Living on the Edge Read Online Free PDF Page A

whatever he’d gone looking for and that he would return her to Christopher. One thing she’d learned in the past few days was that she wasn’t ready to die.
    She rested her elbows on her thighs and dropped her head to her hands. Thoughts swirled—a kaleidoscope of the mistakes she’d made that had brought her to this place. Had it started when she’d fallen for Christopher, or did the roots go deeper than that? Had her first sin been committed when she’d grown up spoiled and selfish, never looking at the world beyond what it could offer her?
    A sound caught her attention. She straightened, then stood, only to sink back onto the bed when the room seemed to swim around her. In the time it took to clear her head, the door opened and Tanner stepped inside.
    She forced herself to her feet and stared at him. His expression gave nothing away, which shouldn’t surprise her. She wanted to speak, to ask about her fate, but her mouth was too dry. The ever-present fear grew until it pushed the air out of her body.
    â€œI had an interesting talk with your husband,” he said as he leaned against the door frame and crossed his arms over his chest.
    â€œEx-husband,” she whispered, never taking her gaze from his face.
    â€œFunny how he doesn’t mention that, although I checked on the records, and you’re right. The divorce is final.”
    Some small measure of relief battled for space with the fear. Did that mean he would believe her? That she could be safe for a little while longer?
    She waited, instinctively knowing it would be better if he spoke rather than her.
    â€œI don’t believe you,” he said flatly.
    The blood seemed to rush from her body, leaving her cold and boneless. She sank to the bed as the room spun and a high-pitched sound filled her head.
    â€œBut I don’t believe him, either.”
    Madison blinked. “W-what?”
    â€œSomething’s not right. I think you’re a rich bitchdrama queen, but I’m not convinced your ex is telling the truth. There are secrets on both sides, and I want to know what they are.”
    He defined her in words designed to wound, but right now she didn’t care what he thought of her.
    â€œYou’re not sending me back?” she asked, barely daring to hope.
    â€œNot yet.”
    Fear receded, leaving little to support her, and she swayed slightly. Tanner frowned.
    â€œWhen was the last time you ate or slept?” he asked.
    â€œIt’s been a while.”
    His face tightened with contempt. “I know it’s stylish to be stick-thin, but starvation isn’t much of a fashion statement.”
    She shook her head. “It wasn’t like that. I couldn’t eat there. Or sleep. This isn’t about being on a diet. I just…” She drew in a breath. “Have you ever been kidnapped? It’s not a restful situation.”
    He didn’t look convinced. The man didn’t like her, and she found the realization oddly comforting. He didn’t want anything from her except the truth. He was good enough not to be willing to return her to a situation that might be dangerous, but he wasn’t interested in what he could get from her.
    But she did have something to offer him.
    â€œI’ll pay you for your protection,” she said. “Double whatever Christopher offered you.”
    Tanner’s gaze narrowed and his mouth twisted. “Don’t make me think less of you than I already do,” he said flatly. “I’m not doing this for the money.”
    She wanted to ask why he was then. Why didn’t he just let her go and be killed? But she didn’t—there was no point in pushing him.
    â€œI find it interesting that you’ve taken such a dislike to me when you don’t know me at all,” she said instead.
    â€œI know your type.”
    â€œWhat type is that?”
    â€œRich. Useless.”
    He spoke with a certainty that told her she