Over My Head Read Online Free Page A

Maybe if she avoided eye contact, he’d let up.
    “Astra, someone wants to hurt you.” Slade turned around in his seat and grabbed her hand. “Something’s up and you won’t talk to me. Let me help you. It’s what I’m trained to do.”
    Trained to do? That sounded so official. She chewed the inside of her cheek and contemplated her next move. He had to know the truth. It was time.
    “Do you know how to get to the Capricorn Hotel?”

Chapter Four

    Slade stared at Astra. What was going through her head? She wanted to go to a hotel when someone wanted her harmed? Fine. He’d gladly get her out of the line of fire, if only for a couple of nights. By the end of the weekend, he’d make her see he cared about her.
    “Can we go? I don’t want to be here any longer than I have to.” The tension in her voice cut through his heart like a knife. “This place gives me the creeps.”
    “Get into the front seat so we can talk, then.” He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “Please?”
    Groaning, Astra opened the car door and slammed it shut. For a heartbeat, he thought for sure she’d just stroll into the apartment building without a backward glance. Astra yanked the passenger door open and plopped down in the seat.
    “Happy?”
    Slade shifted the car into gear and placed his hand over hers. “We’re leaving like you wanted, but you owe me something.”
    “Owe you?” She snorted. “I owe you. Wonderful.”
    “Hey, I didn’t ask for you to get snotty with me, little girl. I need to know what’s going on so I can sort out the situation and keep your ass safe.” He wrapped both hands around the steering wheel to give her space. “You asked me if I was okay the other day, so it’s my turn. Are you okay?”
    Astra folded her arms and turned away from him. “It’s nothing.”
    “Who’s giving you trouble?”
    “No one…yet.” She gave him a wobbly grin. “Do you want to give me trouble?”
    Slade gritted his teeth. He’d get the truth from her or die trying. “You try my patience. If I can, I’ll help you. I’ll help if I can’t, too.”
    “That makes no sense.” Astra twisted her ring around her middle finger. He could see her in his peripheral vision. Her brows knotted and the corners of her mouth drew down in a frown. She shook her head and edged further away from him.
    Slade sighed. Whatever was wrong with her, she wasn’t about to tell him. He pulled into the parking lot at the Capricorn and cut the power to the headlights. “We’re here.”
    Astra fidgeted but didn’t get out of the vehicle.
    “What?” Slade put his hand on her chilled thigh. Heat, and not from the car, spiralled through his body. His cock sprang to life behind his zipper. Well, hell . He hadn’t managed a damned erection since he’d signed the papers to give Darly the divorce.
    “Looks like you’ve got more on your mind than keeping me safe.” She nodded to his crotch. “Is it a registered weapon?”
    Slade tipped his head. God. At least she knew how to break the tension. “Hon?”
    Astra turned quickly. “I have some money. We can get a deluxe suite and you can”—she cupped her hand over his erection—“put that to good use.”
    His mouth ran dry. She made him feel like a damned teenager with nothing more than a touch. He needed to get his bearings or the whole op would fall apart. He breathed in through his nose and out through his mouth. “Are you sure? You barely know me.” He sighed again. Great, another woman to climb under his skin and fluster him. “I mean—”
    Astra placed her index finger over his mouth. “I’m not propositioning you…well, no. I am, but I’m not doing it right if you’re not interested.” She nodded to the building. “I can afford the hotel room. We’ll get a good night’s sleep if nothing else.”
    Good night’s sleep his ass. She wanted more than a decent slumber and he wasn’t about to let her down. “I’m a gentleman, even if I beat the shit out of