A Perfect Storm Read Online Free PDF Page A

both those things, then I’m not really getting anything in the bet!”
    “But you already agreed.” He smiled. “You even shook on it. And somehow, I just know you’re true to your word.”
    Like he really knew jackola about her or her morals? Fat chance. She headed for the coffee carafe and a new mug. “Fine. Whatever. Now, about that bar…”
    “Understand, Arizona. Even if you lose the bet—”
    “I won’t.” She couldn’t. Kisses? No, she couldn’t, wouldn’t let that happen.
    “I’m still going with you to the wedding—”
    “We’ll see.” But she was so relieved to hear it. Going with Spencer would make the formal affair a little more bearable.
    “—and I’m still going to help you with the bar.”
    “Great. Glad to hear it.”
    “But I want you to listen to me, and listen good.”
    Here we go. She poured a fresh cup of coffee and came back to the table. “Let’s hear it.”
    “Since you want my help, I have a few rules.”
    “Like?”
    “Give me the name and address and I’ll scope it out.” He looked stern, even foreboding. “In the meantime, you will not do anything on your own. Don’t go there, don’t even go near there. I don’t want them to know who you are.”
    Arizona laughed. “Sorry, Spence-my-buddy, but it’s too late for that. I’ve been there twice already, and they’ve more than taken notice of me, so…” She shrugged. “I’m balls-deep in this thing, and we gotta go in tomorrow night, because they’re expecting me. Be there or be square.”
    * * *
    T HE SECOND S PENCER STEPPED into the family-owned diner, he saw Trace sitting toward the back, drinking a Coke and eating a burger. Innocuous enough, or at least it should have been.
    But no way in hell would anyone not notice Trace Miller. More than any other man he knew, this one exuded extreme capability. He was part of a trio that Spencer had met after tailing Arizona right into the middle of a setup. She’d been in danger, or so he’d thought. There was no way he could have known she had an elite ops group looking out for her. The trio had incredible contacts, far reaching influence and the ability to back up the badass swagger.
    Not that any of them swaggered, really. Well, maybe Jackson, but that had more to do with Jackson as a man than with his expertise at utilizing deadly skill. If Spencer had to guess, he’d say Jackson was born cocky.
    This one, Trace Miller—most likely an alias—was a cool cucumber. GQ looks didn’t conceal his edge. As a bounty hunter, Spencer had learned to size up people quickly in order to gauge the danger in any situation. He’d pegged Trace as a take-charge, protect-the-innocent but get-it-done personality. Suave, wealthy, efficient…and deadly when necessary.
    The trio seemed to trust him—to a degree. He had no illusions about their cautious natures. They’d already dug through his background, unearthed things he’d rather keep private, and probably knew him as well as he knew himself. Not that they said much about it. So far, there’d been no reason.
    Spencer didn’t take the association lightly, and beyond that, he hated to ask for favors. He especially hated to admit he might not be able to handle things on his own. If Arizona wasn’t at risk, he’d do things his way and accept the consequences.
    He wasn’t without his own ability.
    But she was involved. Hell, she was in it up to her pretty little nose, and that changed everything. He knew the trio cared about her, that they’d made her a priority. Having backup, just in case things went sideways, only made sense. He wanted her safe, damn it.
    Feeling a little traitorous, Spencer crossed the restaurant floor. He’d only promised not to tell Jackson, he reminded himself.
    He hadn’t said a thing about Trace.
    When he reached the table, Trace set aside his napkin and glanced up. “There a reason you stood there studying me before coming in?”
    Since he hadn’t been going for stealth, Spencer didn’t