Tony: Alvarez Security Series Read Online Free Page B

asked, “Tell me about the cases you’ll be working on.”
    “Special interest?” he asked.
    “I was raised in the foster care system. Me and my sister.”
    At this, Simon’s surprised look had her wondering if she should have shared the information. “I hope that wasn’t too personal,” she said nervously. The crowd in the restaurant was noisy and she found herself leaning in close to be able to hear him.
    “No, not at all,” he assured her. “I just wasn’t expecting that. Please accept my apology for my stupid reaction.”
    “It wasn’t stupid. I just caught you off guard, that’s all. But when I was in the system, I never questioned it. But now, well I’m curious.”
    They continued their conversation for several more minutes while eating. She enjoyed learning about some of the cases he would be working on. It sounded much more interesting than delivering files for Mr. Marks.
    Lunch was now over and she rose to put her coat on as Simon made his way to the front to pay. Wrapping her scarf around her neck, she dropped her gloves from her pocket. Glancing around to see where they fell, a strong arm snaked out and snagged them. Still bending over she looked up to see who was holding them out to her. Tony. Just the sight of him had her heart pounding. Taking the proffered gloves, she noticed he held her elbow as she came to a stand.
    “Thank you,” she said, wishing his eyes were not so warm. So deep. As though… stop. He doesn’t see me that way.
    “You’re welcome,” he said, his voice raspy in a way that made her want to hear it when she first awoke in the morning after a night of… Jesus, stop. Just stop, she silently admonished herself.
    Glancing to the side, she saw Vinny and Jobe grinning from a nearby table. Nodding to them too, she realized that Tony’s eyes were now cold and hard as he was peering over her shoulder. Twisting her head to see what he was scowling at, she saw Simon standing almost right behind her.
    “You ready to head back, Sherrie?” he asked.
    “Yes.” She turned back to say goodbye, but Vinny and Jobe were already out of their seats and standing next to Tony creating a wall of masculinity.
    Feeling self-conscious, she said, “This is the new attorney Mr. Marks hired.” I don’t owe him an explanation, she thought angrily, but could not seem to keep her mouth from running as she made introductions. “Well, goodbye,” she mumbled, and with one last look at Tony she turned and walked away.
    Tony watched her walk away, having seen the hurt in those sky-blue eyes. And you put it there, you prick. Turning angrily back to toss some bills on the table he caught the look of censure from his friends. Fuck.
    Vinny and Jobe wisely kept quiet as they walked out into the brisk winter air. The three of them continued their silence as they drove to the job site. Tony did not usually do the security equipment installations but felt the need to work with his hands in the cold air as they worked on a new home in an expensive neighborhood—one where millions were spent on not only the homes, but the pools, tennis courts, and state-of-the-art security systems.
    If his men were surprised with his presence on the job, they did not say anything. They all knew what it was like to fight the demons in their heads with physical work. And if this was how Tony wanted to fight, then they would allow their Captain anything.

Chapter 3
    A week later, Gabe walked into work tan, rested, and with a smile on his face. The others greeted him enthusiastically and asked about Jennifer.
    “It was great to just soak up some sun and eat great food. And to see Jennifer relax. Other than calling my parents every day to check on her brother, she really had a chance to rest.”
    Vinny looked over at his twin with mock hurt. “You know I’d have kept Ross and we two would have had a great time.”
    “Are you kidding? We would’ve come back and you’d have bought him every video game in existence and