Renegade Millionaire Read Online Free PDF Page A

“Sounds like good riddance on all counts.”
    She couldn’t agree more. She also didn’t understand Rio Madrid’s sudden appearance, even though she certainly appreciated it. “What are you doing here?”
    â€œI came looking for you, and I’m glad I did.”
    So was Joanna, but she wouldn’t make that admission. “Is something wrong with Mrs. Gonzales?”
    â€œNo, she’s doing great.”
    â€œThen what can I do for you?”
    â€œI thought I’d try to convince you to have that cup of coffee.” He studied her for a long moment. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
    â€œI’m fine. Really.”
    â€œYou’re shaking.”
    â€œI’m cold.” She was also lying.
    Stripping out of his jacket, he put it around her shoulders. It smelled like leather and the spicy scent that hadwashed over her sparked her fantasies, that one memorable night in his arms.
    â€œBetter?” he asked.
    She was somewhat warmer, but not as warm as she’d been when he’d held her close to his side. “Much, but now you’re going to be cold.”
    He rubbed a hand across his chest, covered only by a thin black T-shirt. “Don’t worry about me. I’m hot most of the time.”
    Joanna had no answer for that, at least not a verbal one. Right now she was heating up fast in response.
    â€œI take it you don’t own a car,” he said.
    â€œI do, but it’s at home, broken down.” A perfect match for her apartment.
    â€œThen I’ll take you home.”
    At that moment, the bus pulled up to the curb, all squealing brakes and spewing fumes. “That’s not necessary. My ride’s here.”
    Rio nodded toward the two thugs now boarding the vehicle. “You really want to do that?”
    She looked at the bus, then back at him, unsure of which road to take. “Well, actually…”
    He raised his hands, palms forward. “I promise I’ll keep my hands on the steering wheel. You’ll be safe with me.”
    Joanna didn’t feel at all safe with him, not that he presented a physical threat, or at least the kind that the seedy jerks had posed. But there was something very dangerous about Rio Madrid, the kind of danger that a woman could easily take pleasure in. The kind Joanna would be smart to avoid.
    She also didn’t like the thought of him seeing where she lived, a crime-ridden neighborhood on the far side of town. But more so, Joanna hated the prospect of getting on the bus with two questionable characters, so she found herself saying, “Yes, if it’s not too much trouble.”
    This time Rio’s grin came full force, a sensual explosion. “No trouble at all.”
    If only Joanna could believe that she wasn’t borrowing more trouble with Dr. Rio Madrid.
    Â 
    Rio took the narrow streets slowly, surprised by the place Joanna Blake called home. Not that he hadn’t seen its kind before. Every town had one, an area full of lost souls caught in the throes of poverty. Not only had he seen it, he’d lived it until he’d turned fifteen. By that time good fortune had played a part in his future and he’d moved up in the world—a world he’d never quite fit into.
    He passed the rows of rickety apartments and small clapboard houses, noting a lot of activity on the streets, and none that looked within the law. Probably a lot of drug deals going down, gunrunning, all kinds of dangerous happenings—things the woman beside him should never have to be exposed to.
    He sent a quick glance in Joanna’s direction. “Do you live alone?”
    She continued to stare straight ahead. “Yes, I do.”
    He wondered about the boy in the picture. Maybe he’d been wrong. “No kids?”
    â€œActually, I have a son.”
    As he’d suspected. “But he doesn’t live with you?”
    â€œNo.”
    Rio’s curiosity got the best