Free The Secret Life of Bryan by Lori Foster Page B

assuring her of eventual success.
    In a fine frame of mind now, Shay turned to address Morganna. This is what she’d been waiting for, a chance to get to know the women. How was it Bryan had put it? Oh yes, she’d now be working in the field. The idea was almost as exciting as Bryan himself.
    She sent a beaming smile to the younger woman. “Why don’t I make some tea and we can get to know each other a little better?”
    Eyeing her up and down, Morganna said, “My, you’re a fancy one, ain’t you?”
    Shay blinked, unsure what that meant. “I, ah…”
    Morganna curled her lip in distaste. “Sweetie, if you want me to choke down tea, we’ll have to spice it up a little.” She moved the stepstool so she could reach a cabinet over the refrigerator, and drew out a bottle of whiskey, waving it toward Shay with a happy grin. “This is guaranteed to help a body sleep on a miserable night like tonight.” She climbed down and went for some teacups. “A little of this mixed in our tea and we’ll be able to get to know each other real well in no time at all.”
    It was an offer Shay couldn’t refuse.

Chapter Four
    T he preacher had finally left, and this time he hadn’t even sought her out to say good-bye. But she wasn’t hurt. In fact, she was glad. Yes, glad! His constant coddling was annoying, filling her with guilt, making her think…No. She knew better, damn it.
    Damn him.
    But lately, God, he made her nervous. He wasn’t as…warm as he used to be. Sometimes he even seemed glacial.
    When he looked at her, it was like he could see clear to her soul. Like he knew what she was, what she wanted and what she did. She shivered, filled with sick dread.
    Her hiding place beneath the stairs was stuffy, filled with cobwebs and dust and the stench of her own fear. But this way she could hear the chatter of the new woman and that bitch Morganna.
    Stupid Morganna, always acting so friendly with everyone, always flirting with the preacher. She never learned.
    Who was the new lady, anyway? Not a whore. Though the stairs muffled some sounds, she’d heard every word said. She couldn’t believe the preacher still thought the new lady was a hooker.
    She was up to no good, that much was plain.
    It would be smart to keep an eye on her. Later, she’d join them in the kitchen. Maybe ask a few questions. If she could find out anything, it might earn her some points.
    “I’ll be right back, okay?”
    “Don’t disappear on me now, Shay. There’s no fun in drinking alone.”
    Shay laughed. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
    With a hand over her mouth, she ducked farther back into the corner, until the unfinished wall dug into her spine. Her heart was pounding, her legs shaking, her underarms had grown clammy. Why did everything scare her so much? As footsteps neared her, then stopped, she didn’t dare breathe. After a moment, she worked up the courage to peek between the steps.
    Shay paused by the mudroom where she’d plugged in her cell phone to recharge it. She glanced around, making sure she was alone, then dialed a number.
    “Dawn? Hey, it’s me.” With a laugh, Shay said, “I’m better than okay. I’m staying at a safe house.” She paused, smiled, and said, “Seriously!”
    She watched the woman pace as she talked, and from her hiding spot, she tracked the movements with envy. Shay was tall, slender, beautiful. She’d be valued. She’d be loved.
    Even though she knew she had no choice, she felt wicked for listening in. But information was all she had now, and she had to get it when she could.
    “How’s Leigh?” Shay listened, closed her eyes a moment, and sighed. “Wow, that’s a relief. Tell her I’ll come to see her tomorrow. I don’t know when, but I’ll definitely stop by.” Shay ducked her head, paced the length of the hall, and said, in a whisper, “Hey, call my realtor for me. Tell her to start scoping the area for any property suitable for a safe house. Yeah, I know, but I want my own,