Free The Deadliest Secret (The Deadliest Series) by Lauren Peyton

tried to joke even if she didn’t feel like the happiness or hilarity reached her eyes.
                  Torrian watched the banter in silence, waited for the dismissal, and then followed Gwen to her office.
                  “Hey Doc, want some help with your files today?” He asked her.
                  “Actually I am just taking a couple home tonight, nothing too heavy.” She smiled at the offer alone he was a gentleman.
                  He couldn’t help the fact his face fell a little, “Oh, sure there is nothing I can help with?” He asked one more time.
                  She watched his face fall, and realized he must need to talk about something serious, he did ask to talk to her earlier in the day. “Actually you could carry my case file holder and walk me to the boat, if you want of course. We could talk about what you wanted to tell me earlier? Before McQueen’s appointment, remember?”
                  “Oh yeah Doc, after we get out of here? Don’t need a certain someone setting the rumor mill on fire before we leave.” Torrian laughed his hearty laugh and the two walked in silence to the elevator.
                  Torrian was trying to organize his thoughts; Gwen noticed his eyes seemed far away as if constructing an outcome from their conversation. She had to laugh, even though they were good friends he sometimes made it seem like she was always on the clock and analyzing him. They got on the old ferry to head back towards the mainland.
                  “So Gwen,” Torrian was nervous, this was kind of cute Gwen kept thinking as she smiled. “Gwen are you seeing anyone right now?”
                  She was a little taken aback, this was not how their conversations usually started or even where they went to, she gathered her thoughts before replying. “No Torrian, I’m not been too busy sorting out the prisoners to even think about it.”
                  “Good that’s good…. I was wondering… if you weren’t busy would you want to go get something to eat with me? You know like go on a date?” Torrian’s words started spilling faster, he had been thinking of this for a while apparently. “I would pay for everything, and hell I mean shit if you don’t want to you don’t have to, I’ve always liked you Gwen. You are the one I always compare the others to and none of them can talk to me like you do or make me feel like you do, so do me the honor of going out with me? Whenever you’re free?”
                  Gwen felt her jaw fall slack as his words tumbled from her friend. Torrian was the only person she really talked to more than casual, superficial conversation. She had always felt a tug towards Torrian but never thought about this, her mind churned fast trying to find the right answer.
                  “Well if you don’t want to Gwen its fine.” Torrian said and his cheeks reddened as embarrassment took him.
                  “No, it’s not that. I want to. I just never thought you’d ask.” Gwen smiled up at the tall male who seemed to swell with pride that she said yes.
                  “Wherever you want, that new steakhouse looks good, the one on Sixth Ave?”
                  “That’s a little pricey for a first date don’t you think?”
                  “No it isn’t and you’re worth it. Plus I don’t consider it a first date.” Torrian bumped Gwen’s shoulder in a sweet gesture, he was trying to make her forget the price and just be happy “Just let me take care of you Gwen, maybe a movie after or dancing?”
                  “Whatever you want, I’m game for either, we might be lethargic after a steak dinner though.”
                  “True, so when do you want to go?” He sounded eager now.
                  “Well tonight is