Touch of Fate (Bennett Sisters Book 2) Read Online Free Page B

his tone.
    A muscle twitched in Mike’s jaw. Every muscle in his body strung tight, he was ready to kill the bastard who had hurt his baby sister all those years ago.
    “None of your fucking business,” Mike spouted.
    Jake placed a restraining hand on Mike’s shoulder. “Don’t ruin this for Emma. I’ll handle it.”
    “Actually, I was told to find her brother, Mike if I couldn’t find Abby, and if I had to guess, then I’m betting that would be you.” the wedding intruder exclaimed.
    “By who?” Mike and Jake barked out in unison.
    “Your captain.”
    “Bullshit,” Mike said as he pulled his cell out of his tuxedo pants pocket, punching numbers to figure out what the hell was going on. He shared a look and a silent nod with Jake as he confirmed the situation.
    Mike’s voice grew louder. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Like hell. No, sir, she isn’t working with him. Assign someone else. Yes, sir, I know she’s the best, but you can’t possibly ask her to do this. I’ll explain everything in the morning. No, sir, she isn’t going to like this. Yes, sir, I’ll tell her.” He flipped his phone closed and took a step closer toward Ryan, infringing on his personal space.
    “Don’t think you can hide behind your badge, asshole. If you mess with her again, I won’t be the only one you’ll have to worry about.”
    Ryan cleared his throat and crossed his arms over his chest. “That’s between me and Abby, and we’ll deal with the past later. I’m here on business tonight, and I need to ask her some questions. Where’d she go?”
    “She’s off the clock asshole. You’re going to have to wait until tomorrow to talk to her.” Mike smirked when Ryan left the club without so much as a backwards glance. He called out to Ryan’s retreating back, “See you at headquarters.” He took a deep breath then muttered, “Bastard.”
     

 
     
    Chapter 5
 
 
 
    Abby arrived home with her emotions ranging all over the chart. She curled up on her couch, wrinkling her mauve bridesmaid dress, and let the tears fall free, retreating inward to a safe place Ryan couldn’t touch. The vise around her heart clenched, and she was unable to escape the replay of his words through her thoughts, wondering what they meant. She didn’t know if minutes or hours had passed as she tried to make sense of how his presence might affect her and John’s life. Years had been squandered as she hoped and wished she’d see him again. Finally, she realized she’d have only Ryan’s broken promises to show for those lost years. Well, broken promises and her son.
    She’d finally faced facts. There had been no word from the man she’d given her virginity to, no indication if he lived or had died or if he’d simply lost the desire to be part of her life. Bastard! Abby pushed herself up on to her feet and swiped at her tear-streaked face, determined to do the only thing guaranteed to make her forget. She started to clean. Not caring that she still had on her bridesmaid gown, she pulled out her cleaning supplies and got to work.
    Her sisters had called to check on her, and concern had laced their voices. They had gone so far as to threaten to come over. Abby wouldn’t let that happen, they didn’t need to see the sad state she was in. What she’d let that man do to her again. She wanted to be alone to sort through her thoughts. Emma’s reception wouldn’t be ruined because of her. Abby insisted she was okay, only tired, and promised to call them in the morning. An assurance she wasn’t looking forward to keeping. Abby had bought herself at least one more day to come to terms with the latest twists life had thrown her way.
    She scrubbed the floors, countertops, and fixtures until everything shined. She cleaned her room and John’s, dusting and vacuuming until there was nothing left to clean. Even the vent above the stove was shining underneath. She cleaned everything she could think of in an attempt not to think