Read Online Twin Peril by Laura Scott - Free Book Online

fingers into fists to keep himself from reaching for her hand, forcing himself to put more distance between them instead.
    He might be stuck in the role of Mallory’s protector, since he no longer trusted Finley—or anyone other than Gage for that matter—but he couldn’t afford to get emotionally involved.
    Not if he wanted to keep Mallory alive and safe from harm.
    * * *
    Mallory stifled a yawn as they made their way toward the lights of the town. The adrenaline rush from jumping off the train had faded, big-time. She was tired and sore, and worst of all, she was keenly aware of Jonah walking beside her.
    Just a few hours earlier, she’d begged him to let her stay. Now she’d gotten her wish, but they were on the run again. How could they investigate Caruso if they had to keep running? They didn’t even have Jonah’s computer anymore.
    Jonah was holding himself distant now, as if this mess were somehow her fault, rather than his boss’s fault. But on the train, he’d held her in his arms and she’d felt safe with a man for the first time in her entire life. She could have stayed there longer. Forever.
    She told herself to be grateful for what she had. At least he wasn’t turning her over to some strange cop. And he was probably just as tired and sore, too. No doubt his wound was bleeding again. Maybe after they both got some rest, things would look better.
    When they finally saw the neon sign for the motel, she wanted to weep with relief. She couldn’t imagine sleeping outside with the bugs.
    Jonah opened the door for her and then followed her inside. The desk clerk was an older, unshaven man with gray-streaked, greasy hair who leered at them as he chewed on the end of an unlit cigar. Jonah greeted him politely. “Good evening, my sister and I would like two connecting rooms, please.”
    “Your sister?” Cigar guy smirked, raking a rude gaze over her. “Yeah, sure. That’ll cost you a hundred bucks.”
    Jonah smiled, as if he wasn’t the least bit offended by the cigar guy’s leering expression. “We’d like to spread the good word of God to all His people. Maybe you’ll grant us a few minutes of your time?”
    Cigar guy took a step back as if Jonah carried some sort of contagious disease. “Fine—ninety bucks, and don’t bother trying to convert me, Preacher Man. Leave me alone. Got it?”
    “Thanks for your kind generosity.” Jonah handed over the cash and picked up the two room keys. “God be with you, sir.”
    The clerk’s terse “Good night” ended the conversation.
    She waited until they were safely outside. “I can’t believe you said that, Jonah. He almost refused to give us our rooms.”
    “It’s a good cover, Mallory, and besides, I couldn’t stand the way he was looking at you.”
    For a moment she was stunned speechless. She was dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans—why would the cigar guy notice her? Jonah’s anger on her behalf humbled her. When was the last time a man had stood up for her honor?
    Never.
    When they found their rooms, Jonah unlocked her door and flipped on the light. She flashed him a warm smile. “Thanks, Jonah, for everything.”
    He stared into her eyes, and for a tense second, she thought he was about to kiss her, but he abruptly turned away. “Make sure your side of the connecting door is unlocked, okay?”
    She tried to hide the deep stab of disappointment. She should be glad Jonah hadn’t tried to kiss her. “Okay.”
    “Good night, Mallory.” Jonah unlocked his room and disappeared inside, closing the door quickly behind him before she could say anything.
    * * *
    Mallory took advantage of the facilities, enjoying the hot water against her sore muscles. But when she finally crawled into bed, she stared at the ceiling, unable to sleep.
    She should be exhausted after running from a fire, jumping on a train, jumping off a train and walking for what seemed like miles. But her mind continued to race.
    Should she try to pray? She closed her eyes and