Deadly Conflicts (Hardy Brothers Security Book 21) Read Online Free PDF Page A

about this, by the way. We were just finishing up at the house when James got the call.”
    “It’s fine,” Ally said, waving off the apology. “I would much rather have you guys doing this instead of something dangerous. Finn is still getting over being shot. I think this is perfect for him right now.”
    “Finn isn’t even out here,” Jake said. “He’s at home with Emma and the baby. James didn’t want him walking too much so he told him to leave security to us this weekend. Most of it is pretty minor. There’s a raffle thing we have to watch. Someone is giving away an expensive car.”
    “Huh.” Ally leaned her head against Jake’s shoulder and smiled when she felt his lips on her forehead. “I kind of want to win a car now. Where are they giving that away?”
    Jake shrugged. “Over yonder, I think.” He pointed. “Your brother is handling that. Where is James, by the way?”
    “He took off after Mandy,” Ally replied. “He forgot this was an anniversary of sorts and he has to make amends.”
    Jake screwed his face up and concentrated. “What anniversary? They already had their wedding anniversary. What else is there? Oh, wait, don’t answer that. Your brother is a pig.”
    Ally snickered. “It’s not that anniversary,” she said. “Although … it is kind of close to that. That would’ve been the day before yesterday. I wonder if they celebrated that.”
    Ally appeared lost in thought and Jake tickled her ribs to pull her attention back in his direction. “What anniversary, angel?”
    “Oh, it’s just that they came to this festival the day after they officially got together as a couple,” Ally explained. “In a way, this was kind of their first date – which makes Mandy sound slutty since the date came after they had sex twice. Yeah, forget I said that.”
    Jake chuckled. “I get what you mean,” he said. “I think it’s cute they keep track of things like that. Do you keep track of things like that?”
    “Of course not.” Ally stared down at her perfectly painted toes. “Do you like this color? I got a pedicure yesterday.”
    “I like the color,” Jake said, slipping his arm around her waist as he tugged her closer. She was a master at aversion if she wanted to distract him. He had no intention of letting her do it this time. “Six months and eight days from now we have an anniversary. It will be our second … anniversary.”
    Ally briefly pressed her eyes shut as a smile so lovely it almost drowned out the sun lit up her face. “You remember that?”
    “I remember every moment, angel,” Jake said, tucking a strand of brown hair behind her ear.
    “But … some people might consider that schmaltzy.”
    “I don’t care about those people,” Jake said. “I only care about you.”
    “Oh, I love you.” Ally threw her arms around Jake’s neck as he hugged her close. He was technically working, and fraternizing on the job was frowned upon, but since James was off chasing his wife he knew his boss wouldn’t give him grief for engaging in a brief burst of playtime.
    “I love you, too,” Jake said, kissing her cheek.
    Ally rested with her head on Jake’s shoulder for a few seconds before reluctantly pulling away. “You’re working.”
    “I won’t be working all night. We’ll have some quiet time when we get home.”
    “Oh, it’s not going to be quiet.” Ally growled like a horny tiger, causing Jake to grin. He was so lost in her eyes he didn’t notice the figure moving up behind her until the stranger was almost in her back pocket.
    Jake reacted instinctively and extended his hand, pressing it against the man’s chest before he could touch Ally. “Can I help you?”
    “Oh, I’m sorry,” the man replied. “I’m here to talk to the girl.”
    Ally swiveled quickly, gasping when she caught sight of a familiar face from earlier in the afternoon. “Vince? Wow. Twice in one day, huh?”
    “I guess so,” Vince said, smiling at Ally before sliding a curious