Wrapped in Flame Read Online Free

Though how he could have found out was a mystery. Only he, Tim Delaney, and Craig Stanton knew.
    Gina dropped her phone into the pocket of her olive drab cargo pants. “If they try to play that card, I’ll quit.”
    Mike swore her short blonde hair stood up on end. “Everyone calm down.” He fanned the air with his palms. Hard to do when all he wanted to do was vent his frustration—on the nearest target, Keith. “Let’s be prepared, not hasty.”
    “ Can they impose a restriction like that?” Bub asked. “Tell us to stay away from our girl here?”
    Mike and CJ exchanged a look, silently debating their response. CJ drew a breath, taking the lead.
    “Conflict of interest. Standards of conduct. There will be an investigation. Everyone will be questioned, even Erica. Her word will have bearing. However, Keith’s attorney could very well claim it’s prejudiced because of the divorce. That she’s trying to get even. He might even claim one of us is responsible for the divorce. That one of us was having an affair with her.”
    Erica’s burst of laughter widened everyone’s eyes. “Trust me, Keith would never accuse anyone of that.”
    Because she saw them only as friends? Panic burned through Mike.
    “Why?”
    Mike blessed CJ for asking.
    A flush filled her face. He saw tears shimmer in her eyes, then disappear when she blinked. She cleared her throat, licked her lips, and slowly shook her head.
    “It doesn’t matter.” The hurt in her eyes said otherwise.
    Gina drew in a breath. Mike raised his hand to stop the questions before they started. He had questions, too, but wasn’t sure he wanted the answers.
    “It does matter.” Berto pushed forward. “It’s more of Keith’s bullshit, isn’t it? He thinks because he doesn’t want you, no one else does either. He fed you that line, didn’t he?”
    Tears she blinked away confirmed it.
    “That’s a goddamn lie.” Berto stabbed his finger her way, then waved it at each of them. “There ain’t a man in here who wouldn’t—”
    “Back off, Berto.” Mike blocked his path to Erica and glared him into silence, letting him know he’d crossed a line.
    His face coloring, Berto muttered apologies as he backtracked.
    Another text, this time for only him and CJ, covered the awkwardness. Mike let CJ check it.
    “It’s Tim. Chief needs us at the station. Now.”
    “You go. I’ll be right behind you,” Mike said.
    CJ wasted no time leaving.
    “What about the rest of us?” Bub asked.
    Mike pulled his key ring from his pocket. “The lady asked for pizza and beer. See she gets it. I’ll meet you at my place as soon as I can.” He peeled his house key off the ring while they filed through the door. Once it closed behind them, he faced Erica.
    “Take this.” He lifted her hand and placed the key in her palm. “Make yourself at home.”
    She tried to pull away. “A clean break will be better for all of you. Keith’s going to make everyone’s life miserable until then. Can’t you see? Don’t be stupid, Mike.”
    It took no force to hold her in place. “Oh, I’ve been stupid all right. I’m not going to make that mistake again.” He shuffled closer and slipped his arm around her waist, drawing her near. “I need you to take this key.” He folded her fingers over it, then draped her arm over his shoulder. “I need you to be at my house when I get home. Promise me you’ll be there.”
    Mike dusted his fingers over her cheek, watched the pulse leap in her neck, felt her heart racing with his. Close as they were, there shouldn’t be any doubt in her mind how he felt. Like earlier. Why hadn’t she said or done something then? Why hadn’t he? Didn’t matter. He was going to do something now.
    “I need you there, Erica. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
    The tip of her tongue parted her lips, but she said nothing.
    “I’ve waited forever for this moment, baby. Wanted you forever. Am I wrong? If I am, a no is sufficient. Don’t knee me in