Free Sizzle by Holly S. Roberts Page A

upturned and he’s watching Mak like she’s a large T-bone steak. She leaves him and walks to a chair next to the sofa. She pulls it out a bit and takes a seat. “Now you need to go through both of us in order to leave. You are going to drink the rest of your water and then tell me what the hell is going on. Drink.”
    At the final word, the dog gives a slight growl. I tip the bottle again and finish half of the water. I lift my eyes to Mak’s. She’s not smiling, but there is concern in her gaze. My lips tremble. “I can’t. It’s too dangerous for you and your family. I’m just so sorry I put you in this position. I broke the rules.” I take a deep breath so I can get the next words out. “I knew I was breaking them after I interviewed with you. I was desperate.” An almost hysterical giggle escapes me. “I’m still desperate. I’ll do anything. Take any client. Please.”
    The concern leaves her expression and a steely glint enters her eyes. “I’m an ex-cop, Celina, and I stress the ex-cop part. My husband is not exactly who you would call an upstanding citizen. You’re working for an escort service that I run. We both know what goes on here is a very thin line of what’s legal and what is not. I can take care of myself, and if I can’t handle something, my husband has a team of badasses who will. I’m not asking you again, but if it makes it easier, start with how you’re involved with the Desert Crows.”
    I have no idea how she got their name, and I don’t know if it’s relief or terror that makes me share my burden. I start with my ex-fiancé and tell the story from the beginning. There are tears and anger while I spill my guts. Mak places tissue in my hands at some point but never interrupts me. I’m exhausted when I finally finish.
    While talking, Mak moved to the sofa and took my hand. Now her arm goes around my shoulder as I sob into the tissue she handed me. “That baby won’t be staying with the DC. Fuck the money. We’ll pay it if we need to, but I have a feeling Moon won’t feel the same way. In his eyes, only the scum of the earth mess with children.” She gives me a squeeze before standing and walking to her desk. She returns with a small pad and a pen. “Write down the name of the hotel you’re staying at and your room number. Go back there and wait for my call. You are to go nowhere until you hear from me. Do you understand?”
    The words that leave my mouth are so stupid. “I can’t let you pay that kind of money.” My niece’s eyes flash in front of me. I can. I would do anything.
    “Exactly,” Madison says. She must see the emotion in my expression. “Getting her out safely is the priority. The rest is only details that we can work out later.” She grabs my hand and pulls a bit. There’s no dizziness when I stand. “Two-dogs, heel.” The dog marches to her side and sits at her leg. She smiles again. “He’s actually very gentle as long as you’re nonaggressive.” She pats his head. “Say hello,” she tells him. He gives a short low bark and I jump. It relieves the tension somewhat.
    “I don’t know what to say.” I don’t. I’m scared and hopeful at the same time. I’m also worried that something bad will happen.
    “I have a lot to do and the thing that will help the most is knowing you’re safe and staying out of this. I promise we’ll get your niece.”
    There’s only one thing I can say now. “Thank you.”
    She opens the door and a woman I was introduced to as Jess is waiting on the other side. She’s my height with very short dark hair and dark sunglasses. She must be some kind of body builder or something because her muscles are the bulging kind that are difficult for most women to obtain. Like the first time I met her, she doesn’t smile. Reanna is behind her desk again and she gives me a relieved smile as I head to the front office door. I look over my shoulder as Jess walks into Madison’s office and the door closes behind