice that made her feel weak all over again. “I planned to stop by this evening but when I saw you walking down the street I couldn’t believe my luck.”
    She did find it ironic that they were in the same part of town. “I wasn’t offended. Probably best you didn’t see me first thing this morning. I think perhaps I had too many cocktails last night.”
    “You did seem a bit nervous.”
    “I’d never done anything like that before.”
    He gave her a peculiar look then smiled so she dismissed it.
    “I enjoyed you very much.” He laid one hand over hers. “Are you busy tonight?”
    Taken back by his forward approach, she hesitated and simply studied him for a few minutes. “Actually…I am free tonight. My boss gave me tomorrow off.” She wondered if Blaze had sent him but didn’t want to sound rude by asking.
    “Perhaps we can get together for dinner and drinks. I’d like to get to know you better.”
    She almost sputtered on her coffee but somehow remained poised. “I think we know each other quite well.”
    He flashed a dazzling smile with beautiful straight white teeth and his expression softened. “I was