Free Protecting the Enemy by Christy Newton Page A

mentor which made him even more dangerous.
    Once he was satisfied it was safe, Reid started the car.
    As they drove by a gas station, Julianna grabbed his arm. “Can we stop?”
    He looked down at the gas gage. “We have almost a full tank.”
    She bit her lip. “I just though of a couple more things we need.”
    It was hard for him to tell her no. “Okay, but we have to make it quick. We’ve risked being out in the open for too long.”
    “I know exactly what I want. We’ll be in and out.”
    “There’s a hamburger place next door, we might as well grab some dinner too.”

     
    Chapter 7
     
     
    R eid checked them into the St. Charles hotel using a random name and paying in cash as usual. It was the nicest place they’d stayed at so far. Reid had really made the day special. In a way, it was like their first date, at least to her. It’d been nice to do some normal things, if only for a bit. They took the elevator up to their room, both holding a bag of their newly purchased clothes. Julianna planned on telling him everything she’d been keeping from him. She stood beside Reid as he opened the door with the gold keycard.
    She stepped inside and felt at ease. The room was small, but elegant. A magnificent glass chandelier hung in the middle of the space. The bed was dressed with many layers of white linens making it appear cloud-like. Mirrored night stands flanked either side. A muted mauve rug atop the plush off white carpeting anchored the room. The only seating was the upholstered bench at the foot of the bed. The thought that they’d have to share the same bed both excited and terrified her.
    Julianna excused herself and went into the bathroom to change into the silky gown, she’d added into the clothing purchase. She was tired of sleeping in an uncomfortable shirt, which she’d stripped off most nights. When she slid the sleek fuchsia fabric over her head, she sighed out of contentment. She picked up the brush and lip balm that Reid had purchased for her at the gas station. Running a brush through her hair and gliding balm over her lips was like pure heaven after having gone without for so long.
    She walked back into the room where Reid lounged on the bed wearing boxers and T-shirt. She sat down beside him on top of the fluffy duvet and crossed her legs. The love in his eyes was evident and it felt as though they were playing house. Spending so much time with Reid had made her grow more and more relaxed with the man. Maybe too relaxed.
    “You look beautiful, Jewels.”
    There was no mistaken that they were both attracted to one another, but Reid was in love with someone that Julianna couldn’t even remember. It was time to set things straight. “We need to talk.”
    He grinned and stroked her leg with his finger. “If that’s how you want to end our perfect day. I had something else in mind.”
    She drew in a deep breath. As much as she hated to ruin what was a wonderful day, she had to make him understand how she felt. “I’m not the same woman you were engaged to. You have to realize that.”
    He placed his hand over hers. “You are, you just don’t remember.”
    She shook her head. “And I may never remember. The Julianna you lost… I’m sorry, but I can only be who I am now.”
    He touched the tip of her nose. “Red is your favorite color, you use milk and honey body wash, you love sweets, your nose crinkles when you are mad at me and you’re one hell of an assassin, shall I go on?”
    “Yes, all those things are true.” She turned her head to look away. How could she explain that she wanted him to want her for the woman she was now, whoever that may be? She pulled her hand away from his, already regretting it. “You give me no choice. I’m breaking off our engagement.” If she had any hope of any kind of relationship with him, they needed to start fresh.
    No emotion registered on his handsome face. “Okay.”
    She fought the cry that had almost slipped her lips. She hadn’t seen