Read Strong Reflection: Book 2 of the Dark Series Trilogy for Free Online

together as a waste of her time was a blow to his male ego.  
    Oh, well, he’d get over it.  Part of him getting over Bunny’s contempt had a lot to do with the woman currently softly speaking to 3 little girls in an ambulance.  He watched the animation in Ashley’s face.  Her compassion and sympathy were there for all to see.  His little tornado wore her heart on her sleeve.  It’s a wonder she was so good at undercover work.  Her beautiful, deeply penetrating brown eyes were very expressive.
    Kyle watched her speak to each child individually.  Their jaded eyes watched Ashley’s every move and had something in them that had probably been missing for a long time.  It was trust. The children actually trusted her.  She was beautiful inside and out and smart.  She had stripped her tactical gear so she’d appear less threatening to the girls.
    “Director Strong, sir, did you want to take over?”  Agent Sanchez was watching him watch Ashley.
    “No, Agent Sanchez, I am not here for that reason.”  Kyle never took his eyes off Ashley.
    Agent Sanchez looked from Director Strong to Mack and back again.  “She didn’t have your permission to be here did she?”
    Kyle did look at Sanchez then, he didn’t like how close Sanchez and Ashley had gotten since S.S.A.  Lyte left the bureau.  He didn’t like any man being closer with Ashley than him.  He also knew that Sanchez had asked Ashley out on a date several times.  To his satisfaction, Ashley turned him down every time.  He understood Sanchez wanting to date Ashley he just didn’t like it at all.  “Sanchez, she sought my permission to come on this mission.”
    Sanchez took in the director’s steady glare and knew that Mack hadn’t had his permission.  But, his respect went up several notches for the director when he didn’t contradict Mack.  He was covering for her.  “Ok, sir, I was just checking.”
    Kyle nodded and then walked away towards the ambulance and Ashley.
    Sanchez smiled.  Mack was in for it he was sure.
    ****
    Ashley gently spoke to the children.  All 3 were girls. 2 black girls and a Japanese girl.  She explained that although she knew they were scared their ordeal at this gruesome place was coming to an end.  Although they didn’t put up a fuss for the paramedics; most likely due to the fact they were punished if they didn’t submit to adults, Ashley still asked if it was ok for the paramedic to take a look at them, a first step in giving them back their freedom of choice.
    Ashley was suddenly aware of a presence behind her.  The girls looked pass her with wide frightened eyes.  She turned and saw Kyle frowning at her.  She hopped down from the back of the ambulance and took Kyle’s hand, pulling him away from the vicinity of the kids.
    Kyle didn’t object when she took his hand, he followed, allowing her to lead him off to the side next to one of the empty SUVs.
    “Director Strong you’re scowling at children who were most likely being abused by people who probably look like you.”  When Kyle’s frown deepened and he shook his head in confusion, Ashley added, “White males.”
    He nodded his understanding.  “I wasn’t actually scowling at  them .”
    “I know that, but, they didn’t.”  Ashley realized she was still holding his hand.  She quickly dropped it as though it were on fire.
    Sanchez walked up to them just as Kyle was about to speak.  “Hey, I know you wanted to get out of here early and start your vacation.  Washington is leaving now.  Want to ride back with her so you can get your paperwork done?  I see you already checked your weapon with command.”
    “No, Ashley will be riding with me.”  Kyle’s tone made it clear this was not a suggestion.
    “Gotcha,” He turned back to Ashley.  “Mack, enjoy your vacation.”  He gave her a quick hug, winking.  “You haven’t lost it.  Not even a coma can keep you down.”
    “Thanks, Jose.  Will I see you tomorrow night at the