Harlequin Intrigue August 2017--Box Set 1 of 2 by B.J. Daniels

Author:B.J. Daniels
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781488016110
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

Thomas’s thigh protested every step as he and Ruby climbed the stairs after one last outing in the backyard.

His knee joined the complaining muscles and frayed nerve endings as he slowed his pace near the second-floor landing. Just when his thoughts strayed to the memory of Jane’s strong fingers digging the knots out of his injured leg the way she had that morning, the dog squealed with excitement and darted up the last few steps before disappearing around the corner. As if Ruby might actually go after an intruder, Thomas touched the gun at his hip, although he was 99.9 percent sure of Ruby’s target.

When he rounded the railing at the top, he was smacked by a wagging tail and greeted with an, “I wuv you, too.” Jane was in those sweet pink pajamas again, kneeling down to pet Ruby while the eager dog licked her chin.

Crossing his arms over his chest, Thomas leaned against the wall beside the bedroom that Niall and Keir had shared as boys. “She’ll get down if you tell her to. You don’t have to let her lick your face.”

Jane put up a hand to stave off the marauding tongue and urged Ruby down to the floor for a tummy rub. “It’s nice to have someone around who’s always happy to see you. Even if it’s only been a couple of hours since we were separated.”

The light seeping in from the streetlamp outside emphasized the shadows beneath Jane’s eyes. He already knew the answer, but he asked, anyway. “I don’t suppose it’d be easy for you to have a pet in WITSEC.”

“No.” She encouraged Ruby’s spoiled-rottenness with some nonsense chatter that made the dog’s tail wag. “I can’t imagine having to leave someone I loved behind if I had an emergency evac situation. The marshals office wouldn’t be as concerned about my pet as I would be.”

He still wasn’t convinced that Marshal Wildman and his boss, Oscar Broz, were properly concerned with Jane’s safety and well-being, either. “Did you manage to get any sleep over these last two hours? Or have you been pacing the hallway again?”

She confirmed his suspicion by not answering. “You’re up late. Is everything secure?”

“Yes. The house is locked up tight. Duff is watching out front. Keir will relieve him in the morning. I’ve arranged for somebody to be out there around the clock, and I, or someone I trust, will be inside with you.” He pointed to the big Lab with her paws in the air and her tummy exposed. “Along with the guard dog there. At least she’ll make some noise if somebody tries to come into the house.”

“Right before she rolls over on her back and asks the intruder to scratch her belly.” Jane patted Ruby’s tummy one last time before pushing to her feet. She tugged down her little pink T-shirt, but it instantly sprang back to reveal that tiny quarter inch of creamy skin that made things leap with interest behind the zipper of Thomas’s jeans.

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