Free Beg Me to Slay by Unknown Page B

no one I could turn to, and when days, weeks, months passed…” His gaze met hers. “I started to believe the doctors were right. I was foolish for believing the old stories.”
    He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose, holding back any stray tears. “I have no idea how you escaped, but there might be something in the ledger that could help.”
    Tegan pressed her lips together. If she leveled with him about Gabe, it might ease his worry, but it could also ruin the peace for her mother.
    “Does Mom know about any of this?”
    “Yer mother isn’t of Welsh blood. Dragons and demons are fairy tales for her. I thought it best they stay that way.” He paused and glanced at the door. “I want you to take the ledger and show it to yer friend. He believes more than you realize. He carries a dragon dagger in his coat.”
    “Gabe hunts and kills demons, Dad.” Tegan sighed. “I can’t believe I’m telling you this.” She clutched the ledger to her chest and looked at her dad again. “I told him it would worry you and Mom if you found out I hired a private eye.”
    He leaned back in his chair. “The hand-holding, that kiss, was all for show?”
    She nodded. “Yes, but please don’t let Mom in on it. She hasn’t looked this happy since before the attack.”
    “Why do you think I brought you inside, eh?” He smiled, and the knot in her stomach loosened.
    They walked back toward the party. “You tell Gabe something for me…”
    “Sure, Daddy.” She looked up at him. “What?”
    “Tell him to kill that dragon.”
    When they got back outside, her gaze locked on Gabe’s, and her breath hitched. Her mind replayed the feel of his warm lips brushing her cheek, and the all-too-familiar heat swamped her. The strong angle of his jaw, the bright green of his eyes, his broad shoulders, every part of him made her pulse race. Then his voice echoed through her mind: just doing my job . This time she was grateful for the reminder.
    Tegan raised her chin and walked to her seat. Gabe got up, but she plopped down and scooted her chair in before he could help.
    He sat down again and leaned in close. “Everything okay?”
    She nodded. “It’s fine. Can you put this in your pocket?”
    He took the leather journal and slid it inside his coat without asking any questions or making any effort to read it. He was a pro, she’d give him that much.
    Her mother chose that moment to stand up and clink her fork against the edge of her wine glass. “Can I get everyone’s attention? We’re going to move this party poolside for cake and dancing.”
    The volume increased instantly with guests moving chairs and talking. Gabe took her hand, halting her before she could get up.
    “What happened?” His gaze searched her as if he might find answers in her facial expressions.
    Keeping her voice low, Tegan answered. “What happened out here? I thought we agreed no public displays of affection.”
    He released her hand like it burned his skin. “Sorry about that.” He shook his head. “You looked scared and I…” He glanced her way and then tossed his napkin on the table. “I made a mistake. It won’t happen again.”
    Gabe got up and followed the crowd to the pool, leaving Tegan behind. She couldn’t take her eyes off his back. What was happening here? They had a deal. And she should definitely not be disappointed that he wasn’t going to break it again.
    That’s when it hit her. Tonight was a charade, and that made it safe. She could give in to the physical desire her body had pent up for the past four years without having to deal with any relationship ties.
    She worried her lower lip, giving herself one last chance to come to her senses, but seeing Gabe down by the pool watching her made the choice simple.

Chapter Seven
    Gabe went down to the pool area and headed straight for the table of filled champagne glasses. He knocked one back without hesitation. The deejay had “The Electric Slide” blaring beside him. He picked up