A Shot of Red Read Online Free PDF

in his eyes.
    Gio rubbed his forehead, a little embarrassed that he’d acted on impulse and offered her a ride when he wasn’t prepared. “I’m sorry.” He shook his head. “I wasn’t thinking. I don’t have an extra helmet.”
    Was he imagining it, or did she look disappointed too?
    Damn.
    “Another time,” he said. “I promise.” But he couldn’t imagine when there’d ever be another chance like this one. He sighed. “Let’s get you a cab.” He raised his hand to hail the cab that was cruising their way.
    “You still hangin’ around?” Karl called to Gio as he led a couple of gangly guys out of the club. One of them immediately lit a cigarette.
    Gio waved off the cab, and Mia looked at him quizzically. “I want you to meet my neighbor.”
    She raised her eyebrows as Karl joined them.
    “This is Mia,” Gio said to Karl. “I work for her mother.”
    Karl looked appreciatively at Mia, and an inexplicable pang of possessiveness ricocheted through Gio.
    “Pleasure to meet you,” Karl said.
    “You, too.” Mia shook his hand.
    “You a groupie,” Karl asked, “or are you waitin’ for a cab?”
    Mia lowered her head and glanced up playfully at Gio. “I’m just a girl who wanted a motorcycle ride.”
    Karl whistled and looked at Gio knowingly.
    Mia flashed a teasing smile.
    Good God.
    “Not on your bike tonight?” Karl asked Gio.
    “I am,” Gio said sheepishly. “I offered her a ride—before I did a helmet count.”
    “I understand, man.” Karl grinned. “And I’ve got your back. I have an extra. Keep it here at the club, just in case.” He winked, then turned his attention to Mia. “Wanna borrow it?”
    Mia’s lips turned up at the corners. “Sure,” she said to Karl, then turned to Gio. “If you’re still game.”
    “Oh, he’s still game,” Karl said before Gio could get a word in. “Let me get your helmet, little lady. And my man Gio will take you for a ride.”

Chapter Three
    Mia stepped out of the swanky salon and onto the busy DC sidewalk just as Claude pulled up to the curb. She hurried to open the front door and duck inside before he could get out because she’d rather sit with him than in the back. He gave her an exasperated smile.
    “Indulge me, please,” she said. “This hasn’t been the best day.”
    Claude nodded. “Your hair looks nice.”
    She smoothed her hand over the silky strands. “Thank you. Lila was right. It needed a cut and color. But I feel guilty. I mean, the first thing I did after I found out Brent died was go to the salon. Seems inappropriate.”
    Claude opened his mouth to reply the second her phone rang. Mia flinched at the unexpected sound, then rummaged in her purse and pulled out the phone. She didn’t recognize the number.
    Shooting a glance at Claude, she said, “My first call.” She shrugged and answered the phone. “Hello?”
    “Mia?” a woman asked, sounding hesitant.
    Mia tried to place the voice. “Yes.”
    “I’m glad they gave me the right number,” the woman said. “This is Nora English.”
    Brent’s mother.
    Mia’s heart jumped into her throat. “Oh, Nora. I’m so sorry to hear about Brent. I was so shocked by the news.” Mia had met Brent’s mom a few times when she dated Brent. She’d immediately insisted on being called Nora. “I’ve been out of the country for a while and just found out today when I got back to the States.”
    “You’ve been in Haiti.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Mia guessed Brent had filled her in on what happened between the two of them. Mia felt a little guilty, as if her being in Haiti had been a bad thing. In the context of her relationship with Brent, she supposed it was.
    “I’m sure you’re busy since you just got home. But it’s critical that I see you right away. I have something to give you from Brent, and something…” She paused for a long moment. “I can’t tell you on the phone. Please come, or I can meet you somewhere.” She’d started to sound a little