Chain of Love Read Online Free PDF Page B

like yourselves need a romantic dinner alone every now and then, anyway.” Cathy opened
    her mouth to protest, then shut it before his quelling look. “You don’t have any objections, do you, Cathy?” She wished desperately she
    could think of one good reason not to accompany him. But there was none. None that she could bring herself to mention. Being in Sin’s company with
    the protective presence of the Shannons was one thing; spending at least an hour in the confines of an automobile was most definitely another. The cynical
    expression on his lean, dark face told her he knew everything that was going through her mind, but there was nothing she could do. Reluctantly, she nodded.
    “That would be fine,” she lied, and Sin’s amused smile deepened.

 
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    Chapter Four
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    It was all she could do to control the little start of panic that swept over her as she watched Charles and Meg drive off into the gathering dusk. What in
    the world was she doing alone here on a deserted dock, trapped in the company of a man she had only just met, a man she found more than unsettling? What
    was it Meg had called him? “Somewhat dangerous,” hadn’t she said? And kind. Cathy stared after the retreating taillights, wondering if
    she could count on that vaunted kindness.
    “The car’s just over there,” Sin’s voice came from directly behind her, and she jumped, emitting a small shriek. Immediately his
    strong hands caught her arms, turning her to face him in the twilight shadows. “Hey, calm down. I didn’t mean to startle you.” The hazel
    eyes were staring down at her with a worried expression.
    “That’s all right.” She pulled away from his grip quite easily. “I’m just a bit on edge.”
    The right side of his mouth curved up in a smile. “I’m sure you are. Would it help if I promise I won’t do anything more than shake your
    hand? Scout’s honor?”
    “I doubt you were ever a scout,” she scoffed.
    “Your doubts are misplaced. I was an Eagle Scout, and the pride of my pack. So you see, you’re perfectly safe with me.” He gestured to
    the right with a flourish. “I’m afraid my car isn’t quite as new as your sister’s, but I promise it won’t break down or run
    out of gas.” He reached for her elbow to guide her to the car, but she nimbly sidestepped him. His grin widened.
    “Suit yourself, princess. Follow me.” He headed for the car, and Cathy stuck her tongue out at his tall, broad back before following him. He
    was already in the driver’s seat of the small, green BMW. “I’d have held the door for you but I didn’t want to expose myself to a
    blistering attack,” he apologized with mock regret as she slid into the passenger seat and fastened the safety belt.
    “There’s nothing wrong with common human courtesy,” she replied crossly. “It should simply go both ways. Women have just as much of
    a duty to be polite and considerate as men do.”
    “Exactly.” His voice was dry as he started up the car.
    It took Cathy ten full minutes to apologize. “Sin,” she said, her voice small in the darkened car.
    “Yes?” The voice wasn’t terribly encouraging. He had spent the last ten minutes in silent contemplation of the highway, not even glancing
    once in Cathy’s direction.
    “I’m sorry if I’ve been rude. I’ve been going through a pretty hard time, but I shouldn’t take it out on you.” It took
    all her determination to come out with that, but she knew she had to apologize. No matter what her provocation, there was no excuse for her behavior.
    “I know.” At the understanding note in his voice Cathy’s resolve nearly broke. And then his meaning came through.
    “What do you mean, you know?” she demanded, horrified. “What has Meg been telling you? Damn it, I warned her—”
    “Calm down. She only said you’d had a rough time of it recently. Your sister is worried about you,” he explained patiently, as if to a
    child. “She talked to her husband and her