Affairs of the Heart Read Online Free PDF Page A

them do, too, I can’t use them for this
assignment.”
    “ All right,
Donovan, just why do you want a virtual unknown?” Scott sighed.
“Unless you’re ready for a lawsuit, which, by the way, would
destroy the magazine, an experienced journalist would be
best.”
    “ As for the
legal and financial condition of this magazine, it’s of no concern
to you.” Shadoe liked the directness and aggression of Scott. The
fact that this man was so protective of the magazine and its staff
was a welcome relief, but he wasn’t about to play nursemaid to the
man.
    “ This company
can handle anything thrown at it from now on. As for the why, it’s
time for the fans to know how hard pro wrestlers train every day of
the year, how difficult it is on their families when they’re on the
road ninety percent of the time,” he continued, walking back over
to the window, gazing at the lake and the lone boater drifting out
on the water. He felt much of his life was like that boat, just
going with the flow, never really coming to rest for a long
time.
    “ Besides, I’m
the boss, and I said so.” Returning to the desk, he once again
stood with authority over Scott. “Because it’s the sport that’s
enabled me to follow the career I love and cherish more than
anything or anyone. I owe it to the wrestlers who have been
disabled for life or even given their life in the ring for the love
of the game.”
    Shadoe watched the
reasoning register deep in Scott’s mind as he let him think. He
glanced at his watch. His plane was due to leave in less than two
hours. If things didn’t progress right now, he’d never get through
security and would miss his flight to Hawaii. The cocky posture
diminished slightly with each passing moment until at last Scott
exhaled in a small surrender.
    “ Okay, I get
the picture. I may just have the person you’re looking for.” Scott
ran his hands through his short, dark hair, hesitation flashing
through his face.
    “ Great! Who
is he?”
    “ It’s not a
he.” Scott smirked. “It’s a she. There’s no real formal training or
experience. Just the drive and desire to write. Her name’s Khristen
Roberts, but she’s on a long-deserved vacation.”
    “ Perfect. Put
her on the assignment as soon as you can reach her.” Shadoe stepped
toward the door. “I’ve got a plane to catch. I’ll be in touch with
the details soon.”
    “ What’s your
connection, Donovan? What makes you think you’ve got the inside
track to this ‘secret’ society?”
    Shadoe turned just as he
reached for the door. Pausing, he looked Ric Scott straight in the
eye, deciding quickly to tell him just how connected he
was.
    “ Ever hear of
‘The Flame’?”
     

Chapter One
     
    Khristen Roberts cleared
her throat. “Excuse me, but you’re sitting in my seat.”
    “ Oh?” The
casually dressed man made no effort to move from the seat he boldly
sprawled his body across. He sat as if he owned this entire section
of the plane, especially the two seats he now occupied.
    “ Listen, if
you want the window seat, that’s just fine with me. There’ll be
nothing to see but water, anyway.” Khristen Roberts forced a polite
smile. She stood waiting for the man to remove his legs from the
only empty set left in first class. She wasn’t about to sit in
coach. She’d worked too hard and too long for this vacation and
particularly that seat.
    Not even off
the ground yet. Who does this guy think he is, anyway?
    Perturbed, Khristen
glimpsed her reflection in his mirrored glasses. Not only was the
obnoxious, handsome man sitting in her seat, but his large legs
swung over onto her now-inherited seat, as well.
    Khristen took matters in
her own hands and pushed the bare, hairy, tanned, muscular legs out
of her way.
    “ What the—”
The soft, deep voice rang out in surprise as he tore the sunglasses
away from his eyes—eyes the color of clear seawater, brilliant and
dangerous.
    A woman could
drown in eyes like that .
    She felt herself