Texas Takedown Read Online Free Page A

talk to him based on their history, maybe he could get through to her by using her friend’s name.
    â€œShe shouldn’t have,” Samantha shot back. “This is no one’s business but mine.”
    That didn’t work. She seemed even more agitated. Maybe he could appeal to her softer side. “How can I help if you don’t tell me what’s going on?”
    â€œI can’t. I don’t even know myself and it’s too dangerous.”
    Dylan took a step away from her, releasing her hand, breaking contact before he revealed his body’s reaction to her. Even then he felt the tension coiling inside his body. “Why not?”
    â€œHe’ll kill me and everyone I love.”

Chapter Two
    â€œNo one’s going to hurt you, Samantha. And especially not a man who’s already dead.” Dylan fished his phone from his front pocket and then paused with his thumb hovering over Brody’s number. “Your friends are worried. I need to call and let them know I found you.”
    She shook her head fervently. “He’ll know. I don’t know how but he’ll figure it out if you do that. And then we’ll all be in danger again.”
    â€œDoes this have anything to do with the phone calls you received before you took off?” Dylan wouldn’t rule out the possibility someone was using her fear of the Mason Ridge Abductor to manipulate her.
    A look of shock crossed her features. She quickly recovered, smoothing her open hand down her jeans.
    â€œI already told you.” Her gaze darted around the room, no doubt looking for an escape route. “You don’t believe me.”
    Frazzled, frightened, she had the disposition of a cornered animal. And since that rarely turned out well for the person who tried to capture it, Dylan put his hands up, keeping his cell in his hand, where she could see it. “Look, sweetheart, you’re safe. I’m here. Tell me exactly what’s going on so I can help you.”
    â€œI don’t expect you to understand. But Thomas Kramer is coming.” Eyes wild, she bolted for the door.
    Thomas Kramer was dead. Someone was trying to manipulate her by using her fear of the past. Dylan dropped his phone and caught her as she reached the front door. Whatever she’d gotten herself into was clearly more than she could handle. He bear-hugged her from behind and pulled her far enough away from the door that the handle was out of reach.
    She kicked and screamed, and her foot connected with his groin.
    Doubled over, he tightened his grip around her midsection as he took a few deep breaths to stave off blinding pain and nausea.
    He’d almost felt sorry for her when she was stumbling over her words, trying to distract him so she could bolt. But experience had taught him innocent people didn’t try to run.
    * * *
    â€œB E   STILL ,” Dylan bit out curtly. His thick arms were like vise grips around her hips, and it was impossible not to notice the solid wall that was Dylan flush against her bottom. She couldn’t blame him for his words coming out harshly after she’d kicked him in the groin.
    If she could loosen his grip, she might be able to break free and run. No matter how much she wanted to confide in Dylan, she couldn’t. The Mason Ridge Abductor had returned, attacked her in the parking lot of her office, and then her father had disappeared after confirming as much and telling her not to try to find him. He’d told her to hide and stay hidden until he could sort this mess out that had begun fifteen years ago. And even though Dylan didn’t know it, she was saving him, too. He didn’t need to get involved and she’d said too much already.
    The door was so close. She stretched her fingers toward it. Too far.
    Drawing from all her strength, she tensed her body and then jabbed her elbow into Dylan’s midsection. If he could find her, so could Kramer, and her father had said the