Read In Bed with the Enemy for Free Online

think you can.” Cole backed the SUV from the parking space, then steered the Explorer onto the country club’s blacktop driveway.“But Valente is a man without many, if any, redeeming qualities.”
    â€œAnd you think if he has the idea that you and I are—” she paused as if searching for the right word “—involved, it will stop him from interfering in my investigation?”
    â€œNot exactly.” Cole turned onto the main road leading back toward Mission Creek. “But I know his type. He doesn’t see you as a federal agent. All he sees is an attractive woman he’ll try to manipulate. Every time you turn around he’ll be in your face, trying to find out what you’ve learned so he can try to divert your investigation.”
    â€œGive me more credit than to fall for something that obvious, Yardley.”
    Cole glanced over at her. “Do you honestly think that little scene on the porch back there at the Lone Star was a chance meeting? That Valente just happened to be dropping by the clubhouse as you walked out the front door?”
    â€œI hadn’t thought about it,” she said, frowning.
    â€œLet me assure you, it wasn’t,” he said flatly. “He’s got his goons watching every move you make, reporting back to him where you are and who you’re with.” Cole pulled the SUV to a stop in the inn’s parking lot. “Today was my way of letting Valente know that if he doesn’t back off, he’ll have me to contend with.”
    Elise stared at Cole, not quite sure what to say. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he was trying to protect her from Valente as a man protects a woman he’s interested in, as well as the integrity of her investigation. Ridiculous. Caveman Cole didn’t even like her. Why would he be concerned about her?
    â€œI think I’m capable of handling a snake like John Valente.”
    â€œI know you think you are,” he said, killing the engine. “But what is your specialty with the Bureau?”
    â€œYou worked with me two years ago. You know that I have a master’s degree in accounting.”
    He nodded. “My point exactly. The majority of your time is spent in an office with your nose stuck in computer printouts or some other kind of accounting records.” Reaching out, he cupped her chin in his palm and the warmth from his hand sent a wave of heat straight to her toes. “You don’t have the experience out in the field that I have, and you’re not used to dealing with vermin like Valente. I am.”
    She pulled back from his touch to keep from leaning into it. “And how else am I supposed to gain this invaluable experience if I don’t get out of the office and interact with Valente’s kind?”
    â€œDammit, woman! You haven’t been paying attention to a word I’ve said, have you?”
    He got out of the Explorer, but before he could round the front of the vehicle, she breathed a sigh of relief and opened the passenger door herself. The caveman was back. Thank heavens. She was much more comfortable embroiled in a verbal battle with Caveman Cole than she was dealing with Cole Yardley, the man whose kiss made her insides feel like warm pudding.
    â€œThis is the very reason I won’t work with a woman,” he muttered as he walked up to put hishands on the fender of the SUV, trapping her between his arms. Leaning forward until their noses almost touched, he added, “Female agents think they’re just as capable as men in any field situation. They’re not. But guess who’ll end up getting shot while he’s trying to save the woman’s ass?”
    â€œOh, give me a break, Caveman. Do you honestly think that women agents are that incompetent?”
    â€œI didn’t say they’re incompetent,” he argued. “What I’m saying is that men like Valente don’t play by the rules, and