Read To Take Up the Sword for Free Online

pointed to the nightstand.
    “Okay.” She took it and tested its weight.
    He tried to ignore how sexy she looked handling his gun.
    “Do you know how to use it?”
    “Please. I grew up down here. Used to deer hunt with my dad on the weekends. Serena, too. I hope I won’t have to use it.”
    Lea folded the blanket to make a pallet on the floor. She walked to the front door, flipped off the light switch and using her cellphone as a flashlight, settled onto her makeshift bed.
    “Suit yourself.” Gabe called back to her and tossed her a pillow off the bed.
    “I will. Sleep well.”
    “You’re just as stubborn as Serena. So are you seeing anyone?”
    “No.”
    “Good. I hate competition. Sleep well, Leannan.”
    “L-E-A, Lea. So, are you?”
    “I’d never have kissed you if I were in a relationship with someone. It goes against my code.”
    “Serena was the exception to the rule?”
    “She wanted to be.”
    * * * *
    His laughter carried through the air between them. The sound of it caressed her skin, sending a shiver through her that had nothing to do with the chill in the room. She twisted and turned, trying to get comfortable on the hard motel floor, which was definitely made of concrete. I am an idiot.
    She barely knew him, but she was certain he wouldn’t hurt her or force himself on her. Though he’d probably try very hard to convince her she wanted him. The truth was she did. The bed and the man lying in it called to her enticingly What was stopping her really? Fear? His obvious previous liaison with her sister? Probably. She’d never been known for her adventurous nature, unlike her older sister. Lea punched and puffed up the motel grade pillow and tried to get comfortable. Finally she wadded her jacket, stuffed it between her shoulder and the pillow and nodded off.
    Lea didn’t know how long she slept, but she woke with an uneasiness. Someone was in the room with her. She stopped short of calling out. It could be Gabe. She wrapped her hand around the gun he’d lent her and prayed there wouldn’t be a time she’d have to actually use it.
    Lea. They’re almost here. Wake Gabriel. Get out. Hurry. You don’t have much time.
    Serena’s voice again. Maybe the stress had knocked her off her rocker, but the air in the room felt heavy and odd. “Sissy?” Lea whispered. A hint of jasmine perfumed the room. The scent had been Serena’s favorite.
    Yes! You’re wasting time. They’re at the front desk. Hurry! Do you want to die?
    Lea scrambled up and pulled on her jacket. Gabe had shed his shirt and shoes and slept deeply on top of the coverlet. “Gabe! Wake up!” She touched his bare shoulder and shook him.
    He came awake, instantly alert.
    “What is it?”
    “We have to leave. Hurry, they’re outside.” She grabbed the huge purse she habitually carried, and handed him his shirt.
    He ignored it.
    “Can’t you hear them?”
    “I don’t hear anything.” Gabe’s voice was flat and wary, giving Lea a hint of his training and focus.
    “I can’t explain how I know, but they found us.” She wasn’t quite ready to give up the fact her dead sister may or may not be actually speaking to her from the grave.
    The crunch of gravel under tires was a sonic boom inside her head.
    * * * *
    He thought for a moment she’d changed her mind and come to him, but the terror in her voice was real. He believed her. How could she have known? Was she a psychic? “Get the blanket and pillow off the floor.” Gabe paused only to see that she obeyed his request, then slipped on his shoes and began shaping the pillows and blankets under the covers until they looked like two sleeping forms in the dark. He heard gravel crack under tires outside the door.
    “In the bathroom, now, and keep quiet.” Damn. She was right. He fought back the weariness, tried to focus on the task at hand. He’d have to kill those men if he and Lea were to have any chance of escape.
    “We have to run. Gabe, please,” Lea begged. Her hand