The Word of a Liar Read Online Free Page A

with us where you’ll be safe.”
    It was only the two of them. Her chances of getting into the car had improved, but Mason was practically on top of her.
    “Really, I’ll be fine right here. After all, I am an adult, and I do think I know what I can and cannot handle.” She sounded much braver than she felt.
    “Look, Ellen, you don’t have to worry about going back to the rally. I promise no one is going to mess with you. You’ll be with a crowd of people where guys like Mad Dog and me walk around making sure no one does anything stupid. If those drunken bikers find out you’re here, all alone, and decide to have a little fun with you, then what?  No one would be around to stop it. Staying here is not an option.” Mason shook his head. “You’re coming with us even if we have to bungee cord you to the back of one of those motorcycles.”
    Mason’s arrogance transformed Ellen’s fear into fury. “Who do you think you are?  How dare you threaten me!”
    “Oh, it’s no threat.” Mason’s eyes widened.  “It’s a fact.”
    “Why you egotistical….” She whipped the pepper spray from her pocket. In mid-strike Mason captured her wrist, squeezing until the vial tumbled to the gravel. Then he booted it into the long grass growing along the road. Ellen, frantic now, twisted and yanked on her wrist, trying to wrench her arm free.
    “Leave me alone! You don’t understand!”
    With her free hand, Ellen pummeled Mason’s back. He seized her other wrist, forced her arms over her head, and bolted her to the car. She kicked wildly at his legs, trying to knock him off balance, but he straddled her.
    His weight acted as a wedge, forcing the air from her lungs. The edge of the rocker panel dug into the back of her bare legs. The car handle jammed into her lower spine. She hit the back of her head on the window. Powerless, she stopped struggling. Tears mingled with perspiration, and she tasted salt at the corners of her mouth. Having lost her only weapon, she had no choice but to surrender .
    Breathing from his mouth, Mason bared and clenched his teeth. His long hair lay flat against his cheeks, and his sniper’s stare pinged an unfamiliar sensuality within Ellen, incapacitating her logic. The heat of his breath rippled across her neck. The smell of spice fused with his sweat.   His body was hard, strong, and dangerous.  What would it feel like to have his mouth on mine? How would it taste? Ellen imagined his tongue rolling down her neck, rolling over her nipples, rolling down her belly. She studied him. His grip loosened but not enough. Soft eyes traced her body, affirming his desire. Kiss me!  
    Logic recovered. What the hell is wrong with me? Have I gone mad wanting this man to kiss me? Ellen turned her head to hide her shame.
    “I have to call JD at nine o’clock tomorrow morning.” Barely audible, her fragile voice begged for mercy. “He’s going to be so upset if I don’t call him on time.”
    Fugitive tears rolled down her face.
    “Let her go, Rambo!” Mad Dog startled them. He looked confused as his dark eyes darted from Mason to Ellen. “What the fuck are you doing?”
    Mason let her go then stepped back. “Whoever this JD dude is, he can’t be much if he let you come out here all alone.”
    Mason breathed heavily. 
    “JD is my ten-year-old son, you stupid Neanderthal! And he has autism. If I don’t call, he’s going to be frantic.”
    Mason looked stunned. “You have a son?”
    “Yes.”
    “Shit!” Mason’s brows moved together. He combed a hand through his hair. Turning away, he walked a few yards down the side of the road then stopped. Hands on his hips, he shook his head and rocked on his heels as he mumbled something.
    She glanced at Mad Dog. He looked as confused as Ellen by Mason’s bewildering response. Her suspicions heightened.
    Mason walked back, rubbing his forehead. “You come with us,” Mason said gently, “and tomorrow we’ll go ask Old Man Mullen if you can use