Summer Wishes (Desire #1.5) Read Online Free PDF Page A

me.”
    In a flurry of excitement and anxiety, she ran to her room and changed into plain pants and a black t-shirt.  Pulling her hair back into a tight ponytail, she dressed for the most efficient way to flee quickly.  Adding one of Jacob’s old baseball caps made her feel sufficiently conspicuous.
    After a final good bye, she hurried out.  Around the corner, she saw the Enforcers in the distance. It wasn’t long before they took notice of her. The moment they did, Jocelyn bolted.
    A strong sprinter, she maintained a healthy head as she took the boulevard that led into the Opal District.  Once within the boundaries, she slowed her pace, catching her breath as she allowed the Enforcers to get just close enough.  She led them through the dizzying maze of streets that made up the odd little district.
    Designed to keep cars from driving needlessly through the neighborhood, the streets turned in circles, semi-circles and in unpredictable s-curves. Firmly imbedded into the center of the labyrinth, Jocelyn sped up, lost sight of them and headed into a narrow pedestrian lane, hiding among the cedars.
    “Nice job.”
    Almost jumping out of her skin, Jocelyn turned to the sound of the voice, her fists ready to cause pain.
    “Cool it,” Matthew whispered.  “It’s just me.”
    “What are you doing here?”
    “Did you really think I’d let you run around with those Enforcers alone?”
    “Shush!”
    They stooped down as several Enforcers approached. 
    “You guys stay on her,” the lone woman of the group said.  “Hugh and I will head into the Diamond District to see how things are going there.”
    “And what do we do, Vivian?”
    “Keep your eyes out for the little sister. If we can get her, we should be able to find Jacob’s pregnant imp.”

Chapter 6
     
    H idden behind the cedar hedge, Matthew wrapped his arm around Jocelyn’s waist.
    Despite the fear and the cold of the early evening, Jocelyn felt warm and secure in his arms.  Could it be a sign of what was to come?  “I’m glad you came,” she whispered.  “I have to admit that following them around on my own was a bit intimidating.”
    “And now that they’re splitting up, I’ll really be useful to you,” he said with a teasing grin.
    “You’re always of use to me, Matthew.” Jocelyn glanced back and winked.
    He rose and pushed back his shoulders.  “Then I’m going to head out and follow Vivian and Hugh, see what they’re up to.”
    “I hope they’ll be able to lead you one step closer to Jacob.  I’ll stick around here a while, make sure these guys don’t head back to Ruby.  Those goons look hungry and tired. Once that Viviane woman leaves, I’m sure they’ll crumble and go home.”
    Matthew pecked her cheek and rubbed the back of her neck with his fingertips. “Be careful.”
    She smiled, warmed by his concern and the hint of hunger in his eyes.  “I will.”
    As predicted, the goons quickly grew weary of turning around in circles.  Without their supervisor looking over their shoulders, they hung back and looked up at the darkening skies. After a few moments, they sat on the curb, smoked a few cigarettes and talked shop. Their stories were inane and uninteresting and Jocelyn wondered how long they would stay there.
    The answer came barely five minutes later when they rose and unceremoniously sauntered out of the Opal District to head home.
    Concerned and worried about Matthew, Jocelyn considered trying to catch up with him, but she had no idea what direction to take. Home, as unsatisfying as it was, turned out to be the best answer for her as she waited for news of Matthew.
     
    **********
     
    Matthew wasted no time, shadowing the Enforcers Vivian and Hugh as they walked out of the Opal District and took to the main boulevard. The night quickly grew dark, making it easier to remain unseen by his prey.
    Vivian went on and on, chatting about her latest promotion, while poor Hugh at her side nodded repeatedly, throwing in a