On the Ropes 2: Insidious Obsession Read Online Free PDF Page A

face, and upon contact, she let her sentence fade. His gaze bore through her like a poker heating her from the inside. “If you weren’t here, it would just be some other Vixen. You have no reason to blame yourself in this situation, baby.”
    His endearment wasn’t lost on her, and she stared at him while her emotions prepared for battle. She had no business getting involved with Cole Collins or anyone else, yet she couldn’t deny the fierce attraction she felt for him. Beyond his good looks, the man exhibited every quality she’d ever envisioned in her perfect guy.
    He was sensitive and caring. He’d defended her honor and was here now checking on her because he was worried. Falling for him wasn’t part of her plan, but it was most certainly happening. “How can I not blame myself?” She choked as a sudden irrational fear took hold. What if Sean refused to play ball with Mark? What if he filed charges against Cole? “You wouldn’t have lost your cool if it wasn’t for me.”
    “Maybe.” He leaned down, closing the remaining distance between them, his face mere inches from hers. “But you didn’t force me to do it.” He pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “And I’d do it all over again if it meant protecting you.”

Chapter Five
    At a table in the corner of catering, Amber sat alone, staring into her coffee. Unable to sleep, she’d risen early, skipped breakfast, and headed to the arena as soon as she could. Maybe it was cowardly of her to leave the gang hanging, but she needed time to think.
    Brooklyn slid into the empty seat across from her and waited. When Amber didn’t look up, Brooklyn spoke. “You look like hell.”
    Amber flicked her gaze toward Brooklyn but didn’t otherwise move. “Gee, thanks.” If she looked half as bad as she felt, she must be one horrific sight.
    “You’re welcome. Tough night?”
    “You could say that.”
    Brooklyn leaned across the table and whispered, “It wouldn’t have anything to do with the rumor that Sean Sable was carted out of here last night in an ambulance, would it?”
    Amber did her best to keep her expression neutral. Lexi had warned her that the rumor mill would be churning full tilt. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    “Oh, I think you do.” Brooklyn curled her fingers and appeared to study her nails. “Because I have it on good authority that Cole beat Sean unconscious protecting you from the scumbag.”
    Amber leaned back in the chair. “Sounds like you already know what happened, so why are you trying to pump me for information?”
    “Because I wanted to know if it was true.” As soon as she finished the statement, a curious expression crossed Brooklyn’s face. “Wait. Where is the rest of the gang?”
    “I’d assume they’re back at the hotel,” Amber replied. “I’m not their keeper.”
    Brooklyn’s brow arched in surprise. “A bit testy, are we?”
    “As a matter of fact I am.” Feeling tired, achy, and ever so slightly nauseous, Amber wasn’t in the socializing mood. She narrowed her eyes. “You have a problem with that?”
    Before Brooklyn could reply, a shadow fell upon the table, causing Amber to look up.
    Logan towered over her, and he didn’t look too pleased. “Mark wants you in his office. Now.”
    In an instant the anger she’d been carrying dissolved into thin air, only to be replaced with a fresh batch of fear. She wasn’t worried about herself as much as she was for Cole. She’d gladly take all the heat and leave if it meant Cole could keep his job. Realizing Logan was waiting, she pushed up from her chair. “Lead the way.”
    They stepped out into the hallway, and Logan looked down at her. “You didn’t meet us for breakfast.”
    “I wanted to be alone,” she replied, her voice monotone.
    “Cole was worried sick. Especially when you didn’t answer your door. If it hadn’t been for one of the other wrestlers seeing you leave, I’m not sure what he might have done.”
    Logan’s