Read Same/Difference (The Depth of Emotion #4) for Free Online

ripped them out.
    It was a sweet revenge. A follicular assassination. The only way that I could delude myself into believing that I was still in control. With each one that I ripped from my scalp a little of the pain floated away. It hurt good, leaving behind a numbing peace. It had been several years since my hair was executed for the disgraced girl’s crimes but, nonetheless, it was a necessary death. I loved and loathed the process equally, but I owned it. Once the brief insanity was over, it left me feeling normal.
    Whatever normal was.
    I lost track of time as I humiliated the insecure girl inside by ripping out her hair. With each strand that was torn I felt a little more in control. She was represented by the threads on the floor and as parts of her fell from my fingers but when I looked down, a small pile of hair laid on the floor. I picked it up and threw it in the trashcan. It was over. I was tired and I was done with this shit. She had diverted my attention and I paid her back. It was over. Done!
    I grabbed my underwear and went into the bathroom. The cold tile contrasted my overheated skin. Hot steam filled the room as I defiantly stood under the scalding spray. Its pounding warmth assaulted me as it took my breath away and loosened my muscles. My thoughts cleared as the rest of the debauchery trickled down the drain. All I wanted was to get a good night’s sleep and put this night behind me. There was drinking and dancing in my future.
    As I wrapped a fluffy towel around me, I rubbed my skin until it glowed. The sheets cooled my skin under the chilly cotton and I hibernated beneath the comforter. I felt as clean on the inside as I was on the outside. I snuggled into the pillows and cleared my mind so I could sleep. My power was returning. I’d be damned if anything else would interfere with the good time I had planned because, dammit, this city was the hub of good times.
    And I deserved to have mine.

 
     
    F alcon Grey had posed an intimidating presence in the hotel security office that morning. He stood tall at six foot two inches with shoulders as wide as a semi-truck. His biceps strained against his clothes. By anyone’s standards he was a strong, thick man, big-boned some would say, and had an intense, determined look with a solid square jaw. As a Special Forces Navy S.E.A.L. he was a home grown, loyal to the bone, American made fighting machine. He’d served several tours of duty and, during his last one; he’d been sidelined by an injury. Months later he was cleared for duty, but never saw another active tour. He served out his commitment and decided not to push his luck by re-enlisting. Because of his stature most of his skills were rarely tested, but on those rare occasions when they were, he loved a good bar fight. Right now, the smaller man in front of him was very chatty—and was testing his patience—but he could play well with others when he had an ulterior motive. The hotel security officer eyed the business card he had handed him with a skeptical eye.
    “Sir, it isn’t the habit of this hotel to surrender information on a guest.”
    Falcon anticipated the resistance and reached into his pocket for another form of identification. He flipped the leather open displaying his government issue.
    “So, will this do it for you?” His lips broke into a lopsided grin as the man’s eyes widened.
    “Of course, sir,” he nodded. “Anything for Homeland Security.”
    As the gentleman went to the computer to get Paige’s information, Falcon saw the office assistant from the corner of his eye. She drooled shamelessly at her desk as she looked him over from head to toe. No matter. He tucked her reaction in his mental file cabinet. It might prove useful in the future.
    Now more than ever, security was a necessity, not a luxury and, although he was a little inconvenienced, he appreciated the smaller man’s reluctance. Currently cyber security was the most vulnerable, as well as the most desired,