Read Take Me Tonight for Free Online Page B

anything prematurely.”
    “Please, will you just answer some questions?”
    For a moment, he just looked at her, distrust and confusion in his expression. “So you did this whole thing because you’re what, writing a story?”
    “Yes.” Sort of. She had tried to sell the idea as a story to one of the editors at Boston Living, hoping a press pass would give her the access to the website operations, but they’d been ice cold on the idea. “I haven’t convinced an editor yet, but I string for a few different publications and I’m hoping somebody picks it up.”
    “String?”
    “I’m a freelance writer. That’s called a stringer.”
    He nodded, piecing her story together. “You’re a writer and you registered for a kidnapping so you could do some undercover investigation? Do I have this right?”
    “Yes.”
    “And what’s your story angle?” he asked. “Are you trying to promote the product? To advertise the service and get more customers?”
    She frowned at him. “That’s not what reporters do. I’m not in marketing. I write the truth. I uncover things that are wrong or unethical. I find angles that are newsworthy.”
    “What’s newsworthy about this? The fact that chicks are getting off on getting nabbed?”
    She shrugged. “That’s an interesting trend.”
    He snorted softly. “One way to put it.” He started pulling his pants back up. “Let me ask you something, Sage.” He gave her a sharp glance. “That is your real name, isn’t it?”
    She nodded. “Is Johnny yours?”
    “Yeah.” He buckled his belt. “Did you tell anyone that’s why you signed up to be kidnapped? You know, the magazine or a boyfriend or anyone?”
    “No. I didn’t tell anyone.”
    He frowned. “You sure? No one knows why you’re doing this? Even, maybe…” He pointed his thumb toward the hallway. “Your roommate the cheerleader.”
    Her gut squeezed, but she maintained a blank expression. “I didn’t tell anyone.” She straightened her back and lifted her chin. “But the site knows I’ve been rescued. So if you…if you do anything to hurt me…”
    He looked insulted. “I’m not gonna hurt you, princess.” He started rebuttoning his shirt.
    “Listen, I won’t use your name,” she promised. “You’ll be an unidentified source. Like…like…” She tried to think of one he’d know. “Deep Throat.”
    His laugh was bitter and low. “Cute. No, thanks.”
    She reached out. “Please. It’s really, really important. I need the job. I need the money. Surely you understand that.”
    His eyes softened as he tucked his shirt into his pants. “Fine. Ask away. No promises you’ll get anything quotable.”
    “Are you friends with any of the other rescuers at takemetonite.com?” she asked.
    “No.”
    “Do you know and talk to the men who do the kidnapping?”
    “No.”
    “Have you heard about anything unusual happening in any of the kidnappings?”
    That earned her another sharp look. “No.”
    She blew out a breath. “Are you going to answer no to every question I ask?”
    He glanced at the messy bed. “I gotta tell you, I liked the first interview better.”
    “Please,” she said. “This is very serious.”
    “I’m sure it is, honey, but let’s be honest. I’m not going to tell you anything. And neither is anyone else who works for the company. You ought to find some other story to pursue.” With a sigh of resignation and regret, he reached to touch her hair, smoothing a few strands in place. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to take off now.”
    “I do mind,” she said, her voice almost cracking in frustration. “I really, really mind a lot. I need this…story.”
    “Hey. Whoa.” He sat on the bed, concern on his face. “I’m sure you have someone who can help you out of a financial jam. I mean, this place alone is probably worth a fortune.”
    It was. To the estate of Keisha Kingston, and Sage had about sixty days left to get out of there. “It’s not just